New Year, new identity at Royal Arsenal Riverside

The start of 2009 heralds an exciting year ahead at Royal Arsenal Riverside, with new launches, events and a new brand identity that will continue to develop the area as one of South London’s most exciting new communities.

Homebuyers who are interested in becoming part of the buzz shouldn’t delay in visiting Berkeley Homes at the sales suite on Plumstead Road, SE18. Prices for homes start from £245,000.

A new look for 2009 is being introduced, including a refreshed brand identity and a change in the name from Royal Arsenal to Royal Arsenal Riverside to reflect the scheme’s new Masterplan which was recently given planning consent. The future phases of the development will encompass a large swathe of riverside land, providing an additional 3,700 homes and bringing the total area of the site to 76 acres.

The river frontage and Thames Clipper stop are already some of the scheme’s most valuable assets, and this focus on the water paves the way for when the additional section of the Thames is eventually opened up to public use, including a new landscaped park which will connect the river more closely with Woolwich town centre.

Royal Arsenal Riverside is steeped in heritage, containing one of the greatest concentrations of listed buildings converted for residential use. But its historic heart will this year be connected with a very dynamic future as Berkeley Homes moves forward to the next phases of the scheme. Construction on site continues apace at the Armouries, the phase of the development currently available, which is on schedule for completion in 2009, of which 80% is now sold.

Later this year will also bring a sneak preview of the next phase of brand new homes to be launched for sale. The courtyard building of 300 new luxury apartments, designed to complement the surrounding listed historic structures, will have its own landscaped gardens and car and bicycle parking. Construction of it will commence in the next few months and it is expected to be available to buyers by the end of the year.

Also new for homebuyers this later year will be an exclusive collection of homes designed by one of London’s most acclaimed interior designers.

Royal Arsenal Riverside continues to put itself on the map as a lifestyle destination. Opening this spring is the new gastro pub from Young & Co’s Brewery located in the listed Dial Arch Building which will provide a vibrant social hub for the scheme. Its range of traditionally brewed cask ales, speciality beers and impressive wine list, along with an exciting menu focused on local, seasonal ingredients will attract residents and the wider public.

Berkeley Homes has also been bringing a buzz to the area with a series of successful events undertaken at Royal Arsenal Riverside in 2008 such as a pamper day with Molton Brown for residents, and more events are planned for this year.

The profile of Woolwich continues to grow as the area undergoes regeneration and its transport connections improve. The new DLR station at Woolwich Arsenal was officially opened by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson on 11th January. New services provide direct links to City Airport in just 6 minutes and Canary Wharf in 20 minutes, and plans for the Crossrail station at Royal Arsenal Riverside are gathering pace and garnering additional long term investment in the area.

Paul Vallone, Managing Director of Berkeley Homes (Urban Living) Ltd, comments: “2009 is an exciting year for us at Royal Arsenal Riverside. The planning consent for the new Masterplan at the end of 2008 has brought the opportunity for us to shape this part of London over the next two decades.

“This is one of the few undeveloped sections of the River Thames in London and we are committed to investing in excellent design and construction, to make the most of the site’s potential. We see the river, which has long been a vital link during the site’s colourful history, also as the focus of its future.”

For more information log on to Royal-arsenalriverside.co.uk.