The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has opened Citadines Islington London – the newest addition to its Citadines’ Apart’hotel portfolio in Europe. The prime property in the heart of Islington was acquired in April 2016 through Ascott’s serviced residence global fund with Qatar Investment Authority.
The 108-unit serviced residence has been delivered by privately held real estate investment firm Cain International. It is located in London’s exciting new Islington Square, a new multi-faceted destination and heritage site that includes shops, residences, offices, an upscale cinema, gym and more – all spaciously distributed across newly formed ‘streets’ conceived by award-winning architect Piers Gough of CZWG.
Housed in an Edwardian building that was once a Royal Mail Sorting Office, Citadines Islington London features four stylish and contemporary apartment types, each designed to appeal to the modern traveler, whilst drawing on the property’s and Islington’s colorful heritage.
Mr Lee Ngor Houai, Ascott’s Managing Director for Europe, said: “Citadines is our fastest growing brand globally, and this new opening is the latest milestone in our expansion plans for Ascott. Ascott’s serviced residences that cater primarily to the long-stay segment have proven to be resilient amid the COVID-19 situation. We have been providing accommodation to healthcare workers and guests seeking alternative work-from-home locations. We expect demand for accommodation to pick up with gradual reopening of the international borders. London is a key area of development for the Group in Europe. We currently have more than 900 units in London, which will increase by a further 300 units when our next property, Citadines Wembley London, opens next year. By 2023, we plan to further add over 800 new units across Europe.”
Mr Frédéric Carré, Ascott’s Regional General Manager for the United Kingdom, Germany, Georgia & Spain, said: “Citadines Islington London sets a new bar for contemporary accommodation in the borough. Our new apart’hotel caters to today’s travellers who want to explore this vibrant neighbourhood, and the wider city of London while staying in a safe, comfortable and stylish home-from-home environment. Apart’hotels are a fantastic accommodation option for travellers in the current climate due to the space and facilities available for guests, giving them the flexibility and independence to live like a local, wherever they are.”
Mr Richard Pilkington, Head of European Real Estate at Cain International, said: “We are delighted to welcome the latest property in the Citadines brand to Islington Square. Their offer is a perfect complement to our mixed-use estate and our existing leisure and retail tenants. We will be announcing further tenants in the coming months as we progress towards a return to normality and anticipate there will be an increased appetite for high-quality mixed-use spaces such as Islington Square, which can offer a range of experiences within a single destination, reducing travel time and exposure to multiple venues.”
There are 81 studios and 27 one-bedroom apartments at Citadines Islington London, which can accommodate up to two and four guests respectively. Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, separate bedroom, private bathroom, living area, flat-screen TV with Chromecast and free unlimited WiFi. All of the units are equipped with intelligent sensors, which will help to improve the property’s energy efficiency. Most of the one-bedroom and one-bedroom deluxe apartments also include a washing machine for the convenience of long-stay guests. Guests can also make use of the washing machine and dryer at the property’s laundrette. Each deluxe room category also comes equipped with a yoga mat, for use in the apartment or the apart’hotel’s Fitness Corner with gym equipment. There is also a Business Corner on site. In addition, Citadines Islington London also offers Ascott’s ‘Work in Residence’ initiative, where guests can rent an apartment as a private workspace, whilst benefitting from all of the room amenities and offerings at the property.
The property’s fresh modern interior is decorated in calming hues, with statement lighting and vibrant pastel furnishings in its inviting communal areas. The apartments feature striking bespoke wallpaper designed by Paris-based graphic artist and printmaker Jérémie Solomon. The monochromatic screen-printed wallpaper draws on the simplicity of a postage stamp, in homage to the heritage building’s original use, and the design for the wallpaper takes the iconic London skyline and rooftops as its inspiration.
The new Islington Square development is home to a wide variety of eclectic and authentic shops and cafes, including plant-based restaurant OMNOM and attractions such as ODEON Luxe & Dine. Citadines Islington London is just a short walk from Islington’s renowned Upper Street, famous for its quirky stores and lively atmosphere. The property is also close to the world-famous Sadler’s Wells Theatre, a 20-minute walk from the home of Arsenal Football Club at the Emirates Stadium, a stone’s throw from the internationally renowned Almeida Theatre, and within walking distance to London’s beautiful Regent’s Canal.
As with all the Citadines-branded properties, Citadines Islington London is easily accessible from across the city, the UK and beyond. Angel and Highbury & Islington tube stations are both just a 10-minute walk from the property, providing easy access to the city centre, King’s Cross train station, and St. Pancras International station. Heathrow Airport is also easily accessible by car, or via the underground on the Piccadilly line.
At its properties worldwide, including Citadines Islington London, Ascott continues to deliver stringent hygiene and cleanliness standards as well as safe distancing. This is demonstrated through its ‘Ascott Cares’ commitment to continue providing safe homes for guests, and a safe working environment for staff. Ascott has also partnered with Bureau Veritas to provide independent audits and certification for the hygiene and safety standards of its properties worldwide. Ascott is also recognised as being Quality Accredited in the UK by ASAP’s International Serviced Accommodation Accreditation Process (ISAAP). The accreditation is there to reassure guests that Ascott has achieved the standards, set out by ISAAP, covering health, safety, security and quality and that customer duty of care is assured.
