Ballymore’s James Boyce explores the advantages of moving to Royal Docks, an area where regeneration is already well underway
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In many ways, simply visiting Riverscape in Royal Docks is enough to understand its appeal.
Located on a strip of land between Royal Wharf and Lyle Park – running between the Thames and North Woolwich Road – Ballymore’s development is essentially a grand final phase in the story of its neighbour.
“It’s worth looking back to when Ballymore was master-planning Royal Wharf,” said James Boyce, the developer’s associate regional sales director.
“At the time, in 2013, there was nothing in this area – no amenities or services.
“That meant the original development had to be self sufficient.
“Now it is a destination that people in Royal Docks come to.
“The wider development is essentially a town in its own right.
“There’s a doctor’s surgery, a dentist, a pharmacy, a primary school, a nail salon, a beauty parlour and a hairdresser.
“Then there are two estate agencies, a selection of restaurants, a pub and a Sainsbury’s Local – one of the most well-used in London.
“We’re really fortunate to have established one of the most complete, new neighbourhoods of any large new-build project in the capital.”
Those moving into Riverscape, which recently launched a collection of homes in The Pearsall building, can take advantage of these benefits immediately.
This is in contrast to big regeneration schemes, where early arrivals sometimes have to wait years for amenities to arrive locally.
Riverscape: the right design
“We had real confidence to build Riverscape, with Royal Wharf selling off-plan in five years,” said James.
“We knew the demand was there.
“It was being designed and delivered during the pandemic, however, and there was a lot of uncertainty.
“We postponed the launch of the development, went back to the drawing board and looked at all of the best things from our projects.
“We also looked at how the way people were using their homes had changed.
“Residents were demanding a lot more from the spaces they were living in.
“So we created day rooms – internal spaces that are segregated from the rest of the apartment by acoustic screens.
“They can be used as dining rooms, offices or even as a kid’s playroom.
“We also created workspaces in most of the apartments we have available, so buyers have flexibility.
“Where we could, we maximised the living spaces too.
“Initially we were a bit concerned about the number of three-bedroom homes that we were building, but they’ve turned out to be our most popular properties.
“A few years after Covid – and with businesses requiring people to come into the office more often – there’s been a move into London.
“A development like Riverscape affords people the quality of life that they might have become accustomed to in a less urban area – it’s not high density and there’s a lot of green space.”
fully opened up
This is a key point regarding the development’s appeal.
It’s right next to Lyle Park, with Thames Barrier Park a short walk away on the other side of Royal Wharf to the east.
“Then there’s the kilometre of land that borders the Thames stretching between the two,” said James.
“We built the Royal Wharf pier in 2019 – the longest in the river – and the Uber Boat By Thames Clippers service will get you to North Greenwich in two minutes and to Canary Wharf in 19 minutes.
“Often with riverside developments, it can feel like there’s a barrier of housing on the water.
“But Ballymore’s master plan has taken a different approach.
“Royal Wharf and Riverscape are arranged around a town square with the estate offices located there.
“That really encourages people out of their homes to access those core amenities and that’s part of the success of the scheme and the community we’ve created.”
a wealth of facilities for Riverscape
Richard added: “The Clubhouse was built for Royal Wharf, but it was built in terms of capacity with Riverscape in mind.
“We’ve also recently refurbished it and extended it by 20% to ensure the facilities satisfy the residents.
“There’s a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and spa, a big cardio and weights area and two dedicated studio spaces.
“It’s the biggest residents facility of its kind in east London and it’s been incredibly popular.
“There’s also the Community Dock, which is managed by the residents and is essentially a town hall.
“It has a pretty jam-packed timetable of activities ranging from ballet lessons for kids to language sessions and a table tennis club that’s based there.
“Specifically for Riverscape, we decided to replace a three-bedroom property on the top floor of one of our riverside buildings with a lounge for residents.
“It’s a co-working space but it also has a private dining space so people can host dinner parties up there too with views over the river.”
a broad appeal
One, two and three-bedroom homes are available in the latest launch, featuring interiors designed by Jaki Amos of Amos & Amos.
These promise brushed brass, fluted glass kitchen cabinets and natural wood finishes inspired by Lyle Park, which celebrates its 100th birthday this year.
But while Riverscape and Royal Wharf have their specific attractions, their appeal is part of something bigger.
James said: “Since the opening of the Elizabeth Line, we’ve seen that it’s unlocked this area for people who would never have considered moving to the Royal Docks before.
“Young professionals are relocating from more central locations because the cost of living crisis is making it harder for them to stay in those areas.
“What we’ve found is that when they come here, they find they get value for money and that their lifestyle is actually improving.
“They have more space, nearby amenities and the transport is superb.
“We’ve been delighted to see that trend, because it’s something that’s really needed in the capital.
“I think the movement of London to the east started with the 2012 Olympic Games.
“Royal Docks has so much potential.
“For the future, we’re very fortunate to have the site on the other side of Lyle Park too.
“We’ve opened up the riverside with these developments and eventually further regeneration will bring even more benefits.”
case study: Sophie Gong
As a fan of Royal Docks, Sophie Gong has been living in the area for more than six years and decided to buy a home at Riverscape having previously had apartments at Royal Wharf.
Here’s her perspective:
“I first moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Royal Wharf at end of 2018, hence I know the area and neighbourhood quite well,” said Sophie Gong.
“In 2020, I felt the need to move to a two-bedroom property, as my dad had started staying with me from time to time.
“Following the end of the pandemic, I started to actively look for properties and the launch of Riverscape in 2021 came at the perfect time.
“I had been living in Royal Wharf for about three years and found the area had developed a lot since I moved in.
“It became very convenient to live in, with an NHS clinic, a pharmacy, a hairdresser, a couple of grocery stores and a number of restaurants within the development.
“Additionally, Lyle Park and Thames Barrier Park are within a short walking distance for green space.
“The transport around Riverscape is ideal for me to travel into central London, with the Elizabeth Line and DLR the two main options.
“Even more conveniently, the new 241 bus route goes through the development, linking us to Custom House station and Stratford.
“Additionally, the Uber Boat By Thames Clipper stops at Royal Wharf Pier, which makes travelling to central London, as well as The O2 and Greenwich, both easy and exciting.”
key details: Riverscape
Homes in The Pearsall building at Riverscape have recently gone on sale, with prices starting at £471,500.
One, two and three-bedroom homes are all available.
Find out more about the development here
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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
