Clerkenwell Fire Station To Provide Shelter For Local Homeless

The UK’s oldest fire station is to be reopened as a temporary homeless shelter. The fire station, based in Clerkenwell, was closed in 2014 and has cost taxpayers an estimated £500,000 since closing its doors. City Hall has decided to put the listed building, built in 1917, to use after it was closed by the former mayor of London and current member of parliament Boris Johnson. A spokeswoman for London’s current mayor, Sadiq Khan, said: “City Hall is working with the London Fire Commissioner and Islington Council to bring the former Clerkenwell fire station, which is currently unused, to offer rough sleeping services in the meantime before the long-term development plans around the site are finalised and begin.” Based on our doorstep in Clerkenwell, it is good to see that such an important part of the area’s heritage and architecture is being put back into use. As a community-minded estate agent, it is vital for us here at AW Childs estate agents that our local areas of the Barbican, Clerkenwell, Farringdon and the wider Islington area are working hard to support the homeless.

Long Term Future

The long-term future of this iconic structure is somewhat unclear. Discussions are ongoing between Islington Council and City Hall as to the future of the fire station. Islington Council is hoping to turn the former fire station into social housing. Whatever happens, we hope that this iconic building is put to use and kept a part of our thriving local community.

Moving forward, the use of the property, at least in the short-term, as a homeless hub is a positive step. It has been reported by the Islington Gazette that the shelter is likely to include 20 beds and an advice centre. Advice centres are vital in helping homeless people to move forward with their lives. Often, homeless people are in desperate need of support. The right advice and support can help them to rebuild their lives.

Homelessness Is A Growing Problem

If the former Clerkenwell Fire Station is turned into a homeless refuge then this may help to reduce one of London’s biggest growing problems: homelessness. Homeless charity Crisis revealed in a 2018 report that London accounts for 25 pc of the UK’s homeless population. This means that at any one time there are around 6,000 people living without a home in the capital. So while 20 beds are helpful, there is significantly more work to be done to help the homeless in the capital.

While homelessness is a growing problem, there are numerous local projects that are helping to make life a little easier for those living on the streets. As we reported in March, the Exmouth Market project “Take one leave one” was helping the local homeless by providing a direct link between those who wanted to donate and those in need. It is projects such as these that means our local community is doing all that it can to make life just that bit better for those in need. Another local charity, Street Storage, is also pioneering efforts to help those on the streets by helping homeless people to store their most prized possessions. The charity, started by campaigner Rachel Woolf, gives a safe place for up to 20 homeless people to store possessions such as passports, to ensure that they are not lost. It is projects such as these, often started by local champions, that can help to make a huge difference to those who need it most.

A Community Spirit

It makes us extremely proud here at AW Childs estate agents to see the power of local charity work. It is for this reason that we dedicate so much of our time helping the community around us. We live and breathe our local area, and being part of the community helps us to develop a deeper level of understanding of our surroundings.

Character Property For Sale In Clerkenwell

In a world full of functional house building, it can be tough to find a home that retains at least some character. Well, here at AW Childs Estate Agents – local estate agent of choice for the Barbican, Clerkenwell, Farringdon and the wider Islington area – we have a one bedroom home that has all the character you could ever need.

The apartment in question, based on the stylish Farringdon Road, has been lovingly refurbished to a high standard and decorated with neutral tones that will suit any taste. For those seeking a home with character, beautifully kept period features and an idyllic city location, this home is ideal.

Placed in the heart of the vibrant and stylish Clerkenwell, this period one bedroom home is ideally located for city workers and those who enjoy city life. Everything you could ever need is directly on your doorstep! Local amenities include the amazing Exmouth Market – a foodie heaven in the heart of the city. The whole area is an amazing place to explore, and you will never be short of something to do – in this area of London boredom is impossible!

The property

As soon as you walk into the property you cannot help but notice the high ceilings! This home has an incredible feeling of space due to the high. This feeling of space is continued in the living room, where a bay window gives the room a huge glow of natural light which is complemented by the light flooring and light coloured walls.

Another feature of this property is how much space you get. Though it looks small from the outside, the clever room design means that the property’s spaces feel significant. The living room, for instance, has enough room to even house a dining table – perfect for entertaining. The feeling of space continues into the master bedroom, where the light flooring continues, as does the decor. The room also has a window that faces out into the courtyard. This gives you an ideal chance to create a stunning courtyard that you can enjoy even inside your home.

Then there is the kitchen. Also fully refurbished, the kitchen is a chef’s paradise! With integrated appliances and huge amounts of work and storage space, the room is ideal for those with culinary flair. With stunning worktops and a tiled floor, the kitchen is just beautiful, and has to be seen to be believed. The kitchen also has a door leading out to the courtyard, which makes it a fantastic place to cook and enjoy the view on those warm, sunny days.

The bathroom is yet another stunning room in this property. Perhaps the room that has had the most extensive work, the bathroom manages to retain its period high ceilings, but has a modern, contemporary finish that is just a stunning juxtaposition. The tiled walls and floors give a clean look that is complemented by a modern sink/WC setup. There is also a shower over the bath that gives you the option of a shower, or a long hot soak in the bath after a tough day.

Then there is the courtyard. A rarity in the city, the courtyard gives you some outdoor space to play with. Whether it’s a nice outdoor space to enjoy a book on a sunny day, or perhaps even a modest kitchen garden for those who like to grow their own produce, the courtyard offers an outside space that is a blank canvas for your imagination to run wild in.

Amenities

Being placed in the heart of Clerkenwell, the property’s location is absolutely amazing. A dream for city workers and foodies, there is literally everything you could ever want right on your doorstep. With Exmouth Market a short walk away, you may never cook again! The place is a mecca for foodies, and has a selection of some the finest restaurants all in one place.

Of course the place is not just ideal for those who are hungry! The Clerkenwell area is also the ideal location for city workers. The central position of the property means that most of the City of London is on your doorstep. The property is surrounded by excellent transport links, allowing a quick hop to anywhere in the city. The local area is a melange of the old and the new sides of London, and is unlike anywhere else in the world. This really is a very unique opportunity to purchase a special property.

Call today

So, if you would like to find out more about this property, or to book a viewing, please give us a call on 020 3693 9444 and talk to one of our team about this fantastic property. You can also email us at [email protected] and a member of our team will get back to you. Amazing, character filled properties like this do not become available everyday, so get in quick!

New Family Home In The Heart Of The City

While the City of London is full of small apartments, one thing that is often hard to find is a good size family home. Of course the city is home to many single professionals, and indeed professional couples, but what do you do if your family is just that little bit bigger? Well, here at  AW Childs – estate agent of choice for the Barbican, Clerkenwell, Farringdon and the wider Islington area, we have a home that will suit even a large family that is looking for a family home to rent that is ideally located for city workers.

Situated right in the heart of Clerkenwell, this unfurnished, modern 3-bedroom maisonette has acres of space, and even features a garden! Fitted out to a very high standard, the home benefits from a recent refurbishment that has lovingly transformed this property into a comfortable and stylish family home.

The Property

The main thing that hits you when you enter the property is the sheer amount of space that is available. A rarity for the area, the property gives a real feeling of space and comfort. There is also natural light, and lots of it! The rear patio doors are enormous and bathe the living room in light. Upon entering, you come into a living room that offers significant flexibility due to its space. Big enough for a sofa, some furniture and even a dining table, the space is ideal for enjoying relaxing nights at home.

Moving on from the living room you enter the kitchen. Also recently refurbished, the kitchen features all the appliances that you could possibly need and an incredible amount of storage space that has been intelligently thought out to make a very neat and compact kitchen. Featuring distinctive blue tiling, under cabinet lighting and even a splashback, the kitchen has been designed to be not only used, but also be aesthetically pleasing.

Then there are the bedrooms. The three well proportioned rooms are ideal for a family. The master and two smaller bedrooms have all been recently refurbished and are ideal for a growing family, and you could even use one of the rooms as a guest room for when you have visitors. Whatever your sleeping arrangements, this property has the room to accommodate them.

The property also features a bathroom and even a guest WC. The master bathroom features a completely refurbished enclosed shower area over a bath. It also features an ultra-modern sink and toilet combination that is very sleek and fits the feel of the space perfectly. There is also a heated towel rail to give you nice warm fluffy towels on those cold winter mornings.

Then finally there is the garden. The garden features a full patio which makes for easy maintenance and makes it an ideal place to enjoy during the warmer months. As well as the outdoor space, there is also a very useful shed for additional storage. The garden is a beautiful suntrap and could make for a very enjoyable outdoor space for all the family.

Check out the property listing here.

The Area

Of course it isn’t just the property that is astonishing, the local area is pretty good as well! Based in the heart of Clerkenwell, the property is ideally located for access to amazing places to visit such as Exmouth Market, Sadler’s Wells Theatre and many other of London’s amazing attractions.

Of course being located in the heart of Clerkenwell, you are also treated to some fantastic amenities. You couldn’t be better placed for some of the world’s best local entertainment and nightlife. There are also amazing shopping options locally and you will never be short of something to do, or somewhere to go.

We think this home is ideal for a family that needs to be based close to the City of London. Most homes in the capital require a trade off, this one does not. So for more information, or to book a viewing for this fantastic family home, call AW Childs today on 0203 693 9444 or email us at [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to help. Call today as this rare family home will not be around for long.

New Property – Blake Tower, Fann St. EC2Y

London, and particularly the City of London area, have a huge number of apartments available to rent. Many of these properties are non-descript new builds that lack the character and charm that really represents what the area is all about. This, unfortunately, is the outcome of increasing urbanisation. But, here at AW Childs estate agents – specialists in the Barbican, Clerkenwell, Farringdon & Islington, we have been offered the opportunity to bring an astonishing, character filled apartment to the market that is just perfect for those who are looking for a little more substance.

Based in Fann Street EC2Y, this property is located in the Blake Tower complex. The home of the former Barbican YMCA, Blake Tower was the brainchild of Chamberlin, Powell & Bon architects who are famous for their iconic work in the Barbican. Their architectural style is exhibited all over the area and Blake Tower was designed to perfectly complement the surrounding area. A building like no other, Blake Tower has been fully refurbished on the inside to an unbelievably high specification. The apartments in particular have been designed with almost obsessive levels of detail as they were designed by by Conran + Partners, an internationally renowned architecture and interior design studio.

Take a walk through any area of the building and you will feel a sense of the sheer technical brilliance of the design. Each apartment has been designed and finished with an incredible focus on specification, light and use of space that ensures that there is nowhere in London that offers a better living experience. Couple the aesthetic with the fact that there is a concierge service for 12 hours a day (07.00 – 19.00), the unbelievable location (Fann Street is located in the heart of the City of London) and the views (including the Shard, the London Eye and the Gherkin), there really is no better option available for those who love the city.

The Property

Ok so we have talked about the building, now what about the apartment itself? The apartment that we bring to market is a two bedroom apartment located on the tenth floor of Blake Tower – ensuring an incredible vista of the City of London that cannot be matched. Featuring a contemporary design, the apartment is a light and airy space that makes maximal use of the natural light that is available due to its intelligent design. The property is not only aesthetically pleasing, with large rooms and clever design, the property is also an ideal space for a professional couple or growing family.

So, what about the rooms? Well let’s start with the open plan living area. This space encompasses a stunningly well thought out kitchen and living area that work in total harmony. The useful addition of a breakfast bar offers a clean transition between the two spaces that complement each other perfectly. The kitchen features all of the storage and features that you could possibly need and packs them neatly into a compact space. The living room area also offers a clean, modern look that takes advantage of built-in storage and natural light to create an area for the owners to enjoy and relax in. The room is surprisingly large for an apartment of this type and there is enough room to entertain as there is a large table in the living room.

Now onto the bedrooms. Both continuing the modern airy look, the bedrooms are both on the large size, and are easily big enough to house a growing family, or even offer a place for visitors to stay. Both rooms have stunning built-in wardrobes that ensure a neat space and both have incredible views of the city available via the windows. The master bedroom also features a gorgeous ensuite bathroom that has to be seen to be believed.

Now, finally, there is the main bathroom. Like the ensuite, the main bathroom has been completed to a frankly incredible standard. Finished with floor to ceiling tiling (like the ensuite that matches), the bathroom is a beautiful place to finish the day with a long relaxing soak in the bath (both bathrooms also feature walk-in showers). The combination of the marble and tile offers a stunning look and a high specification finish that is also built to last a lifetime.

In Summary

As you can see, Blake Tower offers the cream of London living. Stunning design, large rooms and incredible vistas ensure that this property is among the highest specification in the city. For those who love living in London, but also want the highest specification, the property is a natural choice. If you wish to view this apartment, call AW Childs estate agents today on 0203 693 9444 or email us [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to help you.

Exmouth Market Businesses Support The Homeless

Local businesses in Exmouth Market have clubbed together to help the area’s homeless people with a “Take One Leave One” coat rail. The idea will help to provide the area’s homeless people by providing warm clothes, hot meals, oyster cards and even haircuts to give them some much needed support during the cold winter months. A move which we at AW Childs estate agents are keen to support in our local areas of Barbican, Clerkenwell, Farringdon and the wider Islington area. We ourselves are huge supporters of charitable endeavours in the local area and will be supporting this drive.

Placed outside the Holy Redeemer church, the “Take One Leave One” rail has been left so members of the business and wider communities can leave warm clothes out for those desperately need it in the area. In an interview with the Islington Gazette, organiser Stefan Simanowitz described how the idea hit him a little over a year ago. Describing the idea as “a simple, beautiful idea”, he got the idea from Twitter where he had seen someone using a rail as a way of leaving clothing for the homeless.

It isn’t only clothes that are available to the homeless. There has been the introduction of “pledge cards” that allow people to donate all manner of items that are supplied by local businesses. These include haircuts, hot drinks and even a hot meal. These are all supplied by local businesses that have signed up to help make a difference to those who are suffering in the local area.

The idea was for the rail to be in place for a week to start with, but there has been significant support from the business community that will help to keep the rail in place for the foreseeable future. Certainly with the support of not only the business community, but also the wider local community, the “Take One Leave One” rail has the possibility to make a real difference to the homeless in the Islington area. The future of the project is bright; as those behind the scheme look to extend it with their local business partners – a future we at AW Childs estate agents will be delighted to assist with.

The Rising Problem Of London’s Homeless

The sad news from last year that four men had died while rough sleeping in Islington brings sharply into focus the problem of homelessness in the capital. With approximately 1,297* homeless sleepers in Islington, and a steep rise of 18% in the previous 12 months, it is clear that homelessness is a growing problem. There are all manner of reasons that people become homeless, principally these revolve around mental health issues and drug use (which are unfortunately often interlinked to produce devastation to people’s lives). For these reasons the building of more shelters does not often fix the problem. While this may seem counterintuitive, rough sleepers often take to the streets because of the dangers that shelters bring.

So what can be done? Homelessness is a complicated problem that has an innumerable number of causes – a silver bullet cure is simply not feasible. The reason that the “Take One Leave One” rail offers such a help is that it simply helps to solve one of the myriad of problems of homelessness. While it is clear that the government needs to do more on homelessness, the kindness of the wider community, as displayed in the introduction of this rail, can make a huge difference to those who need it most. So if you want to help, pop down to  Holy Redeemer church and offer whatever you can – it will be most appreciated.

*Source Islington Gazette – click here for news story

Conveniently situated in the heart of the City of London, our new property for sale in the Atlas Building development promises to deliver a premium living space in what is bound to become a striking and highly desirable feature of London’s sprawling skyline. The imposing yet understated design by acclaimed architect firm MAKE is intended to install the dramatically designed building mindfully into its surroundings. We at AW Childs Estate Agents – specialists in Barbican, Clerkenwell and Islington are proud to bring to the market an exclusive spacious two bedroom apartment in the soon to be completed development.

The Property

The property itself is remarkably spacious – with two well proportioned bedrooms – one of which (master bedroom) boasts a stunning ensuite – the space will be comfortably big enough to house a small family or professional couple. Featuring a high-spec open plan kitchen/living room that boasts integrated Siemens appliances, the property’s living space will be a joy to behold – designed to an amazingly high standard, the living space also features a private balcony that promises a dramatic and breathtaking view of the cityscape that surrounds this remarkable building.

The high standard of finish is continued into the main bathroom that has been completed in full-body tiles, and features chrome fixtures and fittings to ensure a modern and contemporary look. The bathroom does not only look stunning, the baths and showers of the property have thermostatic valves which help to ensure a consistently perfect temperature bathing experience every time. The bathroom is just one of the stunning rooms that this incredible property offers.

The bedrooms continue the modern look and also feature helpful design ideas such as custom designed built-in wardrobes that even have internal lights to help you to pick the right outfit every time. The master bedroom also has a superb ensuite bathroom, and the room continues the contemporary and high-spec look of the property with luxury broadloom carpet  fitted in both bedrooms.

All in all this is an extremely high-specification property that features beautiful design and excellent features all with the stunning backdrop of the City of London available from your own private balcony. It is the ideal home for those who wish to live in the city, but also want to live in an amazing space to appreciate it.

Amenities

As you can imagine, a home in this prime area of the city is going to be surrounded by amazing amenities – you are not wrong. Located between Shoreditch, Islington and Clerkenwell, the property is ideally located for London’s transport system. It is also right on the doorstep of the City of London – making it an ideal property for city workers. As well as being surrounded by excellent transport links, the property is also surrounded by some of London’s most interesting and culturally significant areas – there is much exploring to be done in the local area.

It is all well and good being surrounded by amenities, but what about the amenities inside this incredible building? The building boasts an amazingly useful 24/7 concierge that is on call to help when you need it. The building also features the kind of leisure amenities that would put most health clubs to shame featuring the following:

• Spa area
• Swimming pool
• Hydra pool
• Sauna
• Steam room
• State of the art gym

There is also a screening room and even retail space for a unique experience all inside the very building that you live in – you may never need to leave!

Find Out More

With 80% of the apartments already sold, it is clear that the Atlas building is going to quickly become one of London’s most sought after addresses. So to find out more, or to register your interest in this unique opportunity, get in touch today with AW Childs Estate Agents on 0203 693 9444 or email us [email protected] and speak to a member of our team about this once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of London’s most unique and sought after addresses.

If you are looking for the perfect apartment for either a professional couple or growing family in Islington then you are in luck. AW Childs estate agents – specialists in Barbican, Clerkenwell, Farringdon & Islington are proud to present this stunning property to the rental market.

Ideally located for city workers who need close proximity to the City of London, City Pavilion offers a practical and stylish living space in an amazing central location. A rare 2 bedroom 2 bathroom property, this apartment also comes with amazing amenities such as a 24 hour concierge to help you whenever you may need it.

The Property

As for the property itself, it features a stunning contemporary style and makes maximal use of its space with thoughtfully designed touches that make this property feel roomy – a rarity in Islington!

Living area

The living room features an open plan design which allows for maximal use of space. There is plenty of room for all of the furniture that you need and the apartment offers a cosy space to relax or entertain. You can also make use of the private balcony which comes off of the living space, for a stunning view of London. The kitchen area is fully-fitted and comes with integrated appliances built into the kitchen to keep them out of sight. It also features stunning fixtures and fittings to complete the high specification finish that will please even the toughest of critics or aspiring chefs.

Bedrooms

With two nicely sized (master and double) bedrooms, the property is big enough for the growing family – this is also a rarity in the Islington area, as designers move towards increasingly smaller properties. There is even a window between the rooms so that you can keep an eye on the little ones!

With two bathrooms, you can avoid the morning scrum and get ready for work and school in relative tranquility! While we cannot promise complete harmony, the addition of a second bathroom is always very welcome in a family home!

With wooden flooring throughout and an ultra modern fit and finish, this property will be a delight to live in for a professional couple or a growing family. It’s location is ideal for those who work in the city, but the property offers an ideal place for relaxation away from the hectic pace of the city.

Amenities

Being located in the vibrant Islington area of Clerkenwell, the property benefits from amazing local amenities. Not only do you have an onsite concierge 24 hours a day, you have all of the benefits that come with being so centrally located – these include an unbelievable number of transport options that can get you anywhere you want in double quick time.

There is also an incredible number of options for entertainment and leisure in the area – among these are some of the UK’s finest restaurants. There are also cultural icons everywhere! With The Barbican and Smithfield on your doorstep, you will never be lost for something to do! The property is also ideally located for many local schools – also a huge benefit for growing families.

The property really is an ideal home for a professional couple or growing family looking to live in an ideal city location. It’s smart and contemporary and has enough room for a family to live in comfortably. If this ticks your boxes, you better be quick as it will not be around for long.

Call or email to view

If you would like to find out more about this or any other of our amazing Islington properties then please get in touch. Call today on 020 3693 9444 or email us at [email protected] and we can arrange a viewing or answer any queries that you may have.

New Property at New River Head

It is not everyday that remarkable properties come onto the market. With a drive to build quickly and cheaply, much of the design of modern housing is about function over design. So when a property that has bags of character comes onto the market, you can be sure that we are going to be delighted to offer it for sale. With this in mind, we offer this property at the stunning New River Head building. This building was the former home of the Metropolitan Water Board (which later became Thames Water), and has been lovingly transformed into apartments that are full of character and charm. Indeed the property is so remarkable, it has Grade II listed status.

So what about the apartment itself? Well this delightful two bedroom apartment is ideal for a couple or small family. With literally no expense spared, the overall design and specification of the apartment is of the highest order. Exposed brickwork creates the design narrative, combined with wood flooring, light decor and plenty of natural light, the property is stunning from every angle.

The Rooms

The Living Room

Entering the property from the grandeur of the hallway and sweeping staircases you come into the living space. With the exposed brickwork framing the room, the contemporary design makes use of the available natural light. There is room for everything you need, including a dining table. All of the other rooms lead off from the living area which is most certainly the hub of the apartment.

The Kitchen

The kitchen has everything you need, from entertaining a group, to a weeknight dinner, the kitchen can handle it. The kitchen is light and features a stunning fully fitted kitchen. The room has all that you need to unleash your inner chef. There is an enormous amount of cupboard space which is rare for a London apartment and the kitchen features integrated appliances to provide a clean and tidy look. The room is also bathed in light from the flush downlights that are fitted to the ceiling to complement the contemporary look.

The Bathroom

What can we say about the bathroom but wow! Featuring a stunning walk in shower and beautiful basin, the bathroom has been designed for the ultimate wow factor. Tiled from floor to ceiling, it is a beautifully crafted room that befits the overall design feel of the apartment. The specification of this room really is of the highest order and literally no expense has been spared in creating it.

The Bedrooms

With two bedrooms – a master and a second bedroom, you have all the space that you could need for a couple or small family. Both rooms continue the light and airy feel of the property and have been carefully designed to make use of the space and natural light that has been afforded to them. Both rooms feature gorgeous traditionally styled windows that help to keep you connected to the character of the building while enjoying the natural light.

Amenities

Being in EC1, this property puts you right in the heart of the City of London – so everything you could ever need is right on your doorstep. The property is surrounded by transportation options that can deliver you around the city and further afield in a matter of minutes. There is also a plethora of shops, gyms and even cultural icons such as Sadler’s Wells that are right on your doorstep. Talking of being on your doorstep, the apartment building comes with an astonishing communal garden (a real rarity for this area of London), and even a residents gym for those who are looking to get in shape.

All in all New River Head is an amazing apartment in the heart of the City of London. It comes with everything a professional couple or small family could ever need. It is ideal for those who work in the city and is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. If New River Head ticks all of your boxes, get in touch today with AW Childs Estate Agents – specialists in the Barbican, Clerkenwell and Farringdon to find out more about this absolutely stunning character apartment. For more information or to book a viewing, please call us today on 0203 693 9444 or email us at [email protected].