London Launches: Fine Living in the Financial Center

Apartments have gone on sale in what will be a new 53-story glass skyscraper in the heart of London’s financial and business district. Near Canary Wharf in West India Dock, the Madison, as the tower is known, will have 423 new homes, from studios to three-bedroom penthouses. The project is in the very early stages of construction. The Madison was designed by Make Architects, the firm established by British architect Ken Shuttleworth. He sketched the original designs of London’s iconic Gherkin building as a partner of Lord Norman Foster.

Step outside : Location-wise the tower will be a few minutes walk from the offices, shops and restaurants of Canary Wharf, and South Quay DLR station.

The neighborhood is expected to benefit enormously from 2018’s introduction of a new Crossrail train line that will link Canary Wharf to Bond Street in central London in 13 minutes and Heathrow airport in 29 minutes. Construction work has just finished on Canary Wharf’s Crossrail station, which will bring over 100,000 square feet of new retail space.

Inside scope : Many apartments will have inset balconies, winter gardens and external terraces. All will have under floor heating and floor-to-ceiling windows with views out over the river Thames and to the glittering towers of Canary Wharf. Bespoke kitchens come with high-end appliances such as wine coolers and soft-closing handless doors.

Notable : The slender design and small footprint of the structure will enable 70% of the site to be dedicated to public use, including over half an acre of gardens and a 2,000-square-foot play area for children. Nick Crawford, director at LBS Properties, the developer, said the project offers a “rare combination of central London high-rise living set within landscaped gardens.”

The numbers : There are a number of standard three-bedroom units, plus three penthouses on level 52 and four duplex penthouses spanning levels 52 and 53. All of the penthouses will feature three bedrooms, larger floor plans, expanded outdoor space and a higher specification. The smallest studio apartments start from £460,000 (about $700,000).

Amenities : Residents will have exclusive access to the Highline Club, a private lounge and screen room on the 16th floor, with 360-degree views, a gym and a spa with a 12-meter heated pool.