Caspian Wharf scheme at Limehouse Cut

By Tom Derbyshire on April 8, 2008 3:47 PM |

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London’s waterways have been subject to frenzied regeneration of late but the banks of the Thames have seen most of the action. Now, with the Olympics just over four years away, east London’s maze of waterways is undergoing a renaissance with schemes such as Caspian Wharf on the banks of Limehouse Cut in Bow.

Planning permission and funding is being granted to build on the banks of the waterways, complemented by many of the original warehouses being brought back to life. One of the new-build developments is Caspian Wharf – Berkeley Homes (South East London) Ltd’s apartment block.

It sits next to the Spratts Building, with work progressing on the creation of 82 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments in a six-storey contemporary-style building. This is the first phase of a much
larger development for Limehouse Cut.

Limehouse Cut was created after the River Lea Act 1766 sought a straight section of waterway to link the Lee Navigation at Bromley-by-Bow with the Thames at Limehouse. For years the Cut played a major role in industrial England, with motor-less barges ferrying goods in and out of the capital. Spices and tea arrived on British shores from more exotic climates, while Pale India Ale from the Limehouse Brewery was waved off to Asia.

The banks of the Limehouse Cut were also lined with brick-built warehouses housing everything
industrial – from alum and lime factories, to rope works and pet food manufacturers.

After rail and air overtook the river as popular methods of transportation, Limehouse Cut and the surrounding areas fell into disuse, with the majestic warehouses lying dormant and the waterway silent.

The first glimpse that Limehouse was set to become fashionable came in the late 1980s, when Spratt’s pet food factory was converted into loft-style apartments. The homes became a hit with creative professionals who loved the raw brick and open plan layouts.

Now, a new passion for living waterside in the area has emerged, helped by London’s successful 2012 Olympic bid. Improvements to Limehouse and Bow are happening in tandem with the Olympics, with a Limehouse Cut used a key sustainable transport route into the London 2012 Olympic Park.

Caspian Wharf has direct canal frontage, with the scheme’s architects maximising the waterside views with glass-fronted balconies and extensive glazing. Almost every apartment has its own private balcony or terrace, and there’s a communal terrace and podium overlooking the Limehouse Cut for use by all residents.

The development is well placed for public transport. The newly opened Langdon Park DLR station and Devons Road DLR station are both within walking distance, providing speedy access to Tower Hill, Canary Wharf and Bank. Also accessible by foot is Bromley-by-Bow Tube station, on the District and Hammersmith & City lines.

For those who want to bypass public transport altogether, Canary Wharf is a walk-able commute. Road users will benefit from being close to the A11, A12, A13 and M11.

Current prices at Caspian Wharf start from £205,000 for a studio, with two-bedroom apartments priced
from £395,000 and three-bedroom apartments from £435,000. For further details, call 0844 800 1152.