Topics: London, New developments, Property, Safety

Safety in the new residential developments

Written on Thursday, 27 October 2016.

Living in a metropolis such as London will undoubtedly make you think more about your personal safety. When buying a home in a new build you are bound to ask – how much have the developers invested in the security of the building?

In 2015 The Safe Cities Index by The Economist Intelligence Unit put London on the 18th place. The report stresses on how the ‘design against crime’ plays a significant role and the developers can do a lot even just with the layouts of the building.

Let’s have a look at some of the safety features in the new residential developments in London today.

Concierge

While a concierge is not always a trained security guard, they keep an eye on everyone going in and out of the building. They would probably have access to an instant security callout button or something similar to raise alert.

Developments with 24-hour concierge in the building:
Nova in Victoria SW1
The Chilterns in Marylebone W1
Hampstead Manor in Hampstead NW3

On-Site Management

Having the same manager access apartments across the building from time to time can help notice when something is off.

Aldgate Place, London E1 has Barratt’s on-site property management.
190 Strand WC2 Management agent will be appointed to administer the effective operation and maintenance of communal facilities.

Technology

The latest technology uses sensors to increase the sense of security and helps keep the costs of the building down.

Automatic Lighting – common areas are lit up as they are accessed.

Westminster Quarter SW1 has timer controlled lighting to common spaces.

The sensors can also detect any abnormalities, which would help keep you safe, but these features are not very common in London residential developments just yet. Noise sensors could detect louder voices. Cameras could be used for recognising faces or car number plates, for example.

The more commonly used technologies to help you feel safe are:

Alarm System – connected to the security company, the alarm system will go off when entered without permission.

Holland Green on Kensington High Street W14 has an alarm system that is connected to a central security office.
Belvedere Gardens at Southbank Place SE1 has security wiring within each apartment to pre-determined locations to allow installation by the purchaser of a security system.

Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) – The mere presence of the cameras will keep some crimes from happening.

Holland Green on Kensington High Street W14 has a comprehensive CCTV system.
Bermondsey Works SE16 has a looped recorded CCTV system to communal areas.

Video Door Entry System – Residents should be able to see who is trying to access the building.

Westminster Quarter in Westminster SW1 has a video door entry system.

Secure Door

Secure door with a good lock and a spy-hole is essential!

Rathbone Square in Fitzrovia W1 apartments have a multi-point high-security door locking system with a spy hole

Secure Windows

Lower ground, ground and first-floor residents should make sure the windows and balcony doors are locked.

Ipsus08 in Blackfriars SE1 – has security locks to all windows and balcony doors

Gated Community

The gates can make you feel guarded.

Crescent House in Clapham SW4 is a gated development.

Screen capture of the view from Riverwalk website at Riverwalk.co.uk.

Neighbourhood Watch

With SIS Building across the river, chances are Riverwalk on Millbank is one of the safest buildings in London.

Many streets and areas in London are active members of a Neighbourhood Watch Association. You can find your local scheme by entering the property postcode here. If there is no such scheme in place, you can always be the founder of one, for which other residents will be eternally grateful.

Secure Car Parking

Being able to park your car underneath the building is comfortable as well as more secure.

Nova in Victoria SW1 has an underground parking area
Aykon London One in Nine Elms SW8 offers valet parking
Prince of Wales Drive in Battersea SW8 has secure basement parking

Cycle Storage

With several Cycle Superhighways being built, many new buildings now have a secure storage area for bicycles.

Keybridge in Vauxhall SW8 has a basement cycle storage with secure access.

Transport

How far is the underground station or the bus stop you use? A short walk to your home sounds better than 20 minutes through the park.

Vantage Point in Islington N19 is situated above Archway Underground Station

Facilities On Site

Now just imagine how safe you can be if you never left the building at all! Amenities such as gym, pool, private cinema and roof gardens are very common in the larger developments these days.

Harbour Central in Docklands E14 has an on-site gym
Hanway Gardens in Fitzrovia W1 has communal roof gardens
Wardian London in Canary Wharf E14 will basically have everything you can dream of on site, including a cafe

Of course, one cannot go crazy and stay indoors indefinitely. What is the point of staying in London then?!

What would make you feel safer in your home?

Please note that all property prices in this article are subject to change. You should always contact the sales representative for the up to date information.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented on this page is up to date and correct, Buildington accepts no responsibility for any errors contained in the information, or if the information is not current.