The excitement about Grand Union’s new phase is palpable. This beautiful development on the canal has quickly become a pillar of its community and a landmark for how to build new homes in London. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Grand Union and introduce its new phase, Waterview House.
The Grand Tour: In the following article, we'll tell you what makes Grand Union so special, but nothing compares to seeing it for yourself. Click to book a viewing.
London needs a massive injection of new homes. However, if we’re going to get it right, we’ll need to use everything we know about building homes, from dependable, modern construction to sustainable technology and considerate placemaking.
Grand Union – a gem in the crown of its industry-leading developer – is the very model of sustainable new homes. That may be why its initial phase was so well received, and why buy to let investors, homebuyers and renters are eagerly awaiting its newest phase, Waterview House.
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What a sustainable home means for you
An introduction to Grand Union
Grand Union features stylish one-bedroom homes set within landscaped gardens. It is centred around an idyllic canal-side piazza complete with cafés, bars and restaurants.
You can have an entirely well-rounded lifestyle without stepping foot out of Grand Union:
• For your wellbeing. On-site facilities include a medical centre, a nursery, a Co-op grocery store and an Anytime Fitness gym.
• For a laugh. Relax with ten-pin bowling, a residents’ screening room and residents’ lounge.
• For a breath of fresh air. Enjoy green spaces of all kinds, from riverside meadows to landscaped gardens and canal walks.
• For a home among friends. The piazza’s Community Hub has a robust schedule of classes, events and performances.
Built back better
A grand design: Grand Union was designed for a 240% biodiversity net gain
The site for Grand Union was a derelict industrial estate, cut off from the surrounding community. Brownfield regeneration projects endear themselves to London communities because they better the local environment and deliver new homes without reducing local green spaces.
Every building in Grand Union uses sustainable technology, which includes energy-efficient materials and construction; living rooftops; and energy-saving LED lighting and efficient underfloor heating in every home. There is a sustainable urban drainage system that harvests rainwater and infrastructure for 590 electric cars. The landscape is designed around beneficial grassland habitats, and 540 new trees have been planted. This is fantastic for residents, who can enjoy a healthier home environment and save on energy bills.
Read: Could energy efficiency sway buyers towards new-build homes?
Grand Union area guide
Wembley has a lot to explore like foodies’ favourite, Box Park and fashionistas’ secret weapon, London Designer Outlet. Wembley Stadium, the largest venue in the UK, has the best in music and sport. Even without including the 14 acres of green spaces within Grand Union, you’re spoiled for choice in nearby nature, including Hampstead Heath, Fryent Country Park and Horsenden Hill Park.
Easy routes for any commute
Getting to Uni on public transport:
• Imperial College London (White City campus) in 31 minutes
• University College London in 41 minutes
• University of Westminster (Harrow site) in 34 minutes
Living in Grand Union, you have excellent transportation links to the West End and City. Also, construction is progressing on a massive transport interchange in Old Oak, as well as improvements to the existing North Acton and Willesden Junction stations, and new Overground stations. With upcoming additions to the local transport links, this is set to be one of the best-connected areas of London.
That being said, if you prefer to take the scenic route, there are some gorgeous canal-side paths to walk or cycle to work. You can reach Paddington by bike in less than half an hour.
A home you can be proud to buy (or buy-to-let)
Placemaking: considerate planning and developing of public spaces to reflect the community’s assets, identity and needs.
Grand Union is designed in partnership with the Brent Council, so it can deliver the highest value facilities for the Alperton community. The on-site Community Hub is home to the Grand Union Development Trust, which is comprised of Grand Union Residents, local businesses and community stakeholders, to carry out a shared vision for the neighbourhood.
Actually, this is not an unusual story for St George, a proud member of the Berkeley Group; placemaking is a key factor in their strategy to make enduringly successful developments.
Placemaking improves the local economy, which is exactly what you want from the home you’ve just invested in. But it also improves the quality of life in the area, which delivers a better experience for Grand Union’s homeowners and renters.
Placemaking is an elegant solution for building in London, and a beautiful way to connect new residents to the vibrant neighbourhoods they join.
However, placemaking is only the start of why Grand Union is a solid investment.
Capital lets and the ‘Berkeley Effect’
Price growth in regeneration areas outperforms the London average by 3.1%
Grand Union is adjacent to Park Royal, which is good news for savvy investors and homeowners planning for their future.
Park Royal is included in the largest regeneration project in London since the regeneration in preparation of the 2012 Olympic Games. It’s also the largest area of Strategic Industrial Land in London, so there is a huge spotlight on its renewal into a thriving business hub. (Source: Brent Council)
This mammoth project is set to create 65,000 new jobs over the next 30-40 years (Source: London City Hall). And with Berkeley on board, we have high hopes.
The ‘Berkeley Effect’ describes their remarkable track record for regeneration at scale. A Berkeley Group introduction to Grand Union describes the effect as, ‘Berkeley property values have grown by an annual average of 13.8%. This compares with the local area average of 8.8%, meaning that each year Berkeley properties are outperforming the wider market by around 5%’ (Source: Grand Union brochure).
Considering Park Royal’s highly anticipated regeneration and the Berkeley Effect, this launch offers investors a unique opportunity to be part of something truly special from the beginning.
The Grand Tour