Feature Development – Southmere, Thamesmead
Thamesmead, set out over the borders of the boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley along the Thames in south-east London, hasn’t seen major investment for many years but highly respected housing provider Peabody has started a transformation of the area with the Southmere development and is well underway with brand new homes complemented by existing and newly created amenities.
Launched in 2021, Phase 1 of Southmere is now nearly complete. Yet to be released, Phase 2 will be located near one of five lakes in the Thamesmead area, with two further phases to be constructed in the future. The regeneration of the area has the aim of bringing some 100,000 new residents by 2050, who will have a host of useful and fun amenities on the doorstep.
New blocks will be in a thoroughly modern design but Thamesmead has played a part in numerous films and TV programmes and four of its iconic towers will remain. The new buildings of the Southmere project will provide a complementary and varied landscape set around lots of open public space.
Crane Court
Probably not best-known for it, Thamesmead is a very ‘green’ area, considerably more so than many London boroughs, having five lakes, over four miles of canals and over 560 acres of parkland, as well as a three-mile stretch along the southern bank of the River Thames. In addition to the thousands of existing trees and natural habitats, there will be significant investment in nature and waterside locations across the area, which will include facilities for activities such as fishing, kayaking and boat hire. A host of paths will provide safe places to walk, run and cycle. While residents’ parking will only be available through paid permits to unallocated spaces and privately at extra cost to some new properties here, vehicles can be hired via the Zipcar scheme.
There’s already a strikingly designed brand new library and community centre situated by one of the lakes and Cygnet Square hosts many outside events. Residents of Southmere can also enjoy a number of communal facilities, with landscaped podium, lounge, gym, co-working space and hireable meeting room. A 24-hour concierge service adds a touch of luxury and convenience for everyone living here.
This development has been designed to incorporate a host of shops and amenities, from convenience store and hairdresser to pub/restaurant and dentist. The local area already has a post office, major supermarket and a number of schools.
Show apartment at Southmere
The opening of Elizabeth line services to the revamped Abbey Wood station has brought the area to the attention of house-hunters seeking quick and easy access to some of London’s busiest places for work and leisure, including Canary Wharf (11 minutes), Farringdon (21 minutes) and Bond Street (26 minutes). It’s an hour direct to Heathrow Airport. Cannon Street, Luton and the Medway towns can ll be reached direct by National Rail, and local bus services offer routes to the likes of Erith, Woolwich and North Greenwich.
For people seeking a brand new home in one of the capital’s most affordable areas, all apartments at Southmere, whether open market or Shared Ownership, benefit from an impressive specification that includes video entry system, energy-efficient underfloor heating with zonal heating controls, sizeable utility and storage, and contemporary-design kitchens with attractive worktops and fittings, top-brand integrated appliances and laminate flooring. All principal bedrooms come with fitted wardrobes and many have en suite shower room. En suites and bathrooms are spacious and designed with tile flooring, chrome fittings, white ceramics, great lighting and lots of useful storage shelves.
Sales here have been exceptionally strong and at the time of publishing, there’s just one Shared Ownership property of the current selection that remains for sale. This three-bedroom apartment in Crane Court is priced from £162,000 for a 30% share (full market price £540,000), which would require a deposit of £8,100. The generous 1,090 sq ft of living space is set out over three comfortable double bedrooms, one of which comes with en suite and fitted wardrobes, a family bathroom and a dual-aspect, open-plan kitchen/dining living room with breakfast bar. This room has access to the large private balcony, which offers lots of space for furniture and plants to make the most of fresh air and fine weather.
There are just a few two-bedroom apartments remaining for sale for private ownership at the moment, and potential buyers are invited to find out more about a Stamp Duty contribution offer.
Find out more about Southmere from Peabody.
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