History meets hipster: Spitalfields' new arrival has flats with year-round balconies behind a bronze and glass façade

Principal Tower and London Square Spitalfields are new arrivals in one of London’s most authentic and popular neighbourhoods.
From £960,000: new homes at 50-storey Principal Tower
David Spittles16 January 2018

Spitalfields has settled into a comfortable niche as one of London’s most authentic and popular neighbourhoods, a place where history meets hipster.

Twenty years ago the area appeared doomed, threatened by the march of corporate office developments pushing out from the cramped Square Mile.

Noisy conservationists helped to save some important buildings from the bulldozer and today Spitalfields pulses with life, proving that gentrification can co-exist with a real community, albeit a prosperous, creative one.

The area wrapping around the ancient market has a medieval street pattern, a network of winding lanes and narrow passageways that are now lively into the late evening due to the Shoreditch overspill, the City’s growing employment count and longer working hours.

Principal Tower: the first residential project designed entirely by the famous architectural firm Foster + Partners

Principal Tower is a new arrival. This 50-storey block by Foster + Partners slots comfortably into the historic streetscape due to its restrained design — a façade of bronze and glass, with a crucifix floorplate.

Eight rounded corners help to capture light, with views and sheltered outside space for the 301 flats.

It is the first residential project to be entirely designed, inside and out, by the famous architectural firm — meaning even small details such as door handles have the Foster trademark.

There is a residents’ gym and spa with a lap pool, a glamorous reception foyer and 24-hour concierge. Prices from £960,000. Call 020 3883 3333.

Another new architectural intervention is London Square Spitalfields, with 49 flats in Commercial Street.

The brick-façade blocks wrap around listed Toynbee Hall and introduce green space in the form of a public garden. Prices rise to £705,000. Call 0333 666 0110.

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