Today, part of The Elizabeth Line, one of Europe’s biggest ever construction projects, is set to open for the first time. Also known as Crossrail, the 62 mile railway will run from Essex in the east to Berkshire in the west, cutting through London and bringing together the capital’s four main airports with just one interchange.
First conceived in the 1980s, cancelled in the 1990s and approved in the 2000s, Crossrail has famously been subject to numerous disruptions and delays. The line ultimately took 13 years to build and involved 10,000 workers. During construction, its engineers overcame all kinds of challenges: from dodging existing London Underground lines to unearthing medieval plague pits and the foundations of a Tudor castle.
Now the project is close to completion, journey times will become shorter for many travellers. Abbey Wood to Paddington will be cut in half to just 28 minutes, while Farringdon to Canary Wharf will drop from 24 minutes to 10 minutes.
The opening of Crossrail will also positively affect housing prices. When Londoners have to travel, they usually want an easy commute and are willing to pay a premium for properties with good transport connections. Until recently, these hotspots were limited to the streets nearby the Circle or Jubilee lines, but now property values in whole new areas may rise as a result of their proximity to Crossrail stations.
One of the areas set to be best affected is Canary Wharf. For years, commuters have faced rush hour overcrowding on the Jubilee line, particularly to and from Waterloo, or have relied on the DLR or riverboat. Now, when Crossrail opens, direct lines to the city will be much faster and there will be a 39 minute link to Heathrow airport.
The Elizabeth Line, set to open on the northern edge of the Canary Wharf estate, will bring lots of new amenities. Set over six storeys, the building will provide a roof terrace, numerous shops and restaurants, as well as an Everyman cinema. Marks & Spencer and Boots outlets are also due to open soon.
As the profile of the Canary Wharf changes, it's never been a better time to invest in local property. One of the best apartments in the area is Biscayne Avenue, currently on the market with Dexters. Located on the 20th floor of Charrington Tower, this impressive home has floor-to-ceiling windows in its living room, kitchen and bedrooms.
Recently refurbished, the flat has a spacious and open plan design. There are two balconies, one in the reception area, and the other connecting the home’s two double bedrooms. Both offer spectacular views across the River Thames and the London skyline.
Residents of this luxurious apartment will also benefit from all the Charrington Tower offers: access to a 24 hour concierge, onsite security, a fully equipped state-of-the-art gymnasium and a heated indoor pool complex with a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and spa area.
‘There can often be a misconception that Canary Wharf is purely a financial centre,’ says Jason Taylor, Director of Dexters Canary Wharf. ‘In reality, it's a great place to live. There are over 80 local bars and restaurants, and a new school is due to open soon. The Elizabeth Line will help bring people to experience all the area has to offer.’
