The Arc: The Edgy Allure of London
The Arc, a mixed-use hub, is Ghelamco’s first venture into the UK property market. The company is a significant pioneer in European real estate and is known for developing sustainable, energy-neutral solutions. This family-run company was founded in 1985 by Paul Gheysens, and Marie-Julie, Paul’s 27-year-old daughter, is currently running it in the United Kingdom. The developer’s portfolio also includes branded apartments, golf courses, football stadiums, and hotels in addition to urban houses, offices, and retail.
The Arc, is so named for its entrance’s illuminating arches and is conveniently located near both Shoreditch and Islington. The mixed-use building, which was designed by the award-winning firm of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, takes design cues from both the Star Wars universe and New York City’s Meatpacking District, with its bright interiors and the edgy allure of its Art Moderne red exterior. Incorporating the WWII pillars from a prior hospital on the site with the building’s modern 22-story, tiered structure creates a statuesque figure against its neighbours, making it one of the most visually remarkable buildings on City Road.
Ghelamco is an industry pioneer and leader, and their comprehensive approach to sustainability is unparalleled. The Arc is the first UK development to receive DGNB Gold accreditation, as well as BREEAM and WELL certifications for its zero-emissions electric architecture. Its carbon emissions are reduced by 30 percent compared to those of multi-fuel competitors.
The top 15 stories of the mixed-use hub will be home to 100 chic new residences, all with a focus on wellness. These apartments, designed by Bowler James Brindley, will range in size from studios to three-bedroom layouts. Each apartment is bathed in a rainbow of natural light from the expansive windows that stretch from floor to ceiling. The interiors are built of soothing materials like natural stones, warm woods, and finely crafted fixtures and fittings. Additionally, most apartments feature balconies and winter gardens, creating a tranquil haven right in the middle of EC1.
Sustainable architecture and lightning-fast fiber-optic connectivity will come together in the 160,000 square feet of new office and retail space that will be located in The Arc. The ground floor will feature a dedicated lobby, new stores, and a destination restaurant, while the seventh floor will feature an open roof terrace and lounge exclusively for the use of the building’s future office tenants. There will be 413 locked bike racks in a “cycle hub” on the basement level, for use by both residents and office workers. The building will function as a “campus,” fostering creativity by offering a dynamic setting for work and living that is focused on the technology, media, and communications (TMC) sector.
In addition, The Arc provides its residents and office tenants with a number of high-quality amenities, such as a round-the-clock concierge service, a comfortable lounge for socialising and working, a private theatre with seating for 13 people, and a state-of-the-art golf simulator. In addition, there is a private exercise suite available only to residents, replete with a yoga studio and a treatment area. The Arc will include digital support in the form of an app that lets residents remotely operate the building’s lifts, talk with the concierge crew around the clock, and make reservations for amenities and social events.
An Abundance of Urban Greenspace
The Arc’s outdoor areas were planned with a focus on preserving and promoting urban biodiversity. There will be a lot of green space for residents and office workers to enjoy at The Arc, including a huge open-air terrace created by the same landscape architects responsible for Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. For parties of up to 50 individuals, the terrace offers unobstructed views of the City and Shoreditch. There will be a variety of places to repose or host guests, including private winter gardens, terraces, and balconies. The landscaping at The Arc was planned to encourage urban biodiversity, and it includes several edible plants. These include ostrich fern, round headed leeks, and allium neapolitanum, commonly known as daffodil garlic. In addition to the butterfly-attracting Salvia verticillata, or “purple rain,” there is a plethora of Vinca minor and Astrantia, both of which are popular with bees.
A Village-Style Neighbourhood at the Crossroads of Five Dynamic Districts
The Arc’s location at the intersection of five of London’s most exciting neighborhoods—Old Street, Shoreditch, The City, Angel, and Clerkenwell—means that residents and workers here can enjoy all sides of the city’s multifaceted personality. Everything that a future resident or office worker could want would be conveniently located nearby, from the trendy concept bars and members-only clubs of Shoreditch to the chic home furnishings stores of Clerkenwell and its quaint, village-like vibe. Old Street, London’s undeniable tech hub, is only a few minutes away, and the area is teeming with creative and entrepreneurial energy, hidden street food stalls, and gorgeous old warehouse buildings. There are ten Michelin-starred restaurants within walking distance for locals and business travellers alike.
Ideal for students attending one of London’s many prestigious universities, The Arc is situated within a 40-minute commute of institutions like Central Saint Martins, University College London, the London School of Economics, and Imperial College London. The Arc will provide future residents and office workers with unrivalled connection across London and beyond, since Old Street station is receiving a significant restoration and the high-speed Crossrail and The Elizabeth Line are on their way to Farringdon.
Prices at The Arc start from £728,000 for a studio apartment. For further information please visit www.thearc-london.com
