The Stratford Eye(sore)
Objectively, this is an amazing piece of architecture: it’s god-knows how many storeys high and looks very sleek.
But can you imagine living there, on the 18th floor, looking out over a building site, with trains roaring past? What’s more it’s right next to a busy road, and bang in the middle of a down-market housing estate.
And the cost of buying there? A snip at £200,000 for a small two bedroom “apartment”.
The building may look modern and stylish now, but give it a few years … By 2012, it will most definitely be past its prime.
If I had £200,000 to spend on a home … you can bet your life I wouldn’t be investing in the Stratford Eye.
Brennig replied:
£200k hereabouts gets a 3-bed semi. The market is bonkers.
April 5, 2008 at 9:11 pm. Permalink.
pierre l replied:
A few days ago, I was having a discussion with my son about tall buildings in Bracknell; I remembered having a copy of Pevner’s book on Berkshire (primarily because I live near Wellington College in Crowthorne, an interesting building). Anyhow, he wrote about a high-rise residential building in Bracknell called Point Royal. A google search revealed the following:
http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/easthampstead-conservation-area.pdf
The building itself looks a bit out of place, being surrounded mainly by 2 story houses. But Pevsner liked it, but said “It calls for four or five more of identical design. They could then create their own environment.”
Your excellent picture suggests that the building doesn’t exactly fit in with the other buildings nearby.
April 6, 2008 at 11:46 am. Permalink.
Despina replied:
Did you know you’re an excellent photographer SG?
April 6, 2008 at 2:11 pm. Permalink.
stratfordgirl replied:
Brennig: yes, it is.
Pierre: In fact, there are quite a few new high-rise blocks in Stratford, so the building is not completely out of place. I suppose that I am just not that into blocks of flats.
Despina: thanks, my lovely!
April 7, 2008 at 7:14 pm. Permalink.
pierre l replied:
Now that you mention it, I see another tall building in the background. But I agree - I don’t think that’s the sort of building I’d want to live in.
April 7, 2008 at 8:37 pm. Permalink.