UK new homes with the best communal spaces

When you hear the term ‘community’, it’s often in relation to rural life. You’ll hear about a village with a wonderful pub and shop at the heart of its community, for instance. But what about urban dwellers? It’s just as easy to feel isolated in a busy city as it is in a remote country location.

This is one reason why new developments offering residents access to shared spaces are gaining popularity in our cities across the country. It’s no longer simply about building houses, “it’s about the sense of neighbourhood, social and environmental responsibility, and about future-proofing developments so they can react to change,” says Emma Fletcher-Brewer, Head of City and East New Homes team.

This culture shift means residents expect so much more from a development than a smart lobby and stylish apartment, and developers are finding increasingly creative ways to appeal to buyers. Patrick Campbell, an architect and senior partner at Foster + Partners explains, “In high-rise living, amenities and community are really, really important. You get an energy from bumping into each other in physical spaces.”

Never has that feeling of community been more important than now with the continual blurring of our work and home lives. Nowadays, we can work out at home and conduct our work from the gym. Developments with superb on-site amenities and facilities on the doorstep provide the ideal solution. You’ll find like-minded people gravitate towards these developments, so you’ll be rubbing shoulders with people who work, play and live as you do.

5 new developments with incredible communal spaces

The Arc, Shoreditch, London

Mere moments from London’s Old Street station, The Arc is a beautiful new development comprising 100 super desirable apartments. Fostering community spirit is at the heart of its design, with a residents’ lounge and landscaped 7th floor terrace providing ample opportunities for socialising and networking. An on-site yoga studio, fitness suite and golf simulator offer yet more spaces to relax and unwind with others.

The light-filled apartments are styled by award-winning interior design consultancy, Bowler James Brindley. Tech City and the financial district are within walking distance, along with the popular neighbourhoods of Shoreditch and Islington.

Prices from £730,000. For further information, please contact Jeremy Griffiths on +447976 739613.

SETL, Birmingham

SETL comprises 102 high spec one and two bedroom apartments in the heart of the popular Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham’s city centre. Wellness and work space are key features of the developments, with a well-equipped working lounge and fitness studio offering places to focus, study, work out, reset or wind down. Head to the rooftop garden to enjoy panoramic views over the city, perhaps with a cocktail in hand. It’s the perfect blend of high-octane city living and a calm oasis offering ample tranquil spaces.

The contemporary apartments have been meticulously designed with luxury features and fixtures, as well as smart media and connectivity points. SETL is a great place to live, work and enjoy life.

Prices from £250,000. For further information, please contact Megan Robottom on +44121 233 6435.

Hurlingham Waterfront, Fulham, London

Luxury residential scheme, Hurlingham Waterfront in Fulham, is set to become a new destination on the South West London riverside. Alongside the collection of 269 contemporary and beautifully designed apartments, there’ll be an exciting mix of retail and leisure options. 

World class on-site amenities, exclusive to its residents, include a pool, spa and gym. The work lounge and café, along with a private outdoor space, encourage residents to socialise and connect. In summer, the area will really come alive as people come together beside the river or in the development’s private podium garden.

Prices from £595,000. For further information, please contact Sam Fifield on +4420 7167 2494.

The Grand Exchange, Bracknell

The Grand Exchange introduces new ways of living to the evolving commuter town of Bracknell in the glorious Berkshire countryside. 

The Grand Exchange comprises a range of one and two bedroom apartments with remarkable spaces that provide wide-ranging opportunities to meet your neighbours. The expansive atrium of The Garden Room is an ideal space for entertaining guests or simply relaxing. The Lexicon Club provides an alternative stylish space for private dinner parties. The Exchange Club is a co-working hub where you can stay connected with colleagues remotely as well as with fellow professional residents. Then there’s the Life Club health and fitness zone and treatment rooms.

Prices range from £300,000 to £449,950. For more information, please contact Lucy Clifton on +441483 543486.

The Bank, Brindley Place, Birmingham

Standing proudly in the heart of Birmingham city centre, The Bank comprises 33 storeys of luxury one to three bedroom apartments. Residents can make use of the private gym, residents’ lounge and coffee bar, private dining room, 24 hour concierge, plus private outdoor area. A residents-only app makes it easy to share information and news of events with neighbours in the community.

The Bank’s prime position in vibrant Brindley Place with its lively bars and great restaurants also means you have immediate access to the city life beyond your front door. It’s an easy walk to the city’s tram, train stations and business hubs too.

Prices from £295,000. For further information, please contact Imogen Tudor on +44121 233 5411.

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