FAQs - East Wick + Sweetwater

Who is behind East Wick + Sweetwater?

1. Why East Wick + Sweetwater?

East Wick was suggested as part of a competition to name the new neighbourhoods on the Park, by Oliver O’Brien from Hackney, to reference its extension of the area of Hackney Wick east into the park.

Sweetwater was suggested by Kevin Murtagh from Reading, as a reference to the area’s former Clarnico sweet factory, along with its waterways.

2. Who is developing EW+S?

EW+S is a Joint Venture between Places for People and Balfour Beatty Investments, selected by the London Legacy Development Corporation to deliver the six development parcels that form EW+S. Hill are our construction partner for phase two of EW+S.

3. Who owns the land at East Wick and Sweetwater and the surrounding area?

LLDC is the freeholder of the land at East Wick and Sweetwater, however some homes will be available on a freehold basis.

4. Who is LLDC and where can I find more information?

Formed in 2012, the London Legacy Development Corporation is a Mayoral Development Corporation responsible for delivering one of the Olympic legacy promises; the long-term planning, development, management and maintenance of the Park and its impact on the surrounding area after the London 2012 Games.

For more information about LLDC, visit their website.

5. Who is selling the homes?

East Wick and Sweetwater is responsible for all marketing, advertising and sales of all new homes at the development.

6. Who has overall responsibility for the project?

East Wick and Sweetwater is responsible for delivering the new homes on behalf of LLDC.

Planning

1. How many homes will be built at EW+S?

Across the lifetime of the development, more than 1,800 homes will be built.

2. Are you providing anything else other than new homes?

Yes absolutely! We’re creating new commercial spaces, which include offices, workspaces and retail premises, as well as spaces for food and beverage businesses. East Wick and Sweetwater are already home to Clarnico Club, Tesco Express, Temptation Beauty, The Body People, The Private Spa and Duffy Boxing. We’re also creating new landscaped outdoor areas and at least one nursery. As the development progresses, we anticipate providing a community centre, library and health centre.

3. What sort of commercial spaces will be available to rent / buy?

The first 18 commercial spaces available are in phase 1 and are for A1, B1, A1/D2, D1 and A3/A4 uses. More information and availability on the commercial space can be found here.

4. What is being built first / development phases / milestones

Phase 1 has now been completed, providing 302 residential units, 18 commercial units (including a nursery) plus an estate management office. Phase 2 will consist of 210 residential units.

5. How do you ensure design and build quality for your development?

The architectural design of EW+S has been rigorously reviewed by LLDC’s quality review panel.

The sustainability of the development is measured against standards including Lifetime Homes, Code for Sustainable Homes and BREAM.

The building warranty for phase 1 was provided by Building Life Plans (BLP) and phase 2 warranty provider will be NHBC. This is an insurance backed warranty which covers the structural performance of the buildings.

6. Who grants planning permission / who is the planning authority?

Current planning authority for EW+S at the time of writing is LLDC, however planning powers are due to pass to the London Borough of Hackney in due course.

7. Do you have planning consent for the whole scheme? If not, when will further planning consent be granted?

Zonal Masterplan consent has been granted for East Wick (phases 1, 2, 3 and 7) and Reserved Matters (detailed) planning consent on all East Wick and Sweetwater phases.

SPECIFIED INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS

1. What does Specified Infrastructure Works mean?

This covers all of the works done to improve the infrastructure around East Wick and Sweetwater, improving the road and connections network between Hackney Wick and Fish Island and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

2. Who is carrying out these works?

East Wick and Sweetwater are responsible for carrying out these works, on behalf of LLDC, via various contractors.

3. What work does it include?

This work includes two new bridges over the canal and a new road network. This will be connected to the existing network, and include new bus laybys and cycle lanes serving existing and future developments in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

4. Who do I contact if I have a question about these works?

If you have any questions about the works please contact the LLDC 24 hour helpline on 0800 0722 110 or email info@eastwickandsweetwater.co.uk with the quoting reference: East Wick and Sweetwater Specified Infrastructure Works.

You can also visit our dedicated webpage for more information.

5. What is happening to the road bridge in the long term?

LLDC and London Borough of Tower Hamlets are currently reviewing which vehicles may utilise the bridge. More details will be announced in due course.

Existing community

1. We don’t need more homes here, there are already so many being built in the area. Why are you building so many?

The GLA has identified a housing need in the area. Following the London Olympics in 2012, a vision was established to make sure the Olympic Park was developed sustainably and appropriately.

2. Local businesses have struggled to find local business space in Hackney Wick & Fish Island due to redevelopment, how will you make sure that doesn’t happen?

We recognise the importance of providing commercial spaces alongside the new homes at EW+S. That’s why we have brought forward an interim use project at Hackney Bridge with Vinegar Yard, alongside the permanent commercial spaces we are creating. Together, these will provide opportunities that would be suitable for a range of businesses. Importantly, East Wick and Sweetwater is being built on previously vacant land we are not redeveloping existing buildings, but are instead providing additional commercial space.

3. Will you provide discounts to local people so they can buy a home here?

We are providing homes in a range of tenures, enabling all types of home owners or tenants to have an opportunity to live at EW+S.

4. What steps are you taking to prevent all these new properties being bought by investors?

Our homes have been built to be lived in. We will not be marketing our homes overseas or to individual investors, as we are seeking owner occupiers who will help to add to the area’s already flourishing community. A large proportion of our homes for rent will be managed by one property manager, significantly reducing the number of buy-to-let landlords, whilst also improving and maintaining a consistent level of service and maintenance.

5. How are you involving the local community in your plans?

We are committed to meaningfully engaging and listening to the community to understand their views and aspirations for future development. We hold public consultation events in advance of larger planning applications, where public feedback is considered and applied to our proposals where appropriate. The community is always well informed of these events in advance.

6. What community facilities will you be providing that we can all benefit from?

Community facility provision is detailed above, and we consulted local communities on community facility provision during the planning process.

As part of phase one we have provided a nursery and we’re also creating new landscaped outdoor areas. As the development progresses, we anticipate on providing a community centre, library and health centre.

In advance of these new community facilities being completed, we are temporarily using space at Hackney Bridge to provide a range of community facilities.

7. How does what you are building reflect the character of the area?

The design for East Wick and Sweetwater has been influenced by existing development in the surrounding areas of Hackney Wick, Fish Island and Stratford. Through the use of certain materials and design styles, East Wick and Sweetwater will compliment neighbouring buildings, like Here East and the Copper Box Arena, whilst taking design cues from Hackney Wick and Fish Island to forge a new identity in its own right.

8. What do the place names mean and where do they come from? What is East Wick? What is Sweetwater?

East Wick was originally suggested through a competition to name new areas of the park. A local resident suggested “East Wick” to reference the eastern extension of Hackney Wick into the park. The name Sweetwater was suggested in reference to the area’s former Clarnico sweet factory, along with the area’s meandering waterways and canals.

Affordable Housing

1. What does affordable housing mean?

Affordable housing includes social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. It can be a new-build property or a private sector property that has been purchased for use as an affordable home.

You may be able to receive financial help from the government to buy a home through affordable home ownership schemes such as Shared Ownership.

These have specific eligibility requirements, read our Shared Ownership FAQs above, get in touch with our team, or visit https://www.gov.uk/affordable-home-ownership-schemes for more information

2. How many affordable homes are being built at EW+S?

The planning consent provides for a minimum of 34% affordable housing throughout the whole development, although the final provision will be determined as the remaining planning permissions are secured.

3. What type of tenure are they, and when will they be available to buy/rent?

Phase 1 provided 130 affordable homes (43% of the homes in Phase 1) in a range of affordable tenures, including Shared Ownership, Social Rent and Affordable Rent. Phase 2 will provide a further 45 plots available as London Affordable Rent, which has been made possible with a grant secured from the GLA.

4. How will social and affordable rent be allocated?

London Borough of Hackney, the GLA and LLDC all have nomination rights for affordable homes at EW+S. We will be working closely with them to allocate these homes appropriately.

To apply for a home through the London Borough of Hackney, please visit this website: https://hackney.gov.uk/housing-application#apply

To apply for a home through EW+S, please visit: https://homestorent.placesforpeople.co.uk/

5. Why are you not providing more affordable homes?

We are providing the number of affordable homes requested by the local authority as part of our planning permission. In addition to these homes, EW+S is providing a wide range of other benefits through sustainability, local community and infrastructure initiatives.

6. Will they be available to local families?

The affordable homes will be allocated by the relevant local authorities according to their own eligibility and nominations criteria.

7. Where are affordable homes located?

On phase 2, the London Affordable Rent homes will be located within Block 5601.

To apply for a home through the London Borough of Hackney, please visit this website: https://hackney.gov.uk/housing-application#apply

8. Do the affordable home occupiers have access to the same facilities as private home owners?

Yes, the facilities and services we are providing at EW+S are open to all residents, regardless of tenure.

9. Are the affordable homes built to the same spec as the open market units?

The specification of homes built throughout the lifetime of the project will vary in terms of style and design. For more information chat to our team.

Buying a new home

1. What is the process if I want to buy a new home at EW+S?

Very top-line, the buying process at EW+S will look like:

Have a chat with our team on 020 3369 0573 or info@eastwickandsweetwater.co.uk and discuss your requirements.
If you require a mortgage, the team are likely to refer you to have a no obligation chat with a suggested independent financial adviser to help establish how much you can afford to borrow.
The team will invite you in to discuss the development in more detail and help you choose your ideal home.
When you are ready to go ahead, the team will reserve the property for you and take you through all the necessary paperwork (sorry, we know this is the boring bit!)
After reservation you will need to instruct your solicitor to get started on the documentation that they receive and your IFA to submit your mortgage application.
Within a few weeks you should be ready to exchange contracts and pay your deposit.
Before your completion, you’ll be invited in by our Customer Care team to inspect your new home and conduct a home demonstration visit, to learn all about the features and systems within it.
Once your new home is ready you’ll complete, pick up the keys and move in!

Note that the above is a non-extensive step by step guide, and might vary depending on the tenure you are buying your home with.

Come and meet our team or give us a call, and we’ll happily talk you through everything, as well as discussing latest homes for sale.

2. How do I get a mortgage?

We recommend that you take a financial assessment before you start searching for a new home, as this will confirm how much you can afford to borrow.

Speak to our team who can put you in touch with suggested IFAs who can help.

You’ll then need to decide which type of mortgage you’d like, and you can use a mortgage broker if needed.

3. What other costs should I expect to pay?

If buying, you will usually need to pay for your conveyancing/legal costs, as well as Stamp Duty Land Tax. You will usually need to pay the first few months Service Charge and Fixed Estate Charge before moving in too. And don’t forget about the costs of moving, including removal and deliveries.

4. How can I find out more information?

More information on our homes can be found here, or better yet, come to have a chat with our sales and lettings team who will be happy to tell you all about EW+S.

5. How much will the new homes cost?

A range of home buying options are available to help you on your journey along the property ladder. More information on the prices can be found here.

6. How do I register my interest for more information?

You can sign up on our website, or contact our team via 020 3369 0573 to find out more about our homes.

7. Who is selling the homes?

East Wick and Sweetwater is responsible for all marketing, advertising and sales of all new homes at the development.

8. Is there ground rent?

Ground Rent is payable on leasehold properties at EW+S; however the cost is a peppercorn amount per annum. This will not be changed or increased in future years.

9. Are the homes leasehold or freehold?

There is a mixture between leasehold and freehold homes built at East Wick and Sweetwater.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you may pay as a fee for mortgage advice will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.

Renting a home

1. Where can I find our more information on renting a new home at EW+S?

More information on our homes for rent can be found here, or alternatively, email team@eastwickandsweetwater.co.uk to be directed to our lettings team who will be happy to help.

There will be no market properties to rent in Phase 2.

2. What is not covered in the rent at EW+S?

You will need to pay council tax and utility bills in addition to your rent.

3. Are the homes furnished?

We are offering rented homes on both a furnished and unfurnished basis, to meet different requirements. You can speak to our team for more information.

4. What deposit do I need for a home at EW+S?

Your deposit will be 5 weeks’ worth of rent.

5. How long is the tenancy agreement for?

To match different lifestyle needs, we are deliberately offering flexible tenancies, ranging from 6 months to three years.

6. Who is managing the rented properties at EW+S?

The East Wick and Sweetwater Management Team and Touchstone will be providing management services, on behalf of Places for People and the landlord.

7. When can I move in?

We have properties coming back available from time to time, contact us for the latest availability.

Ground rent and service charges

1. Is Ground Rent payable on homes at EW+S and, if so, how much is it?

Ground Rent is payable on leasehold properties at EW+S; however the cost is a peppercorn amount per annum. This will not be changed or increased in future years.

2. What is the service charge and what does it cover?

Your service charge is the costs we collect for the maintenance of the buildings, external areas and common parts of the development. It includes services such as window cleaning, carpet cleaning, gardening and landscaping, general repairs and maintenance and block insurance, among other things.

The charge, which also includes the managing agents fees on behalf of all residents, may vary locally from block to block, or unit to unit, based on its design, size and the number of properties within each building.

3. How does the service charge differ from the Fixed Estate Charge?

The service charge provides for the maintenance of your block and the external areas and common parts of the development, and is directly linked to the cost of providing those services. The Fixed Estate Charge is applied across the park, contributing to its on-going maintenance, but is not directly linked to the cost of delivery.

4. What does the service charge not cover?

The service charge covers the cost of maintaining the internal and external common parts of your building. You would therefore need to pay separately for your own property’s costs, such as utility costs, council tax and TV licence.

5. Does the cost change annually?

As service charges reflect the costs of maintenance of the buildings and common parts, they may rise or fall from time to time depending on the maintenance required and costs incurred by the management company.

The management fee charged by the management company to oversee the maintenance will increase with RPI each year and may be reviewed from time to time depending on the services being required by residents.

6. Do I get a say in how service charges are spent?

The Management Company holds a Stakeholder Committee meeting each quarter to discuss the management of the estate, key services and costs with various stakeholders. The Stakeholder Committee meeting includes Resident Representatives, who are appointed to represent the views of the residents within the meetings. The Management Company appoints new Resident Representatives from time to time – if you live or will be living at EW+S and are interested in becoming a Resident Representative please contact team@ewsmanagement.co.uk.

Aftercare and Estate Management team

1. Who is the Management Company at East Wick + Sweetwater?

Eastwick and Sweetwater Management Company Limited is owned and operated by Places for People. Residential Management Group Limited are part of the Places for People Group and will be providing management services and staff to the management company.

2. How do I access the management company services or get answers to any queries?

When you complete your purchase or sign your tenancy agreement, you will receive an email inviting you to set up an account on the residents’ portal. All relevant building services are accessible here, or you can pop into the management suite on site.

3. What management services will be available to me?

The services provided by the management company are comprehensive and can range from assisting with moving in and answering lease enquiries to ensuring risk assessments and the statutory testing of equipment take place. Planned and reactive maintenance, including landscaping, would also be handled by the management company. Services may change from time to time and we can provide a comprehensive list of services on request.

4. Who looks after repairs?

The Eastwick and Sweetwater management company is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the communal areas, the building structure, any shared services or equipment and any external grounds within the development.

Leaseholders are responsible for repairs and maintenance within each property, however this will depend on your lease and tenure type. Further and specific details on the division of these responsibilities are contained in your lease.

5. Who is the provider of my home warranty?

BLP is the provider of your home insurance for phase 1.

Find more information about your cover and how to care for your home here.

BLP is part of the Consumer Code for New Homes find out more here.

6. How do I deal with admin matters, such as paying my service charge or changing my contact details?

These types of matters can be managed via the residents’ portal.

7. How do I raise a complaint?

In the unlikely event of this happening, you can chat to the on-site team or, if you prefer, raise a complaint via the residents’ portal. The complaints procedure is available within the Home Guide.

Utilities

1. Why are there no gas boilers in the new homes?

Heating and hot water is provided through a central generation source known as “district heating” or “Combined Cooling Heat and Power (CCHP)”, so the new homes don’t need gas boilers.

More information on the District Heating network and their charges can be found at eastlondonenergy.co.uk

2. Who are Engie?

Equans (East London Energy) are the sole supplier and facilities management operator of the heating to all customers, across all tenures in phase 1.

3. How do I find more information about the CCHP (Combined Cooling Heat and Power)?

For more information, please speak to the team or visit: https://www.engie.co.uk/energy/embedded-generation/combined-heat-power/

4. Can I switch energy suppliers?

Residents can switch electricity, phone, broadband and television suppliers.

5. Who provides the broadband, television and phone network and can I switch supplier?

For phase 1, broadband and fibre infrastructure was provided by GTC communications. Homes have a Fibre Integrated Reception System (FIRS) which provides residents with access to satellite, free to air TV services including 3D, HD, SkyQ and On-Demand viewing as well as digital radio. The only supplier which is not available is Virgin.

For more information please visit: https://astra.ses/channels

Commercial opportunities

1. Are you providing any commercial/retail opportunities?

Yes absolutely! A range of commercial, retail and offices units will be available throughout the phases. Get in touch with the team for more information: CF Commercial 020 3369 7334 / info@cfcommercial.co.uk & Stirling Ackroyd 020 3369 1066 / EWS@stirlingackroyd.com

2. How do I find out more about these opportunities?

All current commercial opportunities are listed on this page.

Greenspace and sustainability

1. Are you providing any outside space?

Yes! All homes will include individual balconies or terraces, whilst communal spaces for residents will include courtyards and play spaces. Additionally, there will be general areas of greenspace open to the public.

2. What are your sustainability credentials?

Our new commercial spaces are designed to achieve the BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.

All of our homes will have Level 4+ Code for Sustainable Homes certification which is a measurement of their environmental performance in key areas such as carbon dioxide emissions, waste, water usage and environmental impact.

The building warranty for phase 1 was provided by Building Life Plans (BLP) and phase 2 warranty provider will be NHBC. This is an insurance backed warranty which covers the structural performance of the buildings.

LIVING ON QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK

1. What venues are on the Olympic Park and what did they host at the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics?

London Stadium

The site was the track and field venue, as well as hosting the opening and closing ceremonies.

It is now home to West Ham FC as well as live entertainment. Find out more

Aquatics Centre

The venue was used for the swimming, diving and synchronised swimming events.

It is open to the public since 2014. Find out more

Copper Box Arena

The venue hosted handball preliminaries and modern pentathlon fencing during the Olympic Games, and goalball during the Paralympic Games.

The Copper Box Arena now hosts various sporting and entertainment events and is home to the London Lions (British Basketball League), London GD Handball Club and London Pulse. Find out more

Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre

The venue hosted Wheelchair Tennis, and is now home to two hockey pitches, four indoor tennis courts and six outdoor courts. Find out more

Lee Valley VeloPark

The site hosted the track cycling competition in the Velodrome with the adjoining BMX track hosting the Olympic BMX competition. Find out more

What about car parking?

1. Is car parking available?

Yes, in phase 2 each townhouse will have a right to park in an allocated parking space. Apartments can purchase a right to park in an allocated parking space at additional charge. Speak to a member of the team for further information.

For more information contact us via phone or email, or come and meet the team in person.

Fixed Estate Charge

1. What is the Fixed Estate Charge and why do I have to pay it?

The Fixed Estate Charge is collected by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), the body charged with maintaining Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. All property occupiers within the park boundary pay the charge (which varies depending on whether a property is residential, commercial or community) and the monies raised contribute to the development and on-going maintenance costs of the park.

Whilst the management of the parklands, footpaths, cycle ways, bridges and waterways that make up Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park carry varying costs from time to time, the Charge remains fixed.

2. How much will I be charged?

The initial tariffs are calculated at the beginning of your lease and reviewed annually. For further information on charges or to discuss an estimated initial tariff for a selected property, please speak to one of the East Wick and Sweetwater (EW+S) team who will be happy to help.

3. How will I be charged?

Charges are payable in advance. The initial charge will be calculated on the current billing period plus one quarter, and you will be charged quarterly thereafter. The cost will be collected by the EW+S Management, along with the service charge.

4. Does the cost change annually?

The initial rate is index-linked annually and increased based on changes in the all items Retail Price Index, (RPI).

5. What benefit do I get from paying this charge?

The charge contributes towards the cost of maintaining the park and its facilities for you to enjoy.

6. Where can I find more information?

For more information, please visit: Fixed Estate Charge | Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

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