Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXV

1 6 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I E xpected to tower 170 metres above the timeless landscape of London with a unique form rivalling that of even the most recognisable landmarks of the capital, One Blackfriars will be a residential development like no other in the country. Due to be completed by 2018, the sure to be iconic Southbank skyscraper will provide 274 exclusive homes, include a hotel, and feature 14,000 sq ft of shops, cafes and restaurants. The prime piece of real estate, which will also have 24-hour concierge through Harrods Estates, provides those who can afford to buy – and live – in this powerful statement of a structure a truly luxurious lifestyle, with spacious interiors and the unequalled views of London across the Thames, with iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye all within view. Interior designers Tara Bernerd and Partners have paid tribute to the vibrant history of cultured Southbank throughout each of the luxurious interiors of the building, influenced by leading British artists. TheHepworth collection incorporates Atlantic Lava stone, Italian marble and polished plaster, ensuring a decadent textured finish throughout. The designers have sourced the finest materials fromaround the globe. Each apartment offers more-than-generous living space complete with a sky garden to truly appreciate the surrounding views. “One Blackfriars is very high-quality, a specification at the level you would see in Knightsbridge or Mayfair, but with a design edge,” says Ian Simpson, Founding Partner of internationally recognised Simpson Haugh & Partners, the architects behind the 50-storey masterpiece. Conceived over fifteen years ago, Simpson took his inspiration fromaTimo Sarpaneva Lansetti IIVasewhendesigning the elegantly shapedbuilding, surelydestined tobecome akeyLondon landmark. “Therewill onlybeonebuilding inLondon like this,”Simpson concludes. Residents will also enjoy multiple exquisite on-site amenities beyond the 24-hour concierge, including a thermal spa with treatment rooms provided by Harrods Urban Retreat,apool,cinema,golfsimulatorandastate-of-the-artgymnasiumandyogagarden. The location of the building also means residents can access the many museums, galleries and theatres that the Southbank – to many a cultural core of the city – has to offer. London Waterloo is just a five minute walk away. If you’re that way inclined, the Southbank is also emerging as a leading investment hotspot for the city, with the riverfront undergoing an expansive transformation. Victoria Garrett, partner, Knight Frank Residential Development, said: “The Southbank was the top performing area on sales prices in prime central London last year. One Blackfriar's stellar location next to the Thames and at the heart of this fashionable cultural district offers tremendous scope for investors.” Prices start at £1.15m and range to £23m. SIMPLY PROPERTY www.oneblackfriars.co.uk