The heart of the city

Weaving in wellness from the start

From an early design stage, architects and developers are considering health and wellness factors. That could be how to improve indoor air quality, optimise acoustics and increase natural light. Technologies such as air source heat pumps and optimised facades as well as state-of-the-art ventilation and heat recovery systems really help to enhance a scheme's sustainability credentials and help make it net zero carbon in operation. The materials used are of paramount importance. Natural, low toxicity and low VOC materials and finishes are becoming the preferred choice.

Take the ambitious Bankside Yards development on London’s South Bank as an innovative example. Firmly rooted in climate action, it’s set to be the UK’s first major fossil fuel free regeneration project. It has a goal of zero emissions in operation.

The eight Bankside Yards buildings will be powered by electricity from renewable resources. It’ll be hugely energy efficient, using a low temperature, fifth generation energy network. And the 150 mixed species trees planted around the site will contribute to its biodiversity, supporting the Mayor’s goal of a 10% increase in London’s tree canopy.

A shift in focus for buyers

Davies explains, “Developers are increasingly having to respond to the fact that their customers are asking for so much more rigour around sustainability and the built environment.”

Young people make up a huge proportion of buyers in this market. Often they’re starting out in their careers or studying for a degree and they have the financial backing of their parents. They are increasingly aware of their carbon footprint and environmental impact. Having grown up with the weight of climate change looming large, this Gen Z age group has become known as the ‘Sustainability Generation.’

For their parents, concerns over safety and security are often front of mind. That’s safety for their children, the property and their investment. New developments tend to tick those boxes and allay those fears with their 24 hour concierge, private access and constant security.

Healthy living on demand

Then of course there are the health and fitness amenities. These considerations focus on improving occupants’ mental and physical health and wellbeing. These days, they go far beyond a patch of outdoor space or a pool.

The Sky Residences at One Bishopsgate Plaza in the City have exceptional facilities for their residents. The luxury private apartments benefit from exclusive access to the five-star amenities at Europe’s first Pan Pacific Hotel. There’s a dedicated floor on Level 20 with a private lounge, bar, library and concierge. On the wellness floor (Level 4), residents can enjoy the infinity swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam rooms and treatment rooms.

As CEO and Chairman of The Canary Wharf Group, Sir George Iacobescu surmises, “People are discovering that there is a lot more than banking here…Canary Wharf is becoming a hub for people to come and have a nice life, as opposed to just coming to work.”

The Canary Wharf Group has gone as far as to partner with The Eden Project to prioritise sustainability and encourage biodiversity in the area. The Eden Project said this of the project: “The ambition for the partnership is to support the estate in becoming a global example of best practice and innovation on biodiversity in a dense urban environment, to live and work in harmony with nature.”

The various initiatives in Canary Wharf bring like-minded people together. That could be foodies enjoying tantalising offerings at a pop-up festival or a smart new restaurant. It could be paddleboarders and kayakers making the most of their proximity to the water. Or it could be neighbours in a residential development who share a similar outlook on life.

Innovation and forward-thinking

It’s important to keep pushing boundaries and finding ways to differentiate in London’s competitive development market. Davies explains, “We help developers become more forward-thinking by future-proofing developments and helping them to better understand the ever-shifting sentiments of buyers in the London market.”

“With new developments, we’re usually working several years ahead of launch so it’s vital to build in flexibility. We recognise the changing sentiments of buyers and we need to be able to adapt to that,” she adds.