Ballymore and Oxley’s Royal Docks development offers homes close to the Thames and the open spaces of Lyle Park in Silvertown
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The attractions and pull of Riverscape are myriad.
Ballymore and Oxley’s 749-home scheme on the western edge of Royal Wharf overlooks Lyle Park and offers residents direct access to central London via the Uber Boat By Thames Clippers river bus service that stops at a dedicated pier on the development’s doorstop.
Then there are the connections to the east and south-east of the capital via the DLR, the on-site amenities including cafes, restaurants, a pub, a nursery, a primary school and a host of independent stores.
That’s before we even talk about the residents’ access to the Royal Wharf Clubhouse with its 25m swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and gym, the 24-hour concierge service and the 16th-floor Sky Lounge overlooking the Thames.
For publication designer, visual journalist, expressive and therapeutic arts practitioner and recent Riverscape buyer, Deborah Withey, however, the first thing she noticed was the scheme’s brand colour.
finding a home at Riverscape
“Orange is my favourite colour so you had me at orange, seriously,” said the founder of arts education studio, Henry H Art Academy.
“I saw it on Instagram and I thought the presentation was really smart – it had a bit of soul to it, so every time it came up I found myself not swiping it away.
“Eventually, I went to the website.
“Riverscape was only the second place we looked at.
“I felt immediately at home – odd, because I had never spent any time in the Silvertown area before.
“The apartments appeared to be thoughtful in design and materials.
“I loved the close proximity to the Thames, the incredible views, and in particular the garden design.
“Green space is important to all of us and I felt Riverscape was designed with attention to that, along with a respect for the Docklands.
“For example, putting the memorial of those killed in the 1917 Silvertown explosion in a prominent place on the grounds, making Lyle Park more beautiful, and preserving the Harland And Wolff signs there.
“It’s important to pay homage to what went before.”
living close to the Thames
Designed by Howells architects, Riverscape offers one, two and three-bedroom homes – the latter designed with families in mind.
The scheme boasts 5,500sq m of landscaped open space including a communal children’s play area and sandpit.
For Deborah, though, chief attractions came via proximity to the river and the chance to put her stamp on a new home.
“My son just graduated from UCL and he is in Docker Building in a one-bed, with a beautiful west-facing view right above Lyle Park,” she said.
“Earlier this year, I sold our home in Wales and decided to use the funds to purchase something for my future life.
“It’s a one-bedroom on the top floor of the Steamer Building.
“I am very excited about sourcing pieces for it and filling it with art, both my own and works by others.
“I lived in the centre of Detroit along the river for many years and it reminds me of that.
“I am a visual journalist and designer who decided to pursue a new path with creativity and wellbeing at its heart.
“In 2018 I opened Henry H Art Academy an expressive arts education studio where the creative and therapeutic process of art making is employed to enhance the psychological and social wellbeing of individuals of all ages, learning needs and health conditions.
“Let’s say I love helping others find their own form of creative expression – their ‘secret sauce’.
“Having the Thames Clippers pier was a big factor in my decision.
“I think the local area and community have great potential as long as it stays green and I’m most excited about taking the boat everywhere on the Thames as well as walking our whippet, Ricky, in Greenwich along the Thames Path.
“I’m also looking forward to being involved in charity and community art projects in the Docklands and within Newham.
“I feel very fortunate to live at Riverscape and cannot wait to make the apartment a creative haven and visual jewel.
“My style is mid-century, which I liked way before it was everywhere – eclectic, smart and interesting.”
key details: homes at Riverscape
Prices for the final apartments available at Riverscape start at £459,000 for a one-bedroom home.
Find out more about living at the development and the facilities on offer on the scheme’s website.
Read more: Cody Dock becomes a keeper of the River Lea’s stories
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