Pre-2012 London Olympics, Stratford was, for many, just a place where the Jubilee line terminated. But the Games put this East London district well and truly on the map, and modern residential developments (with a plethora of amenities) have been multiplying here ever since.
Stratford’s residential transformation
Here East, the former Olympics’ Press and Broadcast hub, is now a thriving digital and creative business park, attracting big names like BT Sport and dance choreographer, Wayne McGregor. Meanwhile, the Athletes’ Village has been transformed into East Village, a mixed-use development of some 3,000 new-build homes and a brilliant range of independent restaurants, bars and cafes, all set among acres of greenery.
“Spacious and lovely! Great place to live if you’re young and working in London. The resident team are brilliant and very attentive to any problems you might have. Commute is fantastic, you can get a direct train to kings cross in 7 minutes. The coffee shops below are perfect for brunch!” – Zeynep, verified resident at East Village
East Village is neighboured by the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which blankets a large chunk of the area, and offers nature trails, waterways and sports facilities. Here you’ll find London Stadium, London Aquatics Centre and the ArcelorMittal Orbit – the UK’s largest sculpture and the world’s longest tunnel slide.
Commuters should pay attention to Unex Tower, a Telford Homes development just footsteps from Stratford International and Stratford Underground. Telford Homes is actually the name behind many of Stratford’s residential developments. Stratford Central, like its name suggests, has bagged a prime setting in the heart of E15. Glittering high-rises Stratford Plaza and Stratosphere sold out in record time. And Icona Point, a trio of buildings erected with the help of architect, Stockwool, gives the Stratford skyline a pop of colour courtesy of its neon-hued balconies.
“The development is great. There is a 24 hour concierge who are always on hand to help and the staff are very friendly. There is also a nice on site gym for tenants. I really enjoy living here.” – R, resident at Unex Tower
If you’re after a waterfront location, the apartments at Weston Homes’ River Heights make for a good choice. Another popular new-build property is Stratford Halo, a 42-storey Genesis development nicknamed, ‘The Sidemen Tower’, after members of YouTube sensation, The Sidemen, moved in a few years back.
“As for homes at Stratford Halo, they encompass one, two and three-bedroom apartments, all with open-plan living, floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary décor in common. The views are the big draw here, taking in the borough’s vast greenery, Canary Wharf and distant skyline icons like The Shard.” – HomeViews Property Pro
Stratford hotspots
Westfield Stratford City actually opened the year before the Olympics, contrary to the belief of many. Packed with well-known names, this is East London’s most popular destination for fashion and food. There’s a Vue cinema and a bowling alley here, too.
Hip Hackney Wick is at the tip of Stratford’s north-eastern pocket, sandwiched between Bow, Mile End and Homerton. This urban neighbourhood brags a good variety of quirky riverside pubs and cafés, brimming with originality and something of a breath of fresh air compared to Stratford’s heavily regenerated majority. It’s especially lively in the summer months, and getting a water-facing table can be something of a challenge.
Stratford’s transport links
“Transport links are unrivalled you can get ‘anywhere’ in 30 mins.”
Finally, a word on transport. Stratford is one of the best-connected places in London. Stratford station has tubes running on the Central and Jubilee lines to the West End, DLR links to Canary Wharf, and Overground services to Highbury & Islington. Stratford International, meanwhile, offers super-fast connections to St Pancras International – we’re talking less than eight minutes.
You can read reviews of Stratford developments by clicking on the properties in the list below. Do you live in a Stratford development? Click here to write a review.
