An Inspired Development

Following the launch of York House, we caught up with Piers Clanford, Managing Director at Berkeley Homes (Capital). A highly regarded property professional with over 18 years experience in the industry, Clanford has had an extensive career within the property industry, ranging from Commercial through to Residential developments in Central London and the South East. He tells us more about Berkeley Homes and One Tower Bridge.

House builder of the year,Berkeley Group plc is a FTSE 250 listed company which has outperformed itsindustry peers, has a market capital value of £1.6 billion and a land bank of26,404 plots with an anticipated gross margin of £2.46 billion. What does this achievementbrings to the table for overseas property buyers?

We%E2%80%99ve justposted our profit results recently. Profits are up 60% year on year. That%E2%80%99s a57% increase. It%E2%80%99s always good to invest in a successful developer. We areestablished since 1976 and have a good track record of delivering properties tointernational markets for about 18 years. The company has got from strength tostrength even throughout the recent financial crisis.

How is the level ofinterest from Singaporean buyers in London properties faring this year and howdo you foresee this segment of the property market outlook to in 2H 2012?

There are lots of interest from Singaporean buyers forinvestment and education. There are generally two main reasons. People want toinvest overseas, get a good return and look for some capital growth after acouple of years or they buy for their children who are planning to further theirstudies in London. That%E2%80%99s quite a big market for us and we foresee this segmentto continue growing.

45-50% of buyers are from the United Kingdom and theother 50% are international buyers where South East Asians made up about 30% atthe moment. We have clients from Europe and the Middle East as well. Anobservation is that when there is more financial chaos happening in Europe, morepeople invest in London due to the stability of the country and the fact thatit is well-governed. That%E2%80%99s a key factor why a lot of people look at London forinvestments and I think that%E2%80%99s a reason why international investors are definitelyon the increase.

How has the response been for OneTower Bridge, Berkeley Homes%E2%80%99 luxury riverside development?

It%E2%80%99s realty good. We have got 350 properties on thescheme to sell and so far in 6 months we have sold about 130.So that%E2%80%99s 220 moreto go. That%E2%80%99s not a challenge to complete in 4 years. The response has beenreally strong. The unique location ofthe properties is the main reason why the One Tower Bridge is selling like hotcakes. Buyers are attracted to the opportunity of coming home to the ultimateaddress in the most exciting city in the world. What Berkeley presents tobuyers is a once in a lifetime opportunity as it is exceedingly rare that aprestigious scheme of such a significant proportion is created at the heard ofLondon.

One Tower Bridge is nestled between three of London%E2%80%99smost important icons: Tower Bridge, the River Thames and the Tower of London. It%E2%80%99salso within walking distance from the City%E2%80%99s financial district, close toCanary Wharf, Borough Market, next to a string of world class attractions suchas the London Eye, National Gallery, National Theatre, St Paul%E2%80%99s Cathedral andothers. You can actually walk out from your front door and reach the TowerBridge in 1 minute. That%E2%80%99s amazing.

Residents will also enjoy bring closed to a protectedpark namely the Potters Fields Park, a go-to place for public events andprivate contemplation. This is a park with distinctive local history, andprovides a safe, clean and restful space within the bustle of the city. Thegrassy mounds and riverside walks of Potters Fields Park are also one of thefew remaining green open spaces along the riverside. Residents will be thrilled to be in the loopof interesting events happening at the park. I was at Potters Fields Park duringSummer Solstice recently and caught Skoda's Citi Henge made from recycled carparts by artist Tommy Gun.London is truly a city rich in culture.

Skoda CitiHenge by Stephen Conford

What%E2%80%99s the concept behind OneTower Bridge?

One Tower is made of a cluster of 9 buildings. Stepinto any building at One Tower Bridge and you will be enveloped by a haven ofprivacy as if entering a five-star hotel. Each space within every single propertyhas been painstakingly designed to reflect the needs and requirements ofcontemporary luxury living. This exclusive development has dedicated 24-hourconcierge and security, managed by Harrods Estates and Jones Lang LaSalle,providing an exemplary level of service.

Tell us more about the interior design of One Tower Bridge.

The interiors have been planned by Conran and Partners. The name 'Conran' has been a giant in the world of design for some three decades. They are well known for their experience, feel for timeless style and innovative creativity that reaches into every corner and detail.

The living areas feature bespoke natural oak veneer joinery that iscommissionedespecially for these apartments while each bedroom is fitted with luxurious deep pile wool carpets. What's more impressive is that each apartment is provided with a fully integrated IP-based control and monitoring system which integrates with all the mechanical, electrical and communication facilities. Utilising the very latest in Smart Home Technology, this allow for complete remote lighting, temperature, audio-visual and security control by either using the discrete wall-mounted keypad or a hand-held device such as an iPhone or iPad, granting the same level of control anywhere in the world.

In a nutshell, every detail for kitchen, finishes, personalisation and state-of-the-art integrated systems for One Tower Bridge is considered to create a contemporary spaces designed to exceed expectations.

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About the Berkeley Group

House builder of the year, Berkeley Group plc is a FTSE 250 listed company which has outperformed its industry peers, has a market capital value of £1.6 billion and a land bank of 26,404 plots with an anticipated gross margin of £2.46 billion.

Established in 1976, The Berkeley Group has expanded over the years establishing a presence across London and the Home Counties. The Group%E2%80%99s brands have become widely recognised as being some of the best in the business. As well as Berkeley First, they include St James, St George, St Edward and Berkeley.

The Group creates award winning homes, mixed use and commercial developments of outstanding quality in the country%E2%80%99s most desirable locations, always underpinned by the concepts of design, sustainability, community and regeneration. With the Group%E2%80%99s considerable financial strength and unrivalled experience, they are able to exceed expectations on all levels and deliver value to investors and customers alike.