Wharf Life's Property Supplement, Sept 3-17, 20225

how The Islander Festival brings a vibrant series of events to Goodluck Hope and London City Island in E14

by Jon Massey

Part of the skill of development is the ability to turn a flat piece of earth into a place that will attract residents and provide the facilities and conditions capable of generating community.

Ballymore has effected exactly this sort of transformation in Leamouth. Occupying a patch of land where London’s second largest river, the winding Lea meets the might of the Thames, the company has cleared and reimagined former industrial land as a residential quarter, first with the colourful towers of London City Island and more recently at Goodluck Hope to the south.

The sister schemes, connected to Canning Town station by a vibrant red bridge are a compelling proposition for buyers in an area that’s seen profound regeneration in recent years.

Apartments, lofts and penthouses are still available at Goodluck Hope. Potential are buyers invited down to join existing residents and those living in surrounding areas for the remaining events of The Islander Festival, an annual celebration of the area’s vibrancy.

These gatherings serve both as a way to introduce people to the area as well as a way to strengthen and enrich the existing community. Here are the forthcoming dates for your diaries:

September 20 - noon-11pm

The Street Food Collective and The Lockdown Room will be taking over the square at London City Island for a day of feasting and live music. Visitors can expect plenty of food from a diverse range of vendors plus musicians and DJs. The event is free to attend, but those planning on heading down can register for line-up info and updates online.

September 25 - 6pm-9pm

For this event The Lockdown Room will be setting up shop at the Goodluck Hope Dry Dock with live music, street food and a cocktail bar for three hours of sunset entertainment. Thirsty Thursday is set to be repeated on October 23 at the same time.

September 26 - 7am

Head up to residents lounge and viewing deck The Lantern Room at Goodluck Hope for Sunrise Yoga with Hum Wellness. Expect plenty of poses and breathing exercises high above the Thames. Sunrise Yoga is also set to be repeated on October 24 at the same time.

October 1 - 4.30pm-5.30pm

Layers Bakery at Goodluck Hope will be running a Cake Decorating Masterclass hosted by co-founder Faye Weatherburn. Participants will learn to layer, frost and design their creation in a fun, relaxed class for all skill levels. Booking online is essential to secure a spot, with tickets costing £27.80. All ingredients and materials are included and those taking part leave with a cake.

October 4 - noon-11pm

The Lockdown Room is also set to take over Hopewell Square at London City Island for Locktoberfest, a celebration of German beers, bratwurst and live oompah tunes. Entry is free.

key details

Goodluck Hope is located at Leamouth and offers buyers a selection of studios, two-beds, three-beds, loft apartments and penthouses. Prices start at £405,000. Go to goodluckhope.com

Scan this code to nd out more about The Islander Festival

£405,000

Starting price for a studio property at Ballymore’s Goodluck Hope scheme

events hosting the

Floors of YY London that are still available for companies to let in Canary Wharf

supporting the

how investors are backing the leasing of YY London with a £171million senior loan

by Jon Massey

In a further vote of confidence in the office market at Canary Wharf, Cheyne Capital has agreed to lend £171million to Oaktree Capital Management to support the leasing of space at YY London in Reuters Plaza. The global alternative investment manager based its decision on the reinvention of the area and its prospects for the future.

YY London is a joint venture between Oaktree and Quadrant – a full refurbishment of an existing office building to create 415,000sq ft of commercial space over 14 floors right outside the Wharf’s Jubilee line station.

The structure was acquired in 2019 with works completed in 2023. Since then digital bank Revolut has taken its

top four floors for a decade and placed its name atop the structure as anchor tenant.

Revolut has been a long-term Wharf resident, growing from a startup at Level39 via offices at Westferry Circus to become a major financial player.

When fellow fintech Zopa arrives at Wood Wharf, the estate will boast two buildings branded by digital banks.

As for YY, space is still available at the scheme, which features wooden staircases between floors, ceiling heights of up to six metres, terraces and a cafe as well as restaurants Brother Marcus and Barbarella on its lower ground floor.

All-electric, the building boasts strong sustainability credentials having been recognised as BREEAM Outstanding and an EPC A-rating.

“We are pleased to have provided

the refinancing of YY London, reflecting our strong conviction that Canary Wharf is undergoing a successful reinvention,” said Anna Bulach, executive director in Cheyne Capital’s Real Estate Group.

“With substantial investments in retail, leisure and residential developments, alongside the transformative impact of the Elizabeth Line, we believe Canary Wharf is poised for a strong resurgence.

“We are pleased to partner with Oaktree and Quadrant in supporting the asset as it enters its stabilisation phase, ensuring that it is exceptionally well positioned for the future.”

Todd Liker, managing director and co-portfolio manager for Oaktree’s Real Estate Opportunities strategy, added: “Oaktree is delighted to have partnered with Cheyne Capital in the

successful refinance of YY London, located in the heart of Canary Wharf.

“This transaction reinforces the long-term stability of our investment’s capital structure and allows us to continue focusing on delivering a best-in-class workspace experience for our existing and future tenants.”

key details

Workplaces of 30,000sq ft to 283,000sq ft are currently available to companies interested in space at one of the most prominent buildings in Canary Wharf.

Floors one through nine are currently listed as available on the building’s website.

Each comes with a 278sq ft terrace and access to a communal 7,152sq ft roof terrace.

Go to yylondon.com for more information

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