Jogging fan chooses new home at Maple Quays

Being close to reliable public transport and a major shopping centre were key factors for Simon Chan when he was looking to buy his first home. And he found exactly what he was looking for at Barratt’s new Maple Quays development in Rotherhithe, London Docklands, where he has bought a spacious two-bedroom apartment.

Simon, 28, had been renting nearby with some friends for about a year before he saw Maple Quays start up. “When I found out I picked up some literature and then, when Barratt built the show home, I went back for another look – and decided to buy a two-bedroom apartment” he said.

“I did want to stay in the area and I was keen to be so close to the station at Canada Water, because it’s on the Jubilee Line which is modern and usually reliable. The apartment will also be near the Surrey Quays shopping centre, which has a Tesco and a Decathlon sports shop.

“I’m keen on jogging and walking and like the whole Rotherhithe area – it’s very scenic, threaded through with canals and docksides and so on, and I find it therapeutic to be among nature in the heart of the city.”

As well as two spacious bedrooms, Simon’s second floor apartment will have an en suite shower room to the master bedroom, plus a separate fully-fitted family bathroom, as well as an open-plan living/dining room and fully-fitted designer kitchen. There will also be balconies off both the living room and the bedroom.

His apartment cost £342,000, which included and integrated oven, hob and extractor, fridge/freezer, washer/drier, dishwasher, microwave and wine cooler in the kitchen, plus tiling in the kitchen and bathrooms. It also included an allocated underground private parking space, which cost £20,000.

Barratt paid Simon’s 5 per cent deposit – and he also received £1,500 towards his legal fees.

Simon, who hopes to move into his new home in June, works for a firm of architects based in Greenwich and can travel there by bus, which stops right outside Maple Quays. “My journey to work takes about 10 to 15 minutes” he said.

“I’ve got quite a few friends in east London as well as at Canary Wharf on the other side of the river. When we want to go out for the evening in central London, we can get there in about 20 to 25 minutes from here – and at the weekend, there are night buses home. It’s a very convenient location.”

Maple Quays is defying the gloomy economic climate with strong sales. As the start of one of London’s largest regeneration schemes, it will also include a range of new town centre amenities, including a library, civic plaza, leisure amenities, shops and children’s play space. The 42 apartments at Maple Quays is the first phase of homes for sale.

The development is also maximising the benefits of the old docks and new canals that make Rotherhithe a delightful living environment. The Rotherhithe peninsula is one of London’s best-kept secrets – quiet, leafy and rich in wildlife.

As well as being convenient for Canary Wharf – one stop away on the Jubilee Line - the City and nearby City Airport, this part of Docklands has excellent rail communications with the City and central London. Borough Market is just one stop away at London Bridge.

A stunning new marketing suite is now open alongside Canada Water station, complete with fully-furnished show apartment. Available now off-plan are one-bedroom apartments from £232,000 and two-bedroom apartments from £319,500.

The marketing suite is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. For more information, see Barratthomes.co.uk.