London City Island: London's “micro-Manhattan” opens to overseas buyers

[Sponsored Article]

From derelict docklands to one of Europe's leading financial centers, the regeneration of Canary Wharf was London's first great success story of the 21st century, and the story isn't over yet.

More than 150 major office tenants occupy 16 million square feet of office space across this purpose-built financial district, including big names like HSBC and Barclays Bank, with a further 10.5 million square feet in the future pipeline. The arrival of the Crossrail Elizabeth Line (now delayed to 2020–21) will make Canary Wharf an even more attractive destination for global business and overseas investment in the next few years.

With more than 120,000 people going to work at Canary Wharf every day in the fields of finance, design and technology, retail and more industries as the economy diversifies, demand is high for well-connected property close by. Developers are aiming to meet this demand with new residential projects under construction in surrounding areas, one of the most notable being London City Island – a new residential and cultural enclave just four minutes away from Canary Wharf.

Island of culture

Surrounded by water, London City Island occupies the northern part of the Leamouth Peninsula where the River Lea meets the Thames. Once the site of a margarine factory, and before that part of London's historic docklands, the peninsula has been transformed unrecognizably into an affluent and artistic neighborhood.

Dubbed London's “micro-Manhattan,” City Island has a small village atmosphere next to the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, with local shops and independent restaurants serving the new community rather than bustling malls. Public squares and the Waterline Park circling the development set the scene for relaxed city living, while access to highly-rated schools such as the Faraday School and London's prestigious universities make it ideal for families.