past a story from the into the present

towards the present Today the GMV project has seen more than 20 years of transformational development take place on the Peninsula – a journey that began in the late 1990s. Following its acquisition of the 300 acres, English Partnerships held an international competition to devise a “Millennium Community” for the site – a contest won by joint venture partners Countryside Properties (now Countryside Partnerships) and Taylor Woodrow (now Taylor Wimpey), who remain the driving forces behind GMV.

Working with architect Ralph Erskine of Erskine Tovatt, a master plan was created with the first homes going on sale in 2000. In two days all were sold.

“That was a real leap of faith from buyers that it was going to be something great,” said Chris. “If you think of our customer journey in 2000 – people would have got off the Tube and had a pretty hairy walk down to the small sales facility at GMV. It would have been pretty desolate.

“There had been huge investment from the Government and Transport For London to connect the Jubilee line extension to North Greenwich and to build the Millennium Dome, but it would still take many years for it to become a fully-fledged, community.

“There were 1,095 homes in the first two phases of development, so it has really had time to become an established community with residents moving in and shops time lines

Greenwich Millennium Village l 1997 - English Partnerships kicks off what will become GMV with an international competition to find a developer for its 300 acres of land on Greenwich Peninsula. and amenities opening.

“We helped create a residents’ association that gives a real voice to what people expect and want from the Peninsula.”

A pause in development from 2008 to 2012 while planning permission was sorted out for the final phases saw significant input from residents, with architects Jestico + Whiles creating designs for new buildings to respond to Erskine’s original vision.

“The first phases featured a European influence – new technology and materials with a low carbon footprint – everything that developers are focused on today but that was very new 20 years ago,” said Chris. “The architecture was playful, colourful with influences from Scandinavia and Germany. There had been nothing here so there was no existing vernacular – the designs set a new precedent and created a new destination that still responded to the history of the place.

“The creation of the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park was also very important. Now it looks as though it’s been there forever – a part of the original marshland.

“It is a fantastic habitat for wildlife and really celebrates the history of this part of London while also helping harmonise the various uses the Peninsula is now home to. When our latest phases open up, they will really connect to the park, which has proved a brilliant investment by English Partnerships as it was created even before the residential areas were established.

“As for transport, we now have the IFS Cloud Cable Car – which connects the area to Royal Docks – Uber Boat By Thames Clippers and the Jubilee line. The Silvertown Tunnel is also now under construction, further improving road links for the future.”

On these foundations, the GMV project continues to evolve to cater for the needs of buyers, delivering homes and facilities as it edges ever-closer to completion. For more information, go to greenwichmillenniumvillage.co.uk l 2000 - The winners of that contest, Countryside Partnerships and Taylor Woodrow (now Taylor Wimpey), launch the first apartments for sale at GMV. They sell out in two days. The first residents move into the area. l 2002 - The Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park opens to the public. This follows more launches and completions. l 2005 - Split-level Uberhaus homes are launched at the development for the first time. By August 671 new properties have been built on site. l 2006 - The Union Buildings by Tovatt are launched to complement Erskine and Proctor & Matthews’ work on GMV. l 2009 - The GMV Residents’ Association hosts its first big event, now an annual tradition. l 2012 - Planning permission is granted for phases 3, 4 and 5 following four years of work. l 2015 - The first residents move into buildings in the new phases. A 3,480sq m children’s eco play park opens on site. l 2017 - The first houses go on sale at the development as construction continues apace. The residents’ association holds its first annual Village Fayre. l 2018-present - New phases are announced and sold with steady progress made as the scheme unfolds. The latest releases at GMV comprise its Plaza phase set around a new village square, with The Galleria and The Observatory available now and Parkside Plaza coming soon. advertising feature

Buying a home of one’s own has long been an ambition for many Londoners and, in recent years, the Royal Docks and Greenwich have become popular locations for first-time buyers.

With excellent transport connections, modern homes, and soughtafter views, they’ve attracted many looking to put down roots in east and south-east London. There are also communities and cultural hotspots emerging, such as at Notting Hill Genesis’ Royal Albert Wharf.

But it’s no secret buying a first home has seemed a challenging prospect of late, with a fluctuating housing market and spiking mortgage rates leaving many feeling home ownership is out of their reach.

It doesn’t need to be – and shared ownership could be the answer.

Through the scheme, buyers can purchase a share of a property, starting from 25%, and pay rent on the remaining part.

There are numerous benefits to purchasing a home this way. Top of the list, the deposit required is lower than if buying on the open market, and sometimes this can be as low as four figures. Housing association Notting Hill Genesis has a range of homes available across east and south-east London. l ROYAL DOCKS

At Woolwich Reach, on the banks of the river Thames, a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment can be bought with a deposit of £9,500. For the large number of buyers who may not have access to the deposit needed to buy a home outright, the scheme can be a lifeline. The housing market isn’t as accessible as it once was, so why not try something you hadn’t considered?

Buying new also has its benefits – homes come with integrated appliances and technology, and are far more energy-efficient than older homes contributing to lower fuel bills. l GREENWICH

You can also “staircase” your share and increase the portion of the home you own, through to full ownership.

At Kidbrooke Square in the Royal Borough Of Greenwich, homes are available from just £90,625 for a one-bedroom apartment with a 25% share, providing buyers with an affordable price point, and the opportunity to increase this in the future.

All in all, this is a scheme that offers buyers a route to home ownership. We all crave somewhere that we can call home and make our own, and this may just be the perfect way to do it.

Read more about Notting Hill Genesis’ developments online at nhgsales.com/sales-developments

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