St. George managing director Stephen Embrey and executive director George Fry

The company was set up on a simple and innovative concept, which is still the guiding vision today. The idea was to specialise in mixed residential / commercial projects in only the very best locations along the banks of the Thames. As obvious as this may sound, this was a radical departure from common property developments at the time. Much of London’s prime riverside land had been abandoned or neglected. Mixed-use developments were unpopular with planners as they inevitably presented complex problems in bringing together commercial and residential constraints. Starting with small-scale projects, St. George gradually built up a strong expertise in this field, which is unrivalled even today. This has proved to be visionary and such mixed developments are now actively encouraged by government and municipal authorities.

St. George has grown from strength to strength ever since. Today, there are twelve major projects in the company’s property portfolio, including the forthcoming Battersea Reach development. This state-of-the-art project, which will be completed in 2005, has already attracted immense interest. Set in landscaped parkland with shops, restaurants, bars and other facilities, Battersea Reach offers innovative living solutions, breathtaking views of the river up to the Houses of Parliament and the Millennium wheel. It truly epitomises all that St. George represents: attention to detail, quality of design and unique location. For the first time in the history of the company, the project is being actively marketed in Japan and was presented for pre-sale in Tokyo over three days last February.

Over the past 20 years of operation, St. George has accumulated an extensive list of satisfied customers, ranging from investors to owner-occupiers. “We are seeing record levels of repeat customers,” assures executive director Gregory Fry, “Many chose to upgrade to a bigger space when our developments expand”. Indeed, the initial plan is often just the starting point of the project. In the St. George Wharf development, for example, which has been a success on the south side of Vauxhall Bridge, the company has just applied for planning permission for the tallest residential tower in Europe. “Our vision is to make the properties evolve along with their inhabitants, to create a modern and innovative place to live, work and relax.” This philosophy has attracted a wide range of interest. While the main customers are UK citizens, developments are also very popular with Far and Middle Eastern buyers, as well as Americans and Russians. “London is an international market,” concludes Fry, “ and property here has always proved a good long-term investment. We expect this to continue, and to remain a leading player in providing the very best housing experiences.”

Following the successful launch of Battersea Reach in Tokyo earlier this year, St George is also taking their popular riverside development, St George Wharf, to Tokyo for a three day exhibition from the 5th to 7th of September 2003 in The Four Seasons Hotel. For further information please contact Colliers Halifax on 5563 2147.

St. George Wharf, a landmark development along the banks of the river Thames