Focus on Imperial Wharf

The industrial debris of a forgotten riverside is a distant echo in South West London as a gleaming new residential quarter takes centre stage. Imperial Wharf, together with satellite developments like Chelsea Creek, have become a dazzling example of the type of regeneration that is ensuring that London remains a solid property investment choice for years to come.

Old railway tracks and a disused gas works were just two of the obstacles that developers St George had to surmount as they set about the task of creating a brand new SW6 neighbourhood from scratch. The results are nothing short of spectacular. Exclusive shops, stylish restaurants and luxurious rental apartments have replaced rusty machinery, while leisure craft are now moored where dirty old barges once unloaded tons of coal.

Enhanced security, on-site amenities and spacious apartments are just three of the lifestyle advantages of brand new developments and Imperial Wharf has them all in spades. Here, unlike the more established riverside areas further down river, there are no busy roads between residents and the Thames.

Situated on the south west border of Chelsea, Imperial Wharf takes full advantage of matchless views across the river and proximity to the Kings Road shopping thoroughfare. Although the developments are still evolving, it’s clear that this is much more than a collection of plush new homes. Where else would a new development boast not only its own marina and retail plaza, but also its very own jazz festival and purpose-built Zone 2 railway station? A testament to the development’s huge popularity since its first launch in 2011.

Riverside locations in London command premium prices but are also cast-iron investment choices as their values are practically impervious to any fluctuations that the London market might experience. One bed apartments can still be snapped up for around £675,000 while one two bedroom apartments are priced between £840,000 and £1.2 million. There’s a wide range of three bedroom configurations available that are valued at £1.5 million up to £3 million. These type of properties will rent from between £500 and £2,200 per week and if that yield seems modest, then it’s wise to remember that the last three years has seen an almost 50% increase in property values here. Developers realise that location alone will not keep these values up and that is why careful attention has been paid to ensure that Imperial Wharf provides just the right mixture of amenities, convenience and luxury extras. Underground car parking helps maintain the tranquil and uncluttered atmosphere.

Imperial Wharf, Sands End and Chelsea Creek are far from being a homogenous group of identikit dwellings. Surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens and arranged along spacious avenues, the apartments form a “Riviera-style” promenade that includes a “superhighway” for cyclists and a river taxi service that is fast becoming a favourite way for corporate residents to commute to the city centre. All the maritime tranquility in the world would be useless without accessibility and that’s where Imperial Wharf got its early traction. Purpose-built railway stations are not common in London, but that’s what the development needed and that’s just what it got. Imperial Wharf Overground Station is part of a new orbital transport line that (quite literally!) runs rings around London. Incorporating all those vital Zone 2 neighbourhoods, the Overground links Imperial Wharf to Westfield Shopping City, Hampstead, Westfield Stratford and Clapham before completing the circle back in Chelsea.

Meanwhile, development in the area continues apace with the conversion of Lots Road Power Station which will be the focus of the new Chelsea Waterfront quarter. This Victorian period construction will contain 260 flats and contain a pedestrianised retail zone. Linked to Chelsea Creek via a canal bridge, the development will consist of ten blocks of luxury apartments with prices starting at £1.7 million. Hobs Mews is a collection of new terraces that draw inspiration from Victorian times and is set back a bit further from the river with prices starting at £2 million.

So whether it’s a conduit for the heavy industry that helped build London or the perfect setting for today’s contemporary urban lifestyle, the Chelsea riverside is the gift that just keeps on giving.

If you would like more information about Imperial Wharf contact our friendly staff here.