Modern living in Surrey Quays

Surrey Quays derives its name from a long history of commercial maritime activity in London that reached its zenith between the wars, and still shapes the community today. Positioned on the opposite Thames shoreline to Docklands, the area benefits from a combination of riverside views and futuristic transport links. It’s these qualities that are currently attracting a host of working professionals to Surrey Quays and its surrounding network of streets and waterways.

Surrey Quays and its immediate neighbour, Deptford, are no stranger to regeneration and the high number of new developments that have sprung up on the site of old warehouses and dockside buildings indicate that there is scope for even further growth. For many years, Greenland Dock with its riverside townhouses and the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre with its 24-hour Tesco grocery store, were the main focal points. However, vastly improved transport links have opened up the rest of the area, attracting a new breed of tenants looking to rent property here.

Transport connections made easy

Three new transport initiatives have been instrumental in the boosting of the local economy. First came the Jubilee line extension which connected the West End to Canary Wharf via a string of brand new stations along the southern bank of the Thames. Next came the total revamp of the old East London line as it was incorporated into the London Overground orbital railway. This connected Surrey Quays station not only to Wapping and Shoreditch, but to also to Islington, Hampstead and Clapham. Finally, the Thames Clipper Riverbus service has been re-equipped and extended with catamarans leaving Greenland Pier for Embankment, Canary Wharf and Greenwich. Commuter journeys to either the City or the West End can be undertaken in less than 15 minutes. The journey provides a more scenic route into work and is ideal for those who like to vary their commute.

Shiny, modern developments

More new property developments, ideal for City workers and mature students alike, are becoming increasingly available in Surrey Quays. The Paynes & Borthwick property development lying west of the Greenwich Peninsula and the one, two and three bedroom apartments in newcomer Marine Wharf are fine examples of the kind of high-spec urban accommodation which are much sought-after in London. Rental prices here are typically £300, £425 and £550 per week, respectively.  Greenland Place gives residents fine views of the Thames but also overlooks the expansive Greenland Dock with its water sports centre and collection of assorted leisure boats. Both developments have private gyms and 24-hour concierge services. Ontario Point, part of Maple Quays which completed in 2014, is destined to be regarded as the landmark structure of Surrey Quays with luxury flats, winter gardens and an art gallery arranged over 25 floors. Typical rents for a 2-bed apartment are from £525 per week – £600 per week for the upper levels.

Attention is also being drawn to the streets around Canada Water Underground station which, being just one stop from Canary Wharf and two stops from The Shard, is bound to be a serious option for many of the thousands of office workers that commute to these two iconic buildings. An additional attraction is a state-of-the-art library housed in an imaginative hexagonal structure that rises from the Tube station below and also doubles as a performance space and art gallery. Across the man-made lake, plans are afoot for a new development with architectural input from James Sellar, son of Shard designer, Irvine Sellar.

Tenants looking for a taste of pre-development Rotherhithe, will find the area around Marychurch Street fascinating. Historic pubs and buildings are dotted around an area that saw the Pilgrim Fathers embark on their epic voyage to North America and the Brunel Museum is a monument to Victorian innovation. Nearby Southwark Park will appeal to young families and sports enthusiasts attracted to its tennis courts, bowling greens and an old fashioned bandstand which forms an attractive backdrop to summer concerts. Continuing the outdoors theme, Surrey Docks Farm is a great way for city dwellers to acquaint themselves with rural life through contact with a wide variety of animals, plants and produce.

Surrey Quays amenities

Surrey Quays Leisure Park is situated just behind the retail centre and lists a multiplex cinema, ten pin bowling and a Vietnamese restaurant among its many attractions. However, the Zone 2 location of Surrey Quays provides residents with a fairly wide choice of entertainment options as convenient transport links enables them to enjoy fine dining in both Docklands and neighbouring Greenwich. Glamorous culinary destinations such as Pont de la Tour in Shad Thames and Altitude in The Shard are also within easy reach.

Surrey Quays contains many reminders of its trading past in the shape of the Greenland, Canada and Russia Docks and although ships no longer sail in from those far-flung places, a focus on prosperity still remains, making it a new go-to location for those currently looking for more affordable rental accommodation with easy access into Docklands and the City of London.

With a combination of modern developments, excellent travel links and exciting amenities, Surrey Quays has seen a surge in popularity. If you’re interested to see what properties we have available, check our listings page, contact us, or visit our Surrey Quays branch, where one of our negotiators will be happy to assist you.