Southbank Place

Waterside super-prime

Wandsworth @ 120 Years

“We knew Wandsworth would provide something that would last.”

– Alastair Ley, Canary Wharf Group

Heritage

Located on the site of the pioneering 1951 Festival of Britain, Southbank Place is a cluster of prestigious residential and commercial buildings which encircle the iconic 27-storey Shell Centre Tower, in London.

The Tower was designed for Shell Group by American-born Sir Howard Robertson, a former President of the Royal British Institute of Architects, and built between 1957 and 1962. It exemplified what the Modern Movement could offer – exteriors clad in Portland Stone with bronze-framed upright windows, an ingenious Thames water air-cooling system, and unparalleled facilities for a 5,000-strong staff. These included a swimming pool, Cecil Beaton-designed theatre, rifle range, and supermarket.

(Image: The Shell Tower)

“We were delighted to be specified on all the residential dwellings… We respected the high standards set at Southbank Place and were confident our team was equipped to deliver to them.”

– Steve Barber, Wandsworth Group

INGENUITY

Today’s Southbank Place is a joint venture between Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar, masterminded by architects Squire & Partners. It marries urban design principles with a mid-century spirit of innovation, to create luxury spaces within the district’s historical and cultural fabric. It comprises five new residential buildings, designed by five different architects and two interior design teams.

“We were delighted to be specified on all the residential dwellings,” says Wandsworth’s Senior Design Manager, Steve Barber. ‘We respected the high standards set at Southbank Place and were confident our team was equipped to deliver to them.”

“With this kind of super-prime project, with a high-end finish, we’re always looking for products that are versatile and don’t date or age,” says Alastair Ley, Residential Design Project Executive at Canary Wharf Group. Stressing that it’s not solely about aesthetics, he adds, “We need something that’s robust enough to stand up to the construction cycle – we’re always very careful about what we look at and how we narrow down cost versus quality… we knew Wandsworth would provide something that would last.”

“When you’re dealing on that level… these are very discerning people… they know if it’s expensive or cheap… What’s important is that six years down the road they’d know the quality.”

– Alistar Ley, Canary Whalf Group

Bespoke Penthouse twin switched socket with USB and 3amp socket in Wandsworth White

Penthouse media plate and Penthouse twin switched socket with USB in Antique Bronze

Bespoke Penthouse twin switched socket with USB, 3amp socket and data outlet in Wandsworth White

Delivery

“We were ready with whatever our client needed,” says Wandsworth’s Steve Barber. “In this case, they chose our Penthouse range in varying shades of bronze and white, together with satin nickel finishes in the kitchens, which were designed by Johnson Naylor. The results were seamless, and the apartments are breath-taking. We’re proud to have been part of such an inspiring project.”

“Wandsworth were excellent in trying different samples and sample boards,” says Alastair Ley, referencing Wandsworth’s Sales Team’s care over the apartments’ bespoke panels, “everything from 5 amp to 13 amp to TV controls to USB ports – they made plates to suit the design; that was important to us.”

With all completed homes sold, Southbank Place’s residents are now waking up in modern, meticulously designed apartments, with complementary electrical accessories. “When you’re dealing on that level… these are very discerning people,” he adds. “They’re not interested in logoed plates and sockets, but they know if it’s expensive or cheap… What’s important is that six years down the road they’d know the quality.”

“The results were seamless, and the apartments are breath-taking. We’re proud to have been part of such an inspiring project.”

– Steve Barber, Wandsworth Group