London Launches: Old Is New in Vauxhall

A new development in a once-industrial area is designed to blend traditional Victorian London mansion blocks with Manhattan’s soaring modern skyscrapers. Keybridge, in London’s Vauxhall area, will have a tower, called Keybridge Lofts, and lower-rise section named Keybridge House. The tower, at 37 stories, will be the U.K.’s tallest brick residential building when it’s completed in 2018. Sales will launch at the end of October for apartments in the tower. Keybridge House will go on sale in the future, though a date has not yet been announced. In total, Keybridge will have 441 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses. It is being built on a site previously occupied by one of the world’s largest telephone exchanges, regularly described as one of London’s ugliest buildings, soon to be pulled down.

Step outside: Handy for aspiring James Bonds, Keybridge Lofts, by developers Mount Anvil and FABRICA by A2Dominion, is near MI5’s headquarters and the Houses of Parliament. Vauxhall, which is also the location of British artist Damien Hirst’s new Newport Street Gallery, is undergoing a revival. Research by Knight Frank highlights that prices in Vauxhall have risen by a huge 69% since the beginning of 2010, outperforming prime central London.

Inside scope: Interiors for Keybridge Lofts are designed by Darling Associates, which wanted to pay homage to Vauxhall’s industrial past by channeling a warehouse feel—exposed brick, metal detailing and end-cut grain timber will be used throughout.

Notable: Almost a third of the development has been set aside for the creation of new public and private open spaces, with sculptures and artwork by artist Tom Price. There will be a new public square, central garden and children’s playground, plus communal courtyard gardens and terraces with water features.

The numbers: Prices at Keybridge Lofts start from £565,000 (about $874,000) for a studio apartment.

Amenities: Residents will get exclusive access to a luxury spa with a gym, 15-meter swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms. The Keybridge Club Lounge will have hot desks, meeting areas and WiFi access.

Previously:Dalston With a View