The ongoing regeneration of Surrey Quays
Like many regeneration areas where old meets new, the resulting area enjoys a fascinating blend of geography and architecture. As the name suggests, our focus area, Surrey Quays, has both docklands & riverside connections and is home to one of the largest marinas in London at South Dock. Host to a vibrant community with many places to visit and things to see, the area has diversity in population and property. Surrey Quays is home to modern architecture, luxury developments, pockets of older property, and places of historical interest.
The area waited many years before investment and substantial residential development arrived and took hold, transforming the look and feel of the entire conurbation. The large Surrey Commercial Docks were in Rotherhithe, on the south bank of the River Thames. They operated throughout the centuries, reaching as far back as 1696.
They were partly demolished during World War II but played a significant part in London's imports and exports until 1970. After the closure of the docks, the area remained mainly derelict, with most of its constructions razed to the ground.
During the 80s and early 90s, Surrey Docks became Surrey Quays, adopting the name from the newly developed shopping centre, which formed part of a massive redevelopment programme of Docklands.
The building programme brought around 5,500 new homes incorporating the newly converted South Dock Marina adjacent to Greenland Dock.
Subsequently, Surrey Quays became the modern, primarily residential, popular and infinitely commutable area today. Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe, Bermondsey and the adjoining areas benefited greatly from the Jubilee Line extension in 1999 and the arrival of Canada Water and Bermondsey Stations.
The two stations placed these areas on the commuter map, instantly becoming a hotspot for property sales and rentals by people wishing to live close but not too close to their Canary Wharf and City workplaces. Regeneration breathed new life into these once-unloved wastelands. While close to Central London and Canary Wharf, Surrey Quays has peaceful places to 'escape to' such as Russia Dock Woodland, the Thames Path and Southwark Park.
For those who prefer spending their free time actively, the area provides a wide range of sporting facilities, walks and cycle paths, a boating lake, cafes and gardens. In addition, you could participate in The Grand Surrey Canal Guided Walking Tour, which tracks the course of the waterway that once flowed openly through Surrey Quays. Visitors will find glimpses of the historical past across the area, and the Mayflower Pub is truly a hidden gem.
Opened in 1620, it is one of the oldest pubs in London. The atmospheric interior and an open fire will make you travel back in time to enjoy a well-deserved evening pint with the sounds of the river coming through the window. So everything is within your reach whether you are looking for delicious food, all-night fun, a place to go out for a coffee with friends, explore the past, or relax within the riverside peninsula.
Surrey Quays has a strong heart and youthful spirit and is ready to push forward and develop even further. With new investments and extensions planned, the landscape will change substantially during the development of the Canada Water Masterplan.
Written by Alex Neil Estate Agents
Share This Properties for sale Request valuation Contact us More news