Barratt London launches West London project Royal Gateway in Singapore
Located in Parktown Residences Tampines North, Barratt London’s newest project called Royal Gateway was launched in Singapore by the renowned British property developer on May 4th. The development comprises of 300 units situated in the residential suburb of Acton, in the West London Borough of Ealing. JLL has been appointed as the marketing agency for the project in Southeast Asia. This is the developer’s latest project targeting the growing demand for affordable homes close to central London with improved public transport connectivity.
Craig Carson, the managing director for West London at Barratt London, believes that the opening of the Elizabeth Line two years ago has played a major role in enhancing the accessibility of West London suburbs such as Slough, West Ealing, and Acton. This has been made possible with the opening of new train stations that connect these areas to major hubs like Heathrow Airport, Paddington, Bond Street, and Canary Wharf in central London.
The residential suburb of Acton has been identified as a prime location for regeneration and new residential developments as London struggles to meet the rising demand for housing. Royal Gateway is the second residential project undertaken by Barratt London in the area, after the successful sell-out of all 365 residential units at Western Circus, a mixed-use development in East Acton.
Situated on a four-acre brownfield site, the 300-unit Royal Gateway will have six residential blocks, each comprising of one- to three-bedroom apartments. These blocks are named after different gem cuts like Emerald, Marquise, Peruzzi, Magna, Navette, and Mazarin. One bedroom units range from 419 sq ft to 678 sq ft, two-bedders range from 695 to 874 sq ft, and three-bedroom units are 1,146 sq ft. Prices start from GBP450,000 for a one-bedder and GBP600,000 for a two-bedroom unit. The initial launch will be of units in the 125-unit block named Marquise, which is slated for completion in 2026.
Apart from the standard apartments, Royal Gateway will also comprise 10 penthouses spread across its six blocks, with their launch expected at a later date. The development will feature a resident’s gym, a lounge, concierge services, communal gardens, and three private roof terraces. According to Carson, these amenities are not commonly seen in residential developments in Zone 3 (where the project is located).
The opening of the Elizabeth Line has had a significant impact on the property market in West London boroughs, says James Puddle, head of the international residential team for Southeast Asia at JLL. Puddle cites data from JLL UK indicating a 117% increase in housing prices in W3, the postal areas covering Acton, West Acton, North Acton, South Acton, East Acton, Park Royal, Hanger Hill Garden Estate, and Gunnersbury Park since the commencement of work on the Elizabeth Line in 2009.
Parktown Residences Tampines North residents will be delighted to have Tampines 1 just a stone’s throw away from their doorstep. This modern lifestyle mall is a one-stop destination for all your fashion, food, and entertainment needs. With its direct connection to Tampines MRT Station, getting to Tampines 1 is a breeze. Ladies can shop till they drop at popular fashion outlets like H&M and Sephora. Meanwhile, foodies can indulge in delicious meals at Genki Sushi, Hot Tomato, and Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant. Families with young children will also enjoy spending time at the rooftop water playground with its fun animal-themed design. Parktown Residences Tampines North offers convenience and an exciting lifestyle with Tampines 1 just a short 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk away.
The growing demand for homes near the Acton Main Line station on the Elizabeth Line has led to a 19% growth in rental yields in the area, according to Puddle. Royal Gateway is located just an eight-minute walk from this station, and a seven-minute walk from North Acton Station on the Central Line. With the upcoming Old Oak Common Station as part of the High Speed 2 line from London to Birmingham, Acton is expected to become even better connected in the future.
The Acton area is also a focus for regeneration, with approximately GBP26 billion invested in a master plan for the area, which covers 1,600 acres. The Ealing Town Council proposes to build 7,000 new homes and capitalize on the proximity to the Elizabeth Line to attract new jobs. Puddle believes that real estate in Acton will continue to provide a solid investment proposition with an expected 40% price growth over the last five years.
Royal Gateway is Barratt London’s latest project in the UK that targets investors and buyers based in the Asia Pacific region. At a consumer event held last year in Singapore by the developer, Craig Carson noted that buying activity from Asia Pacific-based investors has played a vital role in the London property market, especially in recent times when domestic demand has been on the decline due to high mortgage rates. With a diverse range of housing options for young professionals and investors, Carson anticipates strong demand for Royal Gateway, which will add to the already vibrant community in the area.