Canaletto

from low prospects
to high returns

History

Groveworld obtained a planning permission on the 259 City Road site and following extensive negotiations with their JV partners, Miller Developments and the Canals and Rivers Trust, the site was sold to Orion City Road Trustees Ltd in 2011 on a 999 year lease.

Orion, alongside Groveworld, who were appointed developments managers, reviewed the consented proposals and agreed that improvements to the schemes’ architectural, environmental and urban design qualities could be made.

Approach

Accordingly an invited architectural competition was held and from this process UNStudio of Amsterdam was commissioned to prepare new proposals for the site.

Based on the height and footprint of the permitted scheme UNStudio's design for the tower incorporates the remodelling of the facade, a streamlining of the buildings mass and a contrasting of scale and detail untypical of a residential tower. The facade for the Canaletto tower was designed to emphasize its residential character and to define a distinct 'Islington' response.

The newly designed scheme comprises of:

172 studios and one and two bedroomed apartments, 17 three bedroom apartments and one 4000 square foot penthouse.
A resident's health club on the basement level, with facilities including; sauna room, steam room, treatment rooms, gym, swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
A resident's cinema is provided on the basement level, with a capacity of 28 single seats.
A resident's lounge with outdoor terrace on the 24th floor serving light refeshments throughout the day and evening.

The building is near completion with residents inhabiting up to the 23rd floor and enjoying all the facilities Canaletto has to offer. 90% of apartments are now sold, with Beaumont Suites still available.