Estate agents lists a lack of homes in the block for ‘afforable and key workers’ as a benefit
Flats in the controversial proposed development on the site of the scrapped Willesden Green library have gone on sale – in Singapore.
Even though the first brick has yet to be laid, the “high quality London apartments” are being sold by Hong Kong based Grosvenor International, who are asking the equivalent of £340,000 for a one-bed flat.
As well as listing transport links as a key benefit, the agent has angered local campaigners by listing the lack of “affordable and key worker” housing as a benefit.
On a blog run by campaigners, a resident said: “Like a slap in the face for those on the Council’s housing list, the estate agent advertising in Singapore has made the lack of affordable homes/key worker homes a selling point! “Presumably this ensures prospective buyers have the right sort of neighbours.”
The 95-flat development by Brent Council and developer Galliford Try/Linden Homes was dogged by controversy but given the green light in a council meeting on February 21 this year.
Campaigners argued fiercely against the demolition of the library and the decision to replace it with four blocks of flats and anew cultural centre, due for completion late 2014, but the decision to go ahead with the seventh library closure in the borough went ahead.
Now the one and two-bed apartments have gone on sale on Singaporean site StProperty, which lists the office facilities and wifi in the cultural centre as a key benefit to international workers.
The promise could worry some residents, who have expressed concern over the size of the new library area, despite council claims that it will stay the same size.
StProperty says London is a “safe haven for European investors” and lists the beneficial exchange rate between British pounds and Singaporean dollars as key benefits.
It also recommends foreign renters “enjoy the first mover advantage before China & Indon investors go in big time”.
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