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October 19, 2012
Blackfriars is set to receive another skyscraper, one which could compete with London’s iconic Shard. The recently approved Blackfriars One, will be a towering 50 storeys, and will house 274 residential apartments, with an adjacent low rise building housing a hotel. The Southward council approved Blackfriars One without the normal requirements for including affordable housing on site. Although this is a controversial move, it does signify a drive for development and investment in the area. The starting date for construction has not yet been approved, although workers in work boots are anticipating the construction, as Blackfriars One will be one of the most significant projects over the next year.
Blackfriars Development
Blackfriars One will not be the only development changing the skyline of the area. There are several new projects earmarked for the south bank of Blackfriars Bridge, which will transform the area into a residential and commercial hub. The area is ripe for development, and boasts famous sites such as Tate Modern and the South Bank cultural quarter. The investor interest in the area, from Blackfriars One developers as well as others, has caused the Southwark council to relax its 35% policy for on-site affordable housing. Instead, Southwark Council has negotiated ‘planning gain’ payments of £43.5 million, which will fund 180 affordable housing units elsewhere in the Borough.
The Blackfriars One Skyscraper
Although construction in Dickies overalls has not started, the Blackfriars One has already been described as an icon. Once complete, locals will benefit from the tower, as it will boast a £5.5 million ‘viewing lounge’ on the 32nd floor, which will provide impressive views of the surrounding area. Similar to the Shard, Blackfriars Bridge will have a glass facade that tapers in at the bottom to maximize views. It will be a similar height to the ‘Gherkin’. Blackfriars One has been described by Architect Ian Simpson as an elegant expression that will create a beautiful silhouette on London’s skyline.
September 20, 2012
New US embassy in London
The United States have announced that they will be building a new US embassy in London. In 2008 they purchased a site and area that is part of the regeneration project of Nine Elms in Wandsworth and they are scheduled to move into their new facility upon its completion in 2017. Many London construction workers in scruffs work trousers will be working very hard to have the new US embassy completed on time.
Modern, safe and energy efficient
The New US embassy will be an innovative building both aesthetically and logistically. The design and construction around the building is aimed at having a final product that is modern and welcoming, safe, and energy efficient. The construction of the new US embassy in London sourced its designs from a winning design project by Kieran Timberlake. Both the construction and design to be utilised in the creation of the new US embassy aims to contribute to the architectural heritage of the city’s skyline. The new US embassy that forms part of the regeneration project of Nine Elms is visually striking; it will be constructed to be a large square building that is essentially built using the main element of glass, which is an interesting juxtaposition to the green landscape that features water. The occurrence of the new US embassy primarily built with glass is an aim to convey their core beliefs of democracy, transparency, openness, and equality.
London skyline
The new US embassy will be an interesting addition to the London skyline for both its aesthetic appeal, as well its dedication to sustainability. The city of London will see many workers hard at work in Scruffs boots over the next few years.
December 6, 2011
World travel never goes out of style, there is always some nook or cranny Mother Earth has kept hidden from public eyes. With the New Year almost here, it’s time to get a leg up on the competition as we uncover some of the most beautiful hidden gems the world has to offer. The question of where to travel around the world is a question usually best answered ‘anywhere but here,’ but an insider look can’t hurt.
Iceland
When one thinks of an exotic island destination, their first thought is probably not Iceland and that’s a shame. As far as global world travel destinations go Iceland is literally still in the making. Active volcanoes carve new valleys, fjords and black-sand beaches that the locals are as surprised to find as any. With an economy on the mend, Iceland has become affordable with the currently linked intricately to the Euro making this island nation of thundering waterfalls and silent glaciers a top destination for world travel in 2012.
London
Sure undiscovered and exotic aren’t the first thoughts when considering London, but one cannot argue with exquisite luxury property for rent in Marylebone or the fact that the biggest global sporting event will take place in the city in 2012. International world travel starts in the centre of Europe with dozens of cultural events taking place alongside the Olympic Games 2012. $15 billion have been pumping into upgrading the city and now is a good time to discover some new gems amongst the older ones.
Peru
With 2012 come certain ‘speculations’ which put the future of world-wide travel under a shadow; why not visit the source of the shadow. With glorious natural and man-made locations, the world’s rarest birds and Earth’s deepest canyons adventure is sure to be right around the corner. With an experience only acquiring luxury property for sale in Fulham can compete with, a world travel tour would have Peru and its mysterious nature high up on the list of destinations.
Oman
If you prefer to travel in the style of a sultan, perhaps Oman is what you’re after. For the elite luxury traveller, Oman caters to your every need. How to travel around the world isn’t any of our business, but should you require a landing zone for your helicopter most of the ritziest hotels offer this service! Erecting desert gardens and opera houses, Oman has taken a cultural priority over its oil-rich neighbours who push for financial priority. Off the coast pleasure yachts lazily sway in the cool desert breeze. We think this location will go miles to make you feel like Aladdin and his Arabian nights.
We hope that we’ve given you some ideas for your world travel adventure; something different is waiting many a traveller around all four corners of the world.
November 23, 2011
London is known for its many cultural and architectural developments and achievements. Many tourists from around the world enjoy all this diverse city has to offer and there is now a new development that is bound to awe the crowds and add to the already incredible horizon of innovative buildings, the London River Park.
The London River Park is set to be a brand new river park along the North bank of the iconic River Thames. Many people in luxury property for rent in Mayfair will enjoy a short distance to this new and exciting development. The London River Park strives to connect St Paul’s cathedral, the tower of London and the Tate modern along with the Millennium Bridge. The creators had a firm vision in mind when creating and developing the London River Park and wanted to enhance the beauty of the Thames River while creating this brand new floating river walk. The London River Park is set to benefit London, Londoners and tourists alike when experiencing this great city. There is an economic advantage to be made with this new and interesting development which is set to bring new travelers to the capital and keep loyal tourists coming back year after year, excited to see what the city of London has to offer them this time around. The London River Park will create pride and patriotism among Londoners and the property market should see more investment interests especially among luxury property for sale in Hampstead. The London River Park was designed by architects Gensler and will be built by the team that was responsible for the London Eye, Mace. The project team are set to be as environmentally responsible as possible in regards to the development and building process and most of the construction will be done offsite to reduce noise pollution and disruption.
The London River Park is bound to be a great addition to the already innovative an unusual architectural genius that is London and is set to be kept well after the end of the Olympic Games.
September 21, 2011
Recent international studies have concluded that Luxury homes in London will now cost you up to 3,000 pounds per square meter of property. Just a trust fund cheque behind Hong Kong and Tokyo in first and second places respectively, London has had an influx of foreign billionaires purchasing large mansions in the capital, driving up demand and housing prices along the Thames. Central London estate agents have noticed a resurgence of interest due to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games and financial stability in the global economy.
Over 3.3 Billion pounds was invested in luxury homes over the last year, withstanding government scandals and the recent riots the upper class property values have gone through the roof. This inflation has occurred at the top of the market with luxury homes internationally rising as high as 10% in the last year, whereas middle class properties only rose 6%. The fluctuation in the exchange rate in the UK made luxury homes a “steal” for international wealth to make purchases at lower rates than ever before. According to estate agents Bayswater, Fulham and Chelsea, property purchases in the luxury end of the market have not seen record sales as they have in the last year.
Due to the economical strength of China in international markets, the price of their luxury homes managed to keep Tokyo off the top spot with the average luxury property costing 6,700 pounds per square metre! This shows the increase of world economic production shifting from west to east with London Luxury homes being the highest costing in the western world.