Cheval Residences has been granted planning permission to build a new property near the Tower of London. The building, due to be completed by April 2013, will have 97 serviced apartments, as well as 64 private residences. Guests will have a choice of one, two or three-bedroom apartments.
Work is due to start on Three Quays on April 14, after what has been a 10-year planning period. The site, on the North side of the Thames, has been derelict for more than 20 years.
The name Three Quays comes from the three docks on the site dating from the 17th century: Galley Quay, Chester's Quay and Brewer's Quay.
Cheval has commissioned 3DReid Architects to work on the building, which will focus on the historic character of the area, with the Tower of London acting as inspiration.
The architects' design also aims to be environmentally responsible: the building will have HP Solar control glass; balcony floors finished in lpe, a dense hardwood from sustainable sources; low-voltage halogen lighting; and a powder-coated, energy-efficient aluminium "brise soleil" on the top three floors to improve energy efficiency.
The project also includes improving a public walkway on nearby Sugar Quay, and improving Tower Pier and the entrance to the Tower itself.
www.chevalgroup.com