Anthology acquires Workspace site on Bow Back Rivers site in Stratford

London Property company Anthology has just acquired a 2.7 acre site adjacent to Pudding Mill lane DLR station as part of a project to create more than 300 homes and 60,000 sq ft of vibrant commercial space.

The site is in the heart of the Bow Back Rivers, which was originally created to link the River Thames to the River Lea and provide power for industrial water mills: The new development will be located on the site of the old Grove Glass Works on Marshgate Lane.

This new Stratford site was acquired by Anthology as part of a £15 million acquisition from commercial property specialists Workspace Group Plc. As part of the deal, Anthology will build a new office centre for Workspace and will retain the residential floors above it as well as the adjacent land.

Anthology plans to promote a new planning application for the comprehensive redevelopment of the remaining parts of the site in spring 2019 and is expected to eventually offer a mix of high quality homes and an improved community offering.

Adam Gaymer, Executive Director at Anthology said:

“Originally, this whole area was known as the Stratford Marshes. The Bow Back rivers were created to provide a power source for local industry, but they were also a means to drain the marshes, so for the land to be built on.

“In more recent years the whole area has benefitted from the extensive investment for the 2012 Olympic Games. Today we are witnessing a true legacy to the games and a new exciting growing part of central London.

“So, in 2018 we are delighted to have acquired this site: By doing so we are becoming part of, and continuing with, the area’s tradition of innovation, industry and development.

“This thriving and vibrant area of the capital will provide the perfect setting for our contemporary and innovative homes – as well as a series of inspirational and beautifully located work spaces.

“The design and layout will be paramount to ensure alignment with Anthology’s ethos to ensure our developments blend with the existing communities. The heritage of any area where we are working is always at the heart of our projects. It’s the way we approach all our developments across the city.”

Montagu Evans acted for Workspace.