Post-Lockdown Greens

On August 22, St Edward will be launching Bankside Gardens, a brand new scheme of 461 stylish lakeside apartments which will form part of the landmark Green Park Village development in Reading, Berkshire. With a surge of buyers looking for homes which are close to open green space and enable flexible and convenient lifestyles post-lockdown, Bankside Gardens delivers on all fronts. Residents will benefit from hotel-style amenities - including a co-working studio for home-workers - beautiful landscaped parkland and a picturesque lake, as well as excellent city connections from the new Green Park train station, due for delivery later this year. What’s more, prices start from just £292,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, providing incredible value for money.

The new apartments are arranged across seven striking buildings which range from between six and ten storeys and have been inspired by the design of Berkeley’s Group’s successful award-winning project Fulham Reach which sits on the banks of the Thames. The Pavilions - three oval jewel-like buildings with wraparound balconies - have been positioned around attractive landscaped grounds which border the lake and afford residents fabulous garden and lakeside views. Behind these sit four taller stepped buildings which not only create a protective boundary to this collection of homes but provide great views of the lake from the upper levels, and between the lower buildings from a plethora of inset and projecting balconies. The four buildings are linked by large podium gardens giving their residents plenty of access to private outdoor space in addition to the lake and its stunning grounds.

Commercial space, including shops and cafés, will be located on the ground floor of the apartment buildings, making Bankside Gardens not just a great place in which residents can relax but a great draw for the wider community too.

Paul Vallone, Executive Chairman at St Edward comments: “These contemporary apartments, with their striking design and beautiful waterside setting, are something completely new for Reading. We’ve seen an increase in confidence in buyers after lockdown with particular interest in proximity to green space and facilities which enable a convenient, flexible lifestyle. We anticipate strong interest from first time buyers and young couples currently living and working in London, particularly West London, who are looking to get more for their money without compromising on lifestyle. Here, they’ll have access to brilliant amenities, such as the concierge service, space to work from home and a private gym, as well as quick transport connections. With landscaped gardens, parkland and the beautiful tranquil lake, Bankside Gardens really does deliver the perfect balance of town and country.”

The one and two-bedroom apartments have been designed for flexible, open-plan living. In the living areas, vast floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with light and afford views of either the established lake or landscaped gardens. The kitchens feature composite stone worktops, contrasting timber and black matt finishes and come complete with the latest Bosch appliances. Spacious master bedrooms feature fitted wardrobes while the bathrooms are sleek and modern with Vitra ceramic basins and matching black chrome fixtures and fittings by VADO.

The amenities deliver the ultimate in luxury and convenience for busy residents; a concierge service is on hand to help with day-to-day jobs like taking in parcels, a co-working studio is ideal for anyone working part or all of the week from home and the cinema room provides the perfect space to enjoy a box set or sporting event.

Residents can work out in the gym, or take to the acres of surrounding parkland for a run or stroll. The gardens provide another place where residents and the community can relax and unwind. Residents of Bankside Gardens will also benefit from the facilities within Green Park Village, located across the lake, which will be home to a Market Square, café, crèche, a new primary school and a village hall.

The new Green Park railway station next to Bankside Gardens will make travel, when required, extremely easy; services will reach Reading Station in just six minutes. Reading station can already be reached in 10 minutes by car and services to London Paddington take as little as 23 minutes. When Crossrail opens at the end of the year, direct services will reach Heathrow in 38 minutes, Bond Street in under an hour and Canary Wharf in just over an hour.

For leisure, Green Park Business Park is just a short walk away and home to a public gym, offices and a range of eateries. Reading town centre is also one of the most dynamic and eclectic entertainment destinations in the South East and is home to famous high street names and department stores, as well as independent hidden gems. Reading offers a great selection of restaurants, cafés and bars - ideal for family dinners or nights out with friends.

Interested buyers can attend the launch event by appointment. Virtual appointments via Zoom or phone are also available. Prices at Bankside Gardens will start at £292,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. For more information call St Edward on 01183 214791 or visit www.banksidegardens.co.uk.