Category Scores
8 Water Street comprises of 174 apartments. Residents can enjoy access to a landscaped private garden. This overlooks the South Dock and the quiet boardwalks and floating pavilions of Water Square. Similarly, the development also boasts an expansive roof terrace. This is the largest outdoor space in the Vertus portfolio.
8 Water Street, E14 Reviews
Write a Review Upload PhotosIdeal home in London
The building is designed with community at its core, with multiple communal areas and places to work from home, there is not one thing that has been forgotten from a TV room, to a garden to a rooftop terrace, a dining room and more! Lovely place to b
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
8 water street is ideal, there are a variety of shops and restaurants within a 30 second walk. Quiet.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
The utilities provider is not the best, they overcharge and it’s difficult to get them on the phone
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
Very helpful and issues are resolved within 48 hours
Great location and facilities
Well-developed furnished apartments, great lounge for residents. However, the lounge could be larger or separate zones such that people who need to work quietly would not be interrupted by people who are talking or having a party. Room facilities are great, building is maintained in a good condition.
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
Great location in Canary Wharf, convenient transportation and grocery, safe neighborhood, lovely pathways near water
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
Be ready for a long, exhausting, anxious leasing process with Vertus leasing team and unresponsive management at the property.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
The building manager hardly responded our problems or issues. Even before we moved in, there was problem with our doors and windows and Wi-Fi. While the landlord recognized it but no one has come actively to fix it. After we moved in, the ceiling of one of the bathroom started to crack, while we requested maintenance immediately, maintenance team responded after several days and didn’t even show up for our appointment. Our apartment is furnished, however, I feel so uncomfortable sleeping on the mattress that provided, so I requested to switch one or at least move this away and I will buy another. Can’t believe they rejected me and asked me to store this mattress externally. The worst part is that I think that they lied to me. As I known that my roommate’s mattress is different from mine, but the manager insisted that Vertus’ mattress are all the same. The building management only take care of what’s on the surface, and it seems they don’t truly care what problem you have.
Brilliant dog friendly apartments
Facilities are great, in particular the rooftop dog park, outdoor spaces and also wfh space. Have yet to use the snug and wine pour but im sure ill get to it. Nothing is too much for the concierge, Heidi in particular, has been incredibly welcoming and helpful, she made our move into the building so easy.
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
Local area is amazing, every single amenity is within walking distance, as is the DLR/Jubilee and Elizabeth lines. My favourite is the waterfront to the rear 8 water street, the view from our balcony is divine. Third space access is also a huge plus, its such a great Gym.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
There isn’t anything, we love living here! The vertus app and plus offers/events are a really great way to meet other tenants and explore other buildings.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
Had an issue with the oven, raised and fixed quixklu
Manager Response
Dear Kelly,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review, the 8 Water Street team will be delighted with your feedback!
We are so pleased to hear you are enjoying the amenities 8 Water Street has to offer, be sure to utilize the Snug, it’s great for a movie night with friends! If you have any questions on the wine machine please do ask our Concierge team, they will be more than happy to help.
We hope you continue to enjoy living at 8 Water Street!
Thanks again.
Team Vertus
Amazing Area, People and Home
very well built, definitely did not cheap out on materials and finishings like most developers. very well maintained and overall friendly concierge. building manager can be a tad rude and entitled when speaking to tenants – makes you feel like you’re living in a dorm with lots of rules and notices. But overall, really enjoyed my stay with Vertus and the neighbours. Built amazing friendships here and the community is nothing like others.
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
after living in this area for almost a year, it is by far the best residential area. everything is very convenient, you have waitrose and john lewis nearby. amazon fresh literally bellow the building and the newly open mercato.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
third space! honestly a magical gym that you don’t get to see during viewings but the membership is part of tenancy and it makes it worth it.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
overall – joseph and rafael has been really helpful during my entire tenancy. i really appreciated their service. i am very dissatisfied with the building manager as she wrote an email to me about laundry which to me, as a 12 months advance paying tenant – found very offensive.
i had some laundry out on the balcony – wasn’t obvious and was hidden in the corner. The email says it is an eyesore to the people working in canary wharf – wow? when there were so many others that had all sorts of things on their balconies without receiving such nasty emails. Shouldn’t there be more professionalism in treating tenants – even if it is a notice.
Manager Response
Dear Christine,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review on Vertus and your experience of living at 8 Water Street.
We are so pleased to hear you are enjoying the finish of the apartments and additional offerings of 8 Water Street such as the Third Space gym membership.
Our on-site Building Management team are on hand to ensure the safety and happiness of all our residents at all times and so will be in touch with you directly to discuss your comments with respect of this.
Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review.
Team Vertus
Great building!
The building staff and management have always been friendly and approachable. Issues are 90% of the time addressed within a day.
The building facilities are modern and clean. Very good community feel, with events for lots of different types of activities.
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
Great range of shops and The wood whalf area also has so many new restaurants.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
I wish I had a-bit more of a building walkthrough or instructions on the heating, cooling and intercom
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
Most issues have been solved within a day. And if that’s not possible communication has been clear as to why and what the next steps are
Manager Response
Dear Lauren,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review, it is really appreciated.
We are so pleased to know you are enjoying the events programme and community within 8 Water Street.
The Resident Handbook (accessible on the Resident’s app) has manuals for all apartment guides, alternatively please do get in touch with the Concierge team and we can arrange for an apartment walk through for you.
Thanks again.
Team Vertus
Lovely
The community is lovely, very friendly and welcoming. The communal areas are great and very accessible. Building management is great and information is communicated efficiently and frequently. Facilities are wonderful and the communal areas are always clean and comfortable
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
Very accessible, lovely neighbourhood and quiet
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
I have always received prompt responses with issues I have raised and they are resolved fairly quickly
Manager Response
Dear Iman,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review.
At Vertus we strive to create beautiful and sustainable buildings and communities for our residents so we are so pleased to hear you feel the community at 8 Water Street is so welcoming.
Our on-site team will be thrilled with your comments so thank you.
Team Vertus
Inadequate security in the area
The development is meant to be dog friendly. While dogs are allowed in the flats, they aren’t allowed off leads anywhere in the Wharf – do not let anyone trap you into thinking that the building is dog friendly.
There seems to be very little regard to the boy racers with modified exhaust pipes speeding down 8 Water street and creating a huge amount of noise.
The developments surrounding areas are full of restaurants and bars that serve alcohol into the early hours. This attracts visitors from outside the wharf that simply don’t behave in a way that is conducive to a peaceful or safe environment. Fights, shouting and directly abusive behaviour towards residents while in their homes is common place.
Lastly, there is an uncontrollable drug problem. The quiet boardwalks that have been described are often filled with teenagers from outside the wharf smoking cannabis.
All of the above are a result of inadequate security in the area.
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
Canary Wharf offers a range of great shops and restaurants and you would expect that it would be a great place to live.
However, a recent initiative to include a lot of random structural pieces of art has attracted a huge amount of visitors from outside the wharf to residential areas.
Children regularly climb the art work, screaming and shouting all throughout the day and late into the evening.
Wannabe social media influencers are constantly filming videos and congregating in the residential areas making quiet enjoyment of your “home” and surrounding areas impossible.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
The inhumane attitude towards pets.
The noise, violence and general poor behaviour of people that don’t pay to live here.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
They have not responded effectively to any of the complains I have put forward – there have been many.
Manager Response
Dear Charlie,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
8 Water Street remains a dog friendly building, with dogs allowed in apartments, some amenity spaces and the shared private garden. Asking for dogs to be kept on leads in the shared garden space is not unreasonable and does not then mean the space is not friendly to dogs.
The Canary Wharf Estate is a private estate and has a wealth of arts & events, retail and restaurants which are attracting a number of visitors to the Wharf. The Estate security maintains a 24 hour presence on the Estate and are there to offer assistance and comfort to our residents and visitors but to confirm, the Security officers are not and do not have the same powers as the police and any anti-social behaviour noted on the Wharf should continue to be reported to the police.
Our on-site Building Management team have been made aware of your review and will be in touch to discuss any issues you are encountering relating to 8 Water Street.
Thanks.
Team Vertus
Brilliant living experience
I appreciate all aspects of the property management. As more and more residents move in and with passage of time, the facilities will need maintenance and upgrade. We should continue to look for more tie ups and exclusive access to events in the area as well as essential services like medical services
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
I love the open greens, ease and accessibility to various modes of transport, multiple choices for eating out, security and cleanliness of the area.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
That furniture options were not flexible
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
Timely and to my satisfaction. They have even gone out of the way to support me at odd hours of the day.
Manager Response
Dear Parveen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review.
Our on-site team will be so pleased to hear your positive feedback and are always happy to help our residents.
Thank you once again.
Team Vertus
If I could go back in time, this is the last place I would look for a flat.
The building materials and design leave a lot to be desired. Laminate floors, flimsy MDF wardrobe, harsh lighting, small and cheap appliances. The floor layouts are fine, however, but are still too small – even for a two-seater couch.
Management is an absolute disgrace and easily the worst aspect of living here. The latest manager is confrontational and lacks any ability to reason through a conversation. She appears to be a simple “mouth piece” for her superiors and is very skilled at riling up an anti-social atmosphere.
The one shining light is the concierge team. They’re always friendly and easy to chat with.
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
The area is very UN-friendly if you’re a dog owner. So, although they advertise that as their key differentiator (or at least they did when we viewed the property), I have never lived in such an anti-dog flat.
The only benefit is the proximity to public transit and the future plans of the expanded Wood Wharf.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
How little transparency the management team operates with. We were sold on moving in as it was marketed as the “first dog friendly building in London.” That statement was true for the first 4-5 months but now couldn’t be further from.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
Management has responded aggressively the only time we’ve raised an issue.
Manager Response
Dear Andrew,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
With regards to your comments relating to the apartments, all the apartments at 8 Water Street are finished to a high spec as detailed on our website and the specifications of which would have been made available to you prior to moving in.
We would like to confirm 8 Water Street remains a pet friendly building with pets allowed in apartments and some areas of the amenity space, as detailed in our pet policy.
The shared garden area has never been advertised as a dog walking exercise area, we did however introduce a “dog off leads” area on a trial basis and unfortunately this led to an escalation in the number of complaints received relating to fouling and anti-social behaviour. Asking for dogs to be kept on leads in the shared garden space is not unreasonable and does not then mean the space is not friendly to dogs.
Our on-site management team remain dedicated to our residents and the safe management of our building and changes in policy with regards to the shared garden have been made with the interests of all residents, pet and non-pet owning, in mind.
Thank you and if you would like to discuss any of your points raised please do get in touch via the Resident’s app.
Thank you.
Team Vertus
The building doesn’t meet fire code, security is selective about only enforcing policies on dogs and the rules change regularly without prior notification.
An hour after a meeting with the fire-department and building management where the five problems were acknowledged and stated that they would be corrected, they announced they would close down the garden and came and padlocked the garden which serves are our fire exit, they also blocked the second exit to our building, but after extensive discussion with security, the night security manager came in the building and asked them to move the obstruction at 2am.
I. We as residents have not been provided with the fire safety procedures in contract, subsequent documents or through the Versus application and when asked to staff they are unaware of where we can get this?
II. There should be at least two escape routes from all parts of the premises, but only one stairwell is in the building at 8 Water street?
III. Where are the water-based extinguishers that are required for every 200m2 of floor space, with a minimum of two extinguishers per floor?
IV. Why is the safe smoking policy not in place as they need to be in designated smoking areas and prohibited elsewhere. The display of suitable signs throughout the premises informing people of the smoking policy and the locations where smoking is permitted is not in place.
V. No fire evacuation drill has been carried out building wide in the last six months as described.
These are all requirements for all sleeping accommodations as per the government document 422192/9281.
The issues are many more than just the fire codes as someone was duping chicken in bags in the yard, which could be harmful to the dogs. Over 12 chickens were found to my knowledge but when asked to examine the CCTV, management stated that they didn’t find anything despite some of them being dropped right under cameras.
A resident through the pandemic also leased out her apartment causing parties of 50 plus throughout the night, of which management stated that they couldn’t do anything about it as it was a civil matter, so large numbers of non-residents were coming in and out of the building and it was reported by many to be a brothel that was advertised on only fans.
The number of drug deals that goes on next door at one park drive, normally in the middle of the night cars going well over the speed limit and illegally parking with their radios on. When we spoke to the security duty manager, and his subordinate, they said they couldn’t do anything about this and that we have to call police. This despite all the signs and warnings that cars and people can be banned for behaviour of the such.
The management of the building makes announcements on Friday evenings, right before she signs off for the weekend and doesn’t alert or prepare her staff. So many times her staff is reading about rule changes from announcements sent to residents on our phones. They are not attentive to dialogue or compromises.
Further, she has shown up to my door unannounced, which distresses my dog (remember the neighbours complaints are about dogs barking and sends e-mails about my personal email to my professional e-mail address. Her e-mail included the health status of a fellow resident (which was probably not something they wanted disclose) and included threats to my lease despite it being an inquiry into the other side of the story.
Packages received by the building were lost before distributed, each shift says to talk to the next shift and when you open a ticket, you don’t get a response.
When people started stealing the coffee mugs, instead of addressing the issue of the thefts, they just didn’t provide mugs any longer. When I inquired regarding this they stated “I believe that all the cups are in the dishwasher, ask the concierge to get them out.” When we asked the concierge, they said, we only have one mug for residents but we can let you borrow one from the staff room. This was in front of a friend that was inquiring about moving into the building, needlessly, he cancelled his tour after this experience (and these stories).
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
The building doesn’t meet fire code, security is selective about only enforcing policies on dogs and the rules change regularly without prior notification.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
This could be a great building if they could get competent management and if they could meet fire code.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
poorly if we even get a response at all, they have further threatened my lease by email when they hadn’t investigated the issue.
Manager Response
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Please find responses to each of your key points below which will hopefully reassure you and any concerns or queries you may have.
1. Fire Safety – Please refer to page 9 & 25 in your Home User Guide which was issued to you upon move in, and is available on the Vertus app under the “My Property” Section. Additionally, as you have mentioned you attended the Residents meeting that took place on Saturday where Vertus invited the London Fire Brigade along with our building managers and Health & Safety teams to provide a detailed overview on the importance of fire safety.
2. Escape Routes & Fire Extinguishers – 8 Water Street has been designed & built to UK standards, and has undergone an annual Fire Risk Assessment by an independent 3rd party. Escape routes and the provision of extinguishers are in line with BS 9991 & there is currently no requirement for a building to have more than one stairwell.
3. No Smoking Policy – There is a strict no smoking policy at 8 Water Street (details of which can also be found in the Home user guide page 24) however we are also currently reviewing our signage to see where we can increase the visibility of no smoking signs.
4. There is not a requirement to carry out a full building evacuation drill as the fire procedure in 8 Water Street is a “stay put” policy. This means, should the alarm sound in the building you will not be evacuated in the first instance. Each apartment within the building is compartmentalised providing you with 30 minute protection from a fire, as well as a sprinkler system throughout the building. The building is also built with fire resistant materials, and various fire stopping systems in place, such as fire doors & compartmentalisation throughout. The building is on an automatic call out to London Fire Brigade following an activation of a fire alarm to ensure a prompt response to any possible activation. So we can assure you the fire prevention, systems and processes we have in place are robust, and we take very seriously. This is also evident by our decision to host a dedicated fire safety meeting for all our residents to ensure complete awareness.
5. Food Waste – I agree with you that everyone should be considerate and place any rubbish or food waste in the numerous bins provided around the Estate – we sadly cannot always manage and control the actions of the large numbers of people who visit the estate.
6. Your concerns in relation to any anti-social behaviour should be reported to the police – Vertus are unable to control the behaviour of everyone on the estate and whilst our 24/7 security presence will certainly act as a deterrent and is a unique offering that our residents benefit from by being on a private estate, our security teams do not have the same authorities as the police and therefore any anti-social behaviour issues should be directed to the police or Tower Hamlets to be dealt with.
7. Building Manager Communication – We have shared your feedback with our internal teams and made sure everyone is made aware of any changes or notifications that go out to Residents to ensure we can provide you with a consistent message or service.
8. Visits by Building Management – where possible we would keep any personal visits to a resident by the Building Manager to a minimum and it is only done so where we feel it is necessary in order to try and maintain a harmonious place for people to live.
9. Mugs – We certainly empathise with your frustration over the lack of mugs and glassware in the amenity space. As I am sure you can appreciate, we cannot always pinpoint when or who is taking the glassware and can only ask that our residents respect one another and return them after use. We will continue to send communication to residents and request that they are returned.
I hope this goes some way to reassure you on the concerns you raised, but should you have any further queries please do direct them to your Building Manager.
NOT dog friendly
Despite being advertised as very dog-friendly, this area is NOT dog-friendly at all. Your dog must always be on lead (you could be fined if not) in all areas which means it’s impossible to let your dog play with other dogs. The closest off-lead green space is probably Mudchute farm (ie inconvenient) – very disappointing. Friendly and helpful concierge, easy parcel pickup, nice coffee machines. Balcony window panes don’t get cleaned as frequently as they should (>8 months between cleanings).
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
Mostly chain stores and restaurants (all underground). There are only a handful of local shops and cafes outside. Grocery store, gym, tube and DLR are only a 5 minute walk. Quiet on weekends; busy during the week with big banks being nearby. Small bits of green space, but NOT dog friendly (you will get fined for having your dog off leash). Too many screaming children outside during the day. Nights are quiet.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
I wish I knew how dog UN-friendly the building and area actually are; I never would have moved here. Many pet owners are disappointed with Vertus.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
I have not submitted and problems or issues to building management yet.
Manager Response
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
We would like to confirm 8 Water Street remains a pet friendly building with pets allowed in apartments and some areas of the amenity space, as detailed in our pet policy.
The shared garden area has never been advertised as a dog walking exercise area, we did however introduce a “dog off leads” area on a trial basis and unfortunately this led to an escalation in the number of complaints received relating to fouling and anti-social behaviour. Asking for dogs to be kept on leads in the shared garden space is not unreasonable and does not then mean the space is not friendly to dogs.
There are over 9 acres of open space in Wood Wharf and 20 acres in total on the Canary Wharf Estate. Aside from the children’s play areas and outside gyms, dogs and dog owners are welcome to exercise their pets in any of these areas. There are also a number of local parks off of the Canary Wharf Estate within a 15 minute walk.
We appreciate the removal of the “dog off leads” trial in the shared garden may mean some adjustment to your dog’s exercise regime but we have to consider all residents’, pet owning and non-pet owning, enjoyment of this space.
Team Vertus
Resident photos
Facilities
24 Hours
Balcony
Bike Parking
Concierge
Garden
Communal Gardens
Laundry Facilities
Lounge
Onsite Maintenance
Parcel Lockers
Pet Friendly
Private Dining
Resident Events
Roof Terrace
WiFi Included
