The Perspective Building, an Overview

The Perspective is an impressive 22 storey building in the heart of Waterloo, SE1, London. Comprising of over 230 one, two and three bedroom apartments the Perspective offers a convenient central London residency with stunning views overlooking some of London’s most famous landmarks from many of the apartments.

Owner occupiers are a mix of urban professionals, senior managers and media celebrities. Rental tenants are made up of an international, metropolitan class.

This imposing structure with sweeping atrium has every convenience you would expect from a central London apartment including 24hr concierge, secure entry-phone system and underground parking.

Shops, bars and restaurants can all be found in the immediate vicinity as well as plenty of cultural activities including the South Bank area.

A History of The Perspective Building

The Perspective building in Waterloo is one of those iconic yet slightly enigmatic buildings that exist in London. Everyone knows that it is a private residential block and yet it has an aura of mystery that leaves Londoners wondering just who lives there and what’s the buildings history?

Well, inquisitive buyers and investors in the Perspective will not be disappointed as this impressive structure used to be the not so secret headquarters of MI6, (The UK’s secret service,) home to spies, spooks and special agents.

Then known as Century House, MI6 relocated to nearby Vauxhall in the 1990’s. Crest Nicholson after purchasing Century House, aptly renamed it the Perspective, added four floors to the atrium area and embarked on a multi-million pound redevelopment enlisting Assael architects to transform the building from a drab 50’s concrete block into a post-modernist, 22 storey ‘pagoda’ for modern living.

Offering some amazing uninterrupted views of London, every aspect has some point of interest whether it be looking out over to the City of London, the West End or a vista of rooftops and green spaces that make up London’s many different districts.

Living & Investing In The Perspective Building

We don’t know if any of MI6’s current employees live in the Perspective but certainly the building would appeal to senior civil servants and political high-flyers. Its proximity to Westminster being very desirable and would benefit those purchasing to occupy or as an investment.

Likewise, its SE1 postcode and central location make the Perspective a safe bet for foreign buyers. Waterloo and Lambeth North Stations are both a very short walk away offering easy access to London and beyond.

Savvy parents seeking accommodation for their London bound, student offspring should consider the Perspective, as many of the UK’S top universities are a short walk or commute from here. The University of the Arts London, King’s College and the London School of Economics all have faculties in the area.

The Perspective is as impressive inside as it is outside. Made up of one, two and three bedroom flats, the apartments vary in size from approximately 500sq ft for a one bedroom apartment with open-plan living room and kitchen, comfort cooling and private balcony. Three bedroom penthouse apartments boast over 2000sqft of living space with mezzanine levels and en-suite bathrooms.

By providing a good mix of accommodation, the Perspective would be suitable for single professionals, couples and families. The step free access, concierge services and lifts would also make this building a viable option for retirees or the less able-bodied.

The Perspective Building & Beyond

Waterloo is a fantastic buzzing area of Central London with many local sights and attractions being in the immediate vicinity. In the South Bank area lies the Royal Festival Hall, The London Eye, The Hayward Gallery and more. Residents looking for less obvious cultural offerings might enjoy the macabre Old Operating Theatre Museum, browsing Bermondsey Antiques Market or sampling the amazing selection of food and produce at Borough Market.

Shopping, socialising and eating out in Waterloo you are spoilt for choice. While you may not find designer shops and flagship stores, (jump in a cab to nearby Sloane Square for your Vuitton fix). Instead, Waterloo offers a more eclectic mix of shops especially the parade of shops on Lower Marsh just around the corner from the Perspective. This includes a well-renowned Deli, Vintage clothing boutiques and an adult fetish store!

What do you feel like eating? Baltic is a hugely popular and refined Polish restaurant, the Anchor & Hope serves excellent seafood and EV a Turkish restaurant & deli is a great casual after work hangout. All of which are a stone’s throw from the Perspective. Horse, (on Westminster Bridge Road)

and The Old & Young Vic Theatre bars are popular haunts for young professionals and the Ring, White Hart and Three Stags pubs all attract a dandyish crowd.

Key Amenities

Day to day life is catered for with many key amenities very close to the Perspective building. St Thomas’s Hospital is literally at the end of the Westminster Bridge Road and a number of GP surgeries are all within walking distance even with man flu! The local police station is just around the corner and there are a mix of good schools, further education colleges and universities all a short walk or commute away.