Over the last decade, no part of East London has benefitted from regeneration more than Stratford, as preparations for the 2012 London Olympics saw the area completely transformed. Architecturally, the area is now packed full of impressive modern buildings, such as Zaha Hadid’s Aquatics Centre, Anish Kapoor’s twisted helter skelter observation tower – the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the huge Westfield shopping centre and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Alongside these modern landmarks there are plenty of new-build housing opportunities, plus some of the best transport links in the whole capital.
All of this, together with its proximity to Canary Wharf and the City, means that Stratford is now a very attractive destination for young professionals, particularly those working in financial services. It is also a popular area amongst students, as the University of East London (UEL) has a major campus here, with University House being a beautiful listed building, dating back to the 19th century.
Fulfilling your lifestyle aspirations…
Due to the wealth of new attractions, plethora of shops, bars and restaurants and surrounding acres of parkland, Stratford is now really on the map as a leisure destination. The huge Westfield shopping centre has everything you could possibly need or dream of in the way of retail, plus cinemas, bowling alleys, and the biggest casino in the UK.
Outside of Westfield, Stratford also lays claim to an excellent theatre, a rooftop cinema on top of a multi-storey carpark – Roof East, and lots of independent bars and restaurants. You will quite literally be spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying some downtime in Stratford.
Getting around
Stratford (Zone 3) is one of the best connected parts of the capital. It’s approx. 15 minutes from London City Airport via the DLR, and around 20 minutes from Oxford Circus on the Tube. With six DLR stations in the vicinity, the whole of East London is on your doorstep. Plus the high-speed line running from St Pancras International means continental Europe is never far away either. Two Underground stations, Stratford (also Overground) and West Ham, provide access to the Jubilee, District, Central, and Hammersmith & City Lines. Stratford Bus Station is serviced by the 25, 86, 104, 158, 238, 257, 262, 425, 473 and D8.
Families will love
For a great family day out, explore the waterways around Stratford and its surrounding parklands on a Lee & Stort boat tour, and challenge the kids to see which of the 84 species of wildlife roaming the park they can spot. If your family have been inspired by the Olympians, you too can take a dip in the Olympic Pool and swim where they once swam! If you’d rather not get wet, then head to the north end of the Olympic Park, where you’ll find the Timber Lodge cafe and the Tumbling Bay adventure playground, a state-of-the-art play area with lots to discover, including rock pools, tree houses and some thrilling walkways.
There are plenty of good schools in Stratford, such as Park Primary School, St. Francis RC Primary School and School 21, which offers both primary and secondary education. To discover properties within the catchment area, contact Franklyn James, sales and letting agents Stratford.
