Close-knit communities are becoming harder to find, particularly in cities, with almost half of British people wishing for a greater sense of community spirit in their neighbourhood.[1]Rural villages are stereotypically home to the most cohesive communities, and, thanks to a strong focus on establishing an inclusive society, Greenwich Millennium Village, in London SE10, lives up to its name.
A joint venture between Countryside and Taylor Wimpey supported by the Mayor of London, GMV is an active, welcoming community situated just a few minutes from central London. One of the most exciting and innovative residential neighbourhoods in Europe, GMV offers everything a community needs to grow: excellent transport links, a health centre, shops, leisure facilities, green open spaces and the ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted-rated Millennium Primary School. The homes are thoughtfully laid out around attractive garden squares, while the traditional Village Square creates a vibrant hub for residents at the heart of the development.
Village manager, Bill Clarke, says of the development: “GMV has a growing strong, community feel, with residents who care about their homes and the surrounding environment. In addition, the small businesses in the village square provide a focal point of the village as a whole.
GMV – Urban Village
Greenwich Yacht Club’s Commodore, Steve Wilson, also recognises the value of such an exciting new village in London, saying: “We’re about being part of the community and so is GMV. We’re part of the landscape and as the village grows we’re part of that story.”
Joanna Gledhill, Headteacher of Millennium Primary School, also speaks highly of the neighbourhood blossoming here: “GMV is special because it has a real sense of community. Many of our children and families live in the village, and the local shops and businesses get involved in our Winter and Summer Fayres. We try hard to create links with the local community, enjoy taking part in the GMV annual Carol Concert and are always welcoming of any local visitors.”
Chris Bladon, Director of GMV Limited, comments: “We’re thrilled to be developing such a vibrant and exciting new village in Greenwich, and it’s nice to see, the sense of community is flourishing.”
Iverna Quay, the latest phase of new homes, is a striking contemporary ten-storey building, comprising one, two and three-bedroom apartments, maisonettes and split-level überhaus, designed to enhance its waterside setting and the surrounding architecture.
Every home benefits from a private garden or balcony, some of which run the entire length of the property. Bright, open plan living spaces and full height glazing provide flexible accommodation flooded with natural light. The kitchens are fitted with contemporary stone grey gloss units with white stone worktops, ceramic floor tiles and a full range of integrated appliances. The clean, contemporary feel continues in the bathrooms, featuring feature sleek white sanitary ware, and throughout the living spaces with classic oak flooring and plenty of built in storage.
On the peninsula, 50 acres of land has been developed as parkland, including the on-site four-acre ecology park, which features an inner and an outer pond where residents can enjoy spending time relaxing and watching the fascinating variety of wildlife that lives in this urban oasis. Residents can also take advantage of the huge amount of green open space with landscaped courtyards and a new eco play area, a welcome addition as part of the village for children to safely explore. All of this, and yet the world famous O2 Arena and all its leisure and entertainment attractions are just a short walk away.
Despite feeling altogether somewhere else, GMV is just two minutes from Canary Wharf via the Jubilee Line, or 19 minutes from Bank station in the heart of the city via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Thames Clippers provide frequent services from North Greenwich Pier, while the Emirates Air Line cable car connects quickly and easily to the Royal Docks on the opposite side of the Thames.
[1]http://www.premierfoods.co.uk/media/news-releases/Items/How-is-your-community-spirit-York-tops-the-table,
