FRAN CLEMENS
Having grown up in east London, Ryan was surprised to see how much the area has been transformed.
“How this place has developed and evolved is really quite mesmerising, especially as I grew up around here. The area has completely changed and now many of the tall buildings you see are residential and not just offices, like some people still think.”
Having lived previously in New York, finding a home in a location that was accessible and with outstanding transport links was a huge draw for Ryan.
“The accessibility of Canary Wharf was key. The new Elizabeth Line will provide direct access to Heathrow and I can get to London City Airport in 15 minutes, and that’s pretty incredible. With the Jubilee Line already here, I can also get to my office in Victoria in half an hour door-to-door, and Bond Street in 20 minutes.” With the arrival of the Elizabeth Line, Tottenham Court Road can be reached in as little as 12 minutes.
The Elizabeth Line has been hailed as the largest urban rail project in Europe. Canary Wharf is already seeing significant capacity, connectivity and speed improvements of an area along the line and the Estate’s new station is also home to its very own award-winning roof garden.
Beyond transport, Ryan explains that it is the local amenities that also drew him back to the area.
“The Estate has everything you need – Hawksmoor opened its biggest restaurant yet right outside our apartment building and there’s a pasta place around the corner (Emilia’s Crafted Pasta). Any shop you want to go to, they’ve got one here. We’ve got a big Waitrose and an Amazon Fresh just downstairs.”
Being Canary Wharf’s first pet-friendly address, 8 Water Street achieved full occupancy levels ahead of schedule as greater numbers of home seekers now look for properties which can accommodate pets. Having an apartment where he could rent with his two dogs was a crucial consideration for Ryan, who was aware of the scarcity of such properties. Additionally, the various amenities on offer within the building - from a 24-hour concierge, shared work spaces and entertainment spaces – all contributed to Ryan’s decision to move to Canary Wharf.
“8 Water Street is completely new and it feels like a hotel or even a private members club. You’ve got a 24-hour concierge downstairs, you have the snug and you have the parlour. Most people buy an apartment that they can fit all their friends in, but what we have here are big entertainment spaces that you can book out for dinner parties, equipped with kitchens, glassware – everything you need. There’s catering and cleaners as well.”
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