Live, Work, Play

Abode2 explore the new City spaces creatives are turning to

As we adapt to new ways of working in a post pandemic world, and as office activity is anticipated to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2022 according to commercial agents CBRE, businesses are turning to unique spaces to spark, creativity, collaboration and connection.

Steeped in over 250 years of history, Pennington Street Warehouse at the heart of London Dock – a vibrant new mixed-use neighbourhood in Wapping - is being sensitively transformed by St George (proud member the Berkeley Group). The 300-metre-long Grade II* Listed building at the heart of this vibrant new neighbourhood is sensitively being restored in into modern and flexible working spaces for creatives and likeminded businesses.

Moments from the Tower of London and the River Thames itself, London Dock expertly weaves the city’s history with modern-day luxuries. The docks, built by the engineering mastermind John Rennie the Elder, first opened for trading in 1805 and historically accommodated up to 500 ships and over 200,000 tonnes of luxury goods including rice, tobacco, wine and brandy from around the world.

John Rennie is famed for having designed many bridges, canals, docks and warehouses, and was a pioneer in the use of structural cast-iron. His engineering enterprises include Plymouth Breakwater, Liverpool Docks and Waterloo Bridge, which led to the inspiration of many other iconic bridges including London Bridge (by sons George and John Jnr).

Sensitively restored to preserve the building’s heritage and pay homage to the former trades and crafts that once kept the bustling docks alive, these new and unique workspaces are brought to life by exposed brick walls and archways, light-flooded spaces, and high ceilings.  Pennington Street Warehouse is already home to internationally renowned JP Architects, and the completion of these additional spaces will provide an exciting, flexible and industrially inspired workplace for likeminded and creative companies in the future.

Having once posed as Britain’s gateway to both the New and Old Worlds, today, London Dock is being transformed into a vibrant new 15-acre mixed used community.

With the local buzz of trade, industry, art and culture, and proud to be a part of historic Wapping, London Dock is one of the most prominent Central London developments, offering a variety of residential and commercial property as well as open public spaces.

Retaining the historic liveliness of this trading place was central to the detail of exploration, lifestyle and culture carried throughout the vision of London Dock. Marcus Blake, Managing Director at St George City, comments: “We wanted to create an opportunity to become part of an evolving and thriving neighbourhood that still retains much of its rich maritime and trading heritage. London Dock provides an impressive variety of amenities, from independent brands, striking listed workspaces within the Pennington Street Warehouse, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and beautifully designed public areas, all within walking distance of both The Thames, Tower of London and the buzz of the City.”

A new world to explore

Since first launching, the 15-acre mixed use development has gone from strength to strength, with many Londoners choosing to call this part of Wapping home.

The backdrop of several Dickens novels, and designed by renowned architects Patel Taylor, London Dock is set within 7.5 acres of tree-lined walkways, public art and landscaped gardens to enjoy.

Around Pennington Quay Walk and central piazza, Gauging Square, new bars and eateries are waiting for discovery. Champagne Route, an artisan champagne bar, and 9Round, a boutique boxing gym, sit within Gauging Square, a grand piazza animated by a striking choreographed water feature offering a place for reflection – inspired by the Miroir d’eau at the Place de le Bourse – with more exciting new tenants in the pipeline.

Located moments from the City and only a short walk from Tower Hill and Aldgate – and soon to be connected to the Elizabeth Line via Whitechapel – these historical docks have been put firmly back on the London map. As it was in its trading heyday, London Dock is once again a hub of city activity, alive not with the sounds of traders and merchants, but of those who live, work and play there.

www.londondock.co.uk