Viridian Apartments, an Overview

One might wonder why the Viridian Apartments, a brick, glass and timber clad building is named after a particular shade of green. However the Viridian Apartments lives up to it’s name in a surprising number of ways.

With it’s solar panelled water heating system, communal roof terrace and car share service the Viridian apartments certainly has green credentials, and Barrett Homes the developers, have won a number of awards for their eco-friendly designs for sustainable living. Additionally, a resident’s gym and concierge service means occupiers are encouraged to shrug off the stresses of life, no waiting in for deliveries or making excuses to not get fit!

Certainly those who missed out on investing in this development in 2008 will now be green with envy at the prices apartments in the Viridian are now commanding and with the Viridian Apartments being in the centre of the Nine Elms Regeneration area these apartments should remain in high demand.

A History of Viridian Apartments

Viridian apartments was originally the site of an old Victorian school, called Sleaford Road School. Designated a ‘board school’ Sleaford Road School would have been one of the first state run schools, taking over from the privately run but equally charitable ragged schools, in an attempt to improve the lives of working class children providing a non-denominational education and covering the costs where necessary. The site remained a school throughout its history and only closed in 2004 when the present day school was transferred to a new site.

The home of another charitable cause is also close by. Battersea Cats & Dogs home, though potential purchasers will be relieved not so close as to cause a disturbance. Single ladies however may find it disturbing to learn that supermodel and heartthrob David Gandy (He of Chanel swimming trunks and little else) has been known to volunteer at the dog’s home, though we wonder could even David Gandy look sexy in Rubber gloves and face mask?

However some still believe that charity begins at home and the Viridian Apartments was built with a number of affordable homes to be included in the scheme. This can deter less committed purchasers which can only be a good thing meaning that purchasers here tend to be long term owner occupiers or professional landlords. With only a quarter of the 240 apartments being designated affordable housing purchasers can also be assured that these tenants will be of a professional calibre and the whole development benefits from an active residents association and a general feeling of community that is engendered by the communal roof terrace and car share scheme.

Living & Investing In Viridian Apartments

When it was built in 2008, the developers Barratt Homes enlisted the help of Schoek Ltd to create an eco-friendly development that concentrated on countering heat loss while preserving energy and without compromising on the aesthetic appeal. Solar Panels provide an abundance of Hot water while a communal gym and car share scheme promote a healthy, eco-aware lifestyle in the residents. A huge communal roof terrace and enclosed quadrangle use carefully landscaped areas to provide a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Those looking to escape the city altogether will find the Viridian Apartments perfectly placed for access to Vauxhall’s transport hub with the mainline railway taking you out to the commuter belts of Surrey, Middlesex and beyond making the development ideal for those purchasing a mid-week, pied-a-terre. Its South West London location also makes driving to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports an easy journey for foreign investors and overseas landlords.

One of the massive plus points for buying in the Viridian Apartments is the development of the surrounding area in general and more specifically the new underground station that is planned just a few minutes’ walk away. Nine Elms will be a new branch to the Northern Line providing a very easy and convenient commute into the City and Canary Wharf. Regeneration of the area itself will also provide local jobs, with Embassies, arts centres, pub and restaurants all creating a local economy that will benefit any resident or investor.

Viridian Apartments & Beyond

London is famous for its green spaces and only a short walk away from the Viridian Apartments lies Battersea Park, A 200 acre site that has a history as varied and colourful as its current day flora and fauna. The park is very much a family place with lots of entertainment and includes a children’s zoo and 3 hectare nature reserve with over 20 species of butterfly.

The park is also reputed to have been where the first officially recognised Football Association football match took place in ? Before then football being a rather raucous, uncouth affair with men randomly running about chasing balls and playing for either team.

In 1954 chanteuse Petula Clark released the single; ‘Meet me in Battersea Park’ whose lyrics are a call out to Londoners to meet Petula in the park for ‘there’s music and dancing, a place for romancing’. Although not all of Battersea Parks history is quite as chirpy as Ms Clark’s melody.

The song mentions the fairground that was opened as a feature of Battersea pleasure gardens in 1951 as part of the Festival or Britain celebrations, however a tragic rollercoaster accident meant the theme park’s popularity waned and in the late Seventies the by then defunct fairground had become the landscape for the rather eerie opening credits of ‘Journey Into the Unknown’ a successful BBC program similar to the USA’s Twilight Zone.

More recently and thankfully less spookily, Battersea Park has been home to the world famous Affordable Art Fair, which specialises in as its name suggests, affordable art. So not only can purchasers look to the Viridian Apartments as a wise investment in an up and coming area but they can afford to decorate the apartment with original artworks too!