Community Spirit High Up

The lockdown measures in place in the UK across the world have confined people to their homes and cut many off from loved ones. Daily exercise and carrying out the food shop are now the highlight of the week for many, however, one resident at 10 George Street, the first Build-to-Rent development launched by Vertus in Canary Wharf, is making the most of the virtual offering at the development.

Comprising expansive communal spaces, including a spacious lounge, private dining and bar area with automatic wine dispensers (stocked by Humble Grape) and a gym studio, 10 George Street was designed to encourage a sense of community among residents. However, the spaces closed due to Government guidelines, Vertus has had to adapt to the situation to ensure residents can still interact and engage in a safe environment.

Katherine Meadows, who occupies a one-bedroom apartment at 10 George Street, commented: "Before the current situation, there was always something going on that you could get involved with if you wanted to. I really liked that I would come in after work some nights and there was an event or activity happening in one of the communal spaces, it really created a social occasion that people could look forward to."

"Whilst that of course is now on hold for the time being, the team at Vertus were quick to put things in place to keep everyone engaged. There are virtual gym classes organised by Antidote, the gym providers, whilst there was recently a video wine tasting evening, hosted by a sommelier from Humble Grape who talked us through a bottle of wine that was sent to us all."

Ahead of the virtual wine tasting evening, each apartment taking part was sent (contact-free) a bottle of Quinta de Saes Cloheita Tinto, from Portugal’s Dão region, free of charge. One of Humble Grape's leading sommeliers talked residents through how to taste the wine from the region known as the Burgundy of Portugal, where red wine gets its colouring from, the specific tasting notes of the wine and the history of the vineyard it’s produced by.

Katherine, the founder of a tech startup business based in Essex, is currently working from home and has set herself up in her lounge. One aspect of the development she is most pleased about is the superfast broadband supplied to every apartment.

Katherine, said: "These are unprecedented times, but my apartment is big enough to not feel too cramped when working from home. The internet is lightning fast, which is incredibly important in my line of work."
Katherine currently leases a one-bedroom apartment at 10 George Street with views onto the River Thames. The apartments’ interiors throughout the development are designed in an open-plan format to accentuate natural light throughout, with high-specification appliances. The homes are fully-furnished by Camerich, with residents afforded autonomy over interior decorations.

This is another aspect of convenience that Katherine bought into: "I love the flexible interior design of the apartments and the fact there is a handyman on call to help with anything you need. It's reassuring to know that if you need something fixing or pictures putting up it will be done quickly and professionally. I'm also very lucky to enjoy an amazing view onto the Thames Barrier - it was the pièce de résistance for me."

When it is safe to access once more, communal outside space will be an important factor for many people when choosing to live in a residential development. One of 10 George Street's key features is an expansive south-facing garden terrace, which offers panoramic views across the South Dock and wider Canary Wharf skyline.

Sections of the terrace will be available for private bookings for residents who would like to host events, which is something Katherine will look to take advantage of: "I can't wait to have a BBQ on the terrace with the other tenants, as well as with friends and family when they visit."

Residents will also be able to host friends in the private dining space that seats up to 12 people, with a section of the terrace also reserved for the party's entertainment. The cost to tenants is £50 for four hours, with a kitchen connected to the space that they can utilise to show off their cooking skills or hire a private chef to add a touch of glamour to the evening.

Katherine commented: "I really like the dining area and ability to reserve it for £50 is fantastic. I can't wait to host friends when this is all over and celebrate the ability to be together again."

Designed by GRID Architects, 10 George Street was the first residential development to open its doors in Canary Wharf’s new district, Wood Wharf. This neighbourhood will welcome a community of residents occupying up to 3,600 new homes planned for the area, as well as up to 350,000 sq.ft. of retail space, over nine acres of public spaces, gardens and parks. Amongst this will sit a lively high street, boutique stores and restaurants, public art, a fitness trail, doctor’s surgery and a brand new two-form entry primary school.

The growth of a brand new area of London was another important factor in Katherine's decision to choose 10 George Street: "I really like being around the new developments being built in Wood Wharf and seeing them take shape. The landscape changes here every day and I love the fact I've been here from the start. One day when this area is fully established I can say I was there at the very beginning."

10 George Street comprises 327 units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from £1,950 per calendar month. A dedicated show floor is available for viewings on selected open days. For more information, visit www.thisisvertus.com or contact leasing@thisisvertus.com