Navigate Towards The East
Evening Standard, Home and Property, 13th May 2009Amid all the economic gloom and housing market uncertainty, one thing is guaranteed: the 2012 Olympics in Stratford will go ahead. Despite the credit crunch threatening to dilute the legacy benefits of improved infrastructure, better amenities and thousands of new homes, this part of east London should be much better place to live in three years’ time because of the £9.3 billion being spent on the games.
Arguably, now is a good time to put down roots, if not in the built up centre of stratford, then in leafier bordering areas where regeneration ripples are spreading. One such place is the Lea Valley, where the River Lea and a rejuvenated canal system snake past Victoria Park and Hackney Marshes before reaching the nature reserves and giant reservoirs at Tottenham Hale. Effectively, it is a "regional" country park sprinkled with reminders of the city’s industrial heritage.
Factories, mills and warehouses are being redeveloped and the waterfront is being opened up for recreational use. Already, the upgraded towpath of the Lea Navigation has become a busy cycle and pedestrian route into Docklands. A few industrial eyesores remain, yet this is a remarkably green swathe of the capital, with parks and unexpected conservation areas. The attractive and hilly Springfield Park neighbourhood in Upper Clapton includes a marina and a rowing club on the River Lea.
On Lett Road The Edge will be a local landmark when complete later this year. The scheme of 64 flats has an eyecatching cantilevered section jutting out like a giant television monitor above the lower floors and shelters a communal roof terrace.
Apartments include penthouses with double height interiors. No prices have been set yet. For more information, call Knight Frank on 0207 473 6820.