People
Living in Royal Albert Wharf – a resident’s perspective
Royal Albert Wharf offers a vibrant community and modern living in one of London’s most dynamic and evolving neighbourhoods. For local resident Farhana Mallick, the waterfront location, extensive green spaces, and local amenities have made it the perfect place to put down roots and enjoy the best of East London.
Farhana, a history teacher, was raised in East London and has spent her early 20s living there. Now teaching at a school in Barking and Dagenham, she knew she wanted to put down more permanent roots in this part of the city.
She considered Tower Hamlets, or further east towards Ilford, but in the end she chose to make a home in the Royal Docks as felt it was one of London’s most up-and-coming areas. In 2021, as a key worker during the pandemic, she purchased a three-bedroom apartment in Royal Albert Wharf through Shared Ownership, finding it an accessible route to home ownership.
Farhana was already familiar with the Royal Docks, but her journey to home ownership began with a walk around the area.
As soon as she’d seen Royal Albert Wharf, and what it had to offer, she knew she had found the place she wanted to call home. She was then guided through the process of buying by NHG Homes’ expert sales team.
Part of a growing community
By putting down roots in Royal Albert Wharf, Farhana not only found a new home but a new, thriving community to be a part of. As a resident here, she doesn’t need to go far to enjoy the culture that London has to offer.
There’s an abundance of local amenities on her doorstep, including cafes, a nail salon and even a Michelin guide restaurant. Beyond the local, the development is well-connected to the rest of London by car, on foot and by public transport. Just eight minutes’ away, Farhana can walk to Gallions Reach DLR station, connecting with the Elizabeth line via Custom House, and she can reach the City within 30 minutes.
“I do travel into central London but often I feel like I don't really need to, because I've got so many things on my doorstep. If I am going into town then I'll take the DLR as it has so many connections. I shop locally a lot, including at Gallions Reach Shopping Park and also Beckton Triangle Retail Park, both of which are very close.”
The inclusive neighbourhood that is being created at Royal Albert Wharf is something Farhana loves about her home.
“We have created a great community here and that's really rare to find, especially as a young person. We have our own residents’ group, which is great as you can get to know other people living here. When I have friends or family visit, there is so much to do on the doorstep – from brunch to yoga classes to a food market on Fridays, and events happening in the Royal Docks.
"There’s a children’s playground that was built just after I move in as well, and there’s a gym planned. So I feel like it's constantly evolving.”
We have created a great community here and that's really rare to find, especially as a young person.
East London at its best
Although a home in East London was always her aim, the biggest draw to Royal Albert Wharf for Farhana was its unique character and how different it was to other developments in the local area.
The waterfront location, family-friendly green spaces and the design of her apartment were what appealed to her most. The Royal Docks provide extensive views to enjoy while on a run, walk or grabbing a bite to eat at a waterfront restaurant. Residents and visitors can also experience the Docks from the water, with rowing, canoeing, or even a swim in the sun all possible locally.
“I’ve been trying to get more into my fitness, and living here has helped that because it makes me want to get outside. It's so rare to see open water like this in the city. It's a lovely area to be in.”
For more information:
Farhana Mallick, 29, purchased a 25 per cent share of a three-bedroom apartment at NHG Homes’ Royal Albert Wharf development for £132,500 with Shared Ownership which offers first-time buyers a more accessible route onto the property ladder.
She says of the experience: “As a first-time buyer, NHG Homes really helped me to understand the buying process, and what the steps were. I think many people aren’t aware of what Shared Ownership is or its benefits, but NHG Homes was so transparent and happy to answer all of my questions – the whole process was smooth and enjoyable, with wraparound care from the team.”
For further information on Shared Ownership and homes available with NHG Homes, visit nhghomes.com or speak to the NHG Homes team on 020 3944 1715.
