Real estate
Chinese developer Dalian Wanda debuts its swanky River Tower apartments in London— complete with plush karaoke bar
Chinese developer Dalian Wanda debuts its swanky River Tower apartments in London
If the name Dalian Wanda is starting to ring more bells these days, it might be because the Mainland Chinese conglomerate has been acquiring a trophy-load of prime branded labels, such as superyachtmaker Sunseeker (the craft of choice for James Bond and Li Ka-shing) in 2013. The group, chaired by Wang Jianlin—currently Asia’s richest man, with a net worth estimated at about US$38 billion—is also muscling in on the London property scene. From geopolitics to the geo-propertied, the new age of 21stcentury pioneers is upon us—and it’s evolving at breakneck speed.
Witness Wanda One, the UK subsidiary of China’s leading real estate developer, now releasing its first apartments in River Tower at the landmark One Nine Elms regeneration site in London, stretching along the Thames between Vauxhall and Battersea. The tower is the second of its kind and connects to a fivestar hotel (Wanda’s first outside China) that the developer has been constructing on the same site. Following the successful launch of City Tower in 2014, the 161-metre River Tower has been designed by worldrenowned architectural practice Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and boasts 103 private apartments, ranging from one-bedroom flats to deluxe penthouse duplexes. Prices will start from US$2 million. The first release comprises 77 exclusive one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with interiors by United Design Partnership.
Those living in River Tower benefit from access to the private residents’ lounge on the 19th floor as well as a residents’ observation deck on the 42nd. In addition, all residents will have full access to the Wanda Vista Hotel London’s facilities, including the fully equipped gym, spa, swimming pool, and numerous restaurants and bars. They will also be able to order room service to their apartments, and
have exclusive access to their own concierge and butler service.
“The apartments have a direct link to the hotel—no other group has done this yet in London,” says Tim Gawthorn, sales and marketing director at Wanda One (UK). “This is an important milestone for Wanda as we prepare to launch the second phase of the One Nine Elms development,” he adds. “We recognise that residents at One Nine Elms demand five-star service as part of their lifestyle choice, and have therefore worked closely with the Wanda Vista Hotel London to ensure that all those living in this latest phase can enjoy the added extras this development has to offer.”
In a recent report, Mayfair estate agent Wetherell explains that it is getting harder to distinguish between hotels and apartments in these buildings, with the design and experience merging into one. “Branded residences are beginning to penetrate the market,” says managing director Peter Wetherell. “These are stunning properties attached to some of London’s highest-profile redevelopments. They offer the ultimate in synergy—ultra-luxury hotels, with an additional wing or section of private sale or serviced apartments.”
The amenities at River Tower include a luxury karaoke bar—a signature Wanda product—open to hotel guests and residents, and for private hire. It’s little wonder, perhaps, given Wang’s penchant for entertainment. His group also owns US cinema chain AMC, has plans to open an amusement park in Mainland China to rival Disneyland and Universal Studios, and holds a 20 per cent stake in Spanish football club Atlético Madrid, which the group bought for US$52 million in January. The following month, it bought Swiss sports marketing firm Infront Sports & Media for US$1.9 billion, which holds broadcasting rights to global sporting events such as football’s World Cup.
Centrally located, the One Nine Elms development enjoys a variety of direct national and international transport links, connecting residents to the West End in 10 minutes, Canary Wharf in 24 minutes, City Airport in 36 minutes and Heathrow Airport in 54 minutes. The landmark development, which will soon become one of Western Europe’s tallest residential projects, is due for completion in 2018.
For more information, go to onenineelms.com