Surrey Quays

Surrey Quays in Rotherhithe, South East London, is a modern residential area in the Borough of Southwark. Originally forming part of the East London docklands, the neighbourhood has a historic past and a thriving, modern appeal for young city workers wanting easy access to central London and Canary Wharf. With convenient transport links in the form of overground, underground, and rail, other areas of London are within easy reach.

For residents, Surrey Quays has much to offer. The vast majority of properties are modern or new-build, developed from the 1980s until the present day. Upscale apartments, townhouses, and terraces are typical of the area and popular with financial and technology workers. The wide array of shopping opportunities, plus restaurants, pubs, cafes, and leisure on the doorstep makes the Quays a popular choice for individuals, young couples, and even families.

History

Surrey Quays has a fascinating history with roots dating back to around the 1700s. This area of London was long used for shipping and industrial purposes, most notably dockyards. Known historically as Surrey Docks, the area largely consisted of dockyards, warehouses, and some residential housing. A merger of local docking companies in 1865 formed the Surrey Commercial Docks Company, eventually placing much of the area under the control of a single commercial entity. The Port of London Authority assumed eventual responsibility for the docks in 1908.

It was not until the Second World War that the face of the docklands eventually changed beyond recognition. Large parts of the area were completely destroyed in bombing raids, prompting many residents to move into other areas of the city. After years of disuse, the Thatcher government in 1981 commissioned the London Docklands Development Corporation. This company was responsible for the subsequent redevelopment of the area. Any existing buildings and housing were destroyed to make way for massive, mainly residential, redevelopment.

Modern Era

Today, Surrey Quays provides differing types of modern accommodation in a highly sought-after location. Being ideally situated between Canary Wharf and the City of London, it is best suited to individuals, young couples, and city workers. Residential developments are set around charming marinas and close to a plethora of amenities, including restaurants, shops, cafes, and leisure activities. Apartments, terraces, townhouses, and even high-end penthouses are situated here.

Surrey Quays overlooks the ongoing developments at Canary Wharf, providing both new home buyers and renters with enviable views across the Thames, especially at night. The area is constantly evolving, with ultra-modern apartment complexes appearing alongside somewhat older but still relatively modern 1980s developments. The neighbourhood itself has a quieter, more relaxed aura than many other central London areas, giving it a community feel that is popular with many of its residents.

Demographics

Surrey Quays largely attracts professional workers seeking easy access to Canary Wharf and other areas of central London, especially the City of London. Like most areas of the city, there is a mixture of cultures and languages spoken, although residents are primarily White British. Having said that, there is also a sizeable Chinese and smaller Scandinavian community within the immediate area.

With the average age of residents being in the early-30s, the area has a youthful and dynamic feel, with nearby amenities catering to a younger audience. As a result, Surrey Quays is popular with individuals, professionals, and young families. Even so, slightly older age groups will still feel at home in this attractive and well-located neighbourhood.

Parks & Recreation Areas

One of the major attractions of Surrey Quays is the abundance of green spaces within close proximity. There are many parks and recreation areas for relaxation, dog walking, socialising, exercise, and more. The large Southwark Park is a short walking distance away and offers walking trails, an art gallery, athletics centre, cricket club, and ornamental gardens. Similarly, the smaller and historic Deptford Park has ample space for activities, especially for children with its playpark and wide-open spaces.

Head north to find Stave Hill Ecological Park, a 5.2-acre expanse of green space based on the original Stave Dock. This park is an idyllic spot for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the city. King's Stairs Gardens, approximately 10 to 15 minutes walk from Surrey Quays station, is also well worth exploring and provides stunning views across the river. A variety of sports grounds and facilities can also be found within the immediate area, such as sailing, tennis, football, rugby, and more.

For people fond of walks, the riverside is a picturesque location and offers fantastic views across the Thames towards Canary Wharf. Areas around Barnard's Wharf, the Thames Path, and Tide Gauge House are popular with runners, dog walkers, and those wanting to experience the sights and sounds of the river. Deptford Wharf in particular provides ample space for riverside walking and running.

Transport

Easy access to transport options makes Surrey Quays the perfect location to explore all that London has to offer. Situated in Zone 2, the area is convenient for accessing central London and many of the outer suburbs as well. Surrey Quays train station provides overground services on the East London Line and also has regular bus connections. Canada Water station, within walking distance, offers both overground rail and underground services on the Jubilee line.

Besides being close to local rail and frequent bus services, the natural location of Surrey Quays allows residents to take advantage of the Thames Clipper ferry. In fact, many Canary Wharf workers use this option from Greenland Surrey Quays Pier and Nelson Dock Pier just further north. It is a convenient, fast way to cross the river without having to contend with the busy rail and underground services. As well as public transport, the neighbourhood has numerous safe cycling routes available.

Property

The vast majority of the property available in Surrey Quays is modern, dating from the 1980s up to the present day. The area is perfect for professional workers seeking contemporary apartments near many amenities, services, and transport hubs. There are a plethora of newbuild apartment complexes alongside townhouses and terraces. Several converted warehouse developments are also within the vicinity and have great appeal with those seeking contemporary living spaces.

For families and people wanting more space, detached and semi-detached properties are available more inland, away from the marina and riverside. And for those wanting something a little different, houseboats scattered around the marinas offer an affordable and quirky way to experience the Quays.

The centrepiece of the area is Greenland Dock and South Dock, around which a series of stylish apartments can be found. Many properties are set directly next to the marinas with some boasting views across to neighbouring Canary Wharf — an impressive sight, especially at night. Several complexes also have riverside views.

There is certainly less hustle and bustle in Surrey Quays than in central London, making it popular for people who want a more relaxed pace of life while still being convenient for travel to other areas. That said, local amenities are such that there is plenty to do directly on the doorstep. Whether renting or for homeowners, the area has much to offer different age groups, individuals, and families alike.

Estate Agents in Surrey Quays

Bennett Mason is a friendly, experienced estate agent operating in Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe, and around several other London locations. We have great knowledge of the area and can source properties for purchase, rental, or property management. For further details about our property services in Surrey Quays, get in touch with us today or continue reading more about the waterside Surrey Quays neighbourhood.

Education

Surrey Quays attracts many professional workers, some with young families. The education in the area is ample, with many primary and secondary schools gaining ‘good’, ‘very good’, and ‘outstanding’ Ofsted inspection reports. There is also a selection of high-quality daycare and nursery providers. Some specialist schools can also be found within the vicinity, including those a short travelling distance away.

Transport to and from schools is convenient and regular. There is not as much busy traffic than in central London, making journeys less stressful and quicker. Besides primary and secondary schools, Surrey Quays also has a selection of colleges nearby, including Blake Hall College. A short distance away in Bermondsey, other colleges include the London College of Social Studies, City Banking College, among others.

Restaurants

Surrey Quays has no shortage of exciting restaurants to try. Many cuisines and cultures are represented, including Japanese, Korean, Italian, Indian, British, Vietnamese, Greek, and more. There are several restaurants within walking distance of Greenland Dock, including some popular chain eateries. The nearby Surrey Quays shopping centre also boasts an excellent supply of restaurants.

Nearby Canary Wharf is a mecca for restaurants and within a short travelling distance from Surrey Quays. There is a wide mixture of cuisines, including cheap eats, mid-range fare, and even high-end dining. Besides dedicated restaurants, the area has an interesting mix of gastropubs selling traditional pub grub. There are also many cafes (some with waterside views) selling breakfasts, cakes, and similar.

Pubs & Nightlife

Away from the glitz and glamour of the West End, Surrey Quays offers a more traditional, picturesque nightlife vibe. The area is fortunate to have many traditional and historic public houses, many set among the marinas or with riverside views. The Mayflower Pub in Rotherhithe is one such example and named after a ship that set sail from docks to carry the Pilgrim Fathers to America in 1620.

Surrey Quays Leisure Park, incorporating the Hollywood Bowl, is another hotspot for evening entertainment, as are the plethora of restaurants in the immediate area. The 16-acre Printworks is a redeveloped warehouse that plays host to regular events throughout the year. For film lovers, ODEON Surrey Quays is a must-visit and packs 9 screens. It showcases the latest releases in both 2D and 3D formats.

Shopping

The centrepiece of the shopping offer is the Surrey Quays shopping centre itself, located just minutes away from Greenland Dock. The centre has a modern, airy feel and is packed full of ‘big brand’ stores, restaurants, and eateries. Being undercover, this is the perfect destination to shop no matter what the weather. Next door, a large Tesco Extra store offers food, clothing, electricals, and other many services.

There are also many convenience stores and service shops within walking distance from the quays, including a Lidl, Sainsbury's Local, and a number of independent shops. Nearby Deptford provides more of a traditional high street experience, with countless independent stores and service providers. Transport to the West End is possible by using the Canada Water and Surrey Quays tube station.

Summary

Surrey Quays is a relatively new, redeveloped area in South East London, offering many waterside and riverside apartment complexes, plus several other types of dwellings. The neighbourhood is especially popular with professionals who work in Canary Wharf, although some families live in the area as well. While proximity to both the City and Canary Wharf is a major draw for many, the Quays suit anyone looking for a slightly slower pace of life while still within easy reach of central London. Transport links to the rest of the city are good, with tube stations and rail a short walk away.

Here at Bennett Mason, we specialise in properties for sale and to rent in Surrey Quays and many other areas of London. Our team has specialist knowledge and great experience in the local property market. Get in touch with us today to speak to an agent and to view our range of properties, including apartments, terraces, and detached housing.