Shad Thames Property Guide
Shad Thames is a small and exclusive regenerated area in Bermondsey which takes its name from a historic, partly cobbled riverside street next to Tower Bridge.
It runs along the south side of the Thames, behind a row of converted warehouses, and along St Saviour's Dock. Its nearest stations are Tower Hill, Bermondsey and London Bridge. The River Thames runs along its north side, and it is contained by Tooley Street, Tower Bridge Road and Mill Street, making up a small part of the SE1 area.
Shad Thames (a name coined through the possible corruption of 'St John-at-Thames' and the nearby Shadwell) was once home to the largest warehouse complex in London, in addition to a host of wharves, mills and factories. During the Victorian period the warehouses stored tea, coffee and spices, which were transported via riverboats.
As well as being an attractive area of London, it is also in one of the most interesting areas of the city. With attractions like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market and The Shard all within walking distances, it is the perfect area to explore.
Properties in Shad Thames Properties
The vast majority of the properties in Shad Thames are packed into an area covering only 350m x 250m, and are warehouses converted to an extremely high standard, complete with their original features such as brickwork and beams. The tall industrial buildings are truly magnificent with their high walkways criss-crossing from one building to the next. Many of the apartments are habited by professionals who are drawn to the appeal of a property in Shad Thames because of its proximity to the City and Canary Wharf and its riverside location which provides some stunning scenic views across the Thames.
In addition to providing that highly desirable expanse of space, the river also offers transport opportunities at Shad Thames as it is next to the particularly deep section of river called the Pool of London. That means full-size cruise ships or naval vessels can stop off here on their journey, police boats and speedboats regularly go past in addition to passenger and leisure boats.
The conversions themselves are often the first word in luxury with contemporary and stylish fixtures and fittings blending effortlessly with the Victorian architecture. Common features include: air conditioning, in-room electronic safe, satellite TV, an IDD telephone, fully integrated entertainment systems with hidden wall and ceiling speakers including optional iPod/iPad integration, under-floor heating, LED strip lighting and electronic curtains and blinds.
Most of the warehouses also offer additional facilities such as an intercom system with secure video entry, mail boxes located in the front lobby of the building, a weekly maid service, welcome desk, fax machines, extra phone lines, an office desk and wireless broadband.
To find out more about the area and our selection of Shad Thames property, feel free to contact our estate agent office on 020 7407 1066.
Properties in Shad Thames are mostly stylish brick warehouse conversions offering loft-style living with some of the finest views of Tower Bridge. However, there are also a small number of two and three-storey houses period terraced houses with private parking and small enclosed gardens, as well as low-rise blocks of flats.
Shad Thames is a vibrant and appealing area to buy or rent a place due to its riverside location and proximity to London’s financial districts — the City of London and Canary Wharf.
The area has some of the largest convereted warehoues in London. And these former industrial buildings have been renovated to a high standard to meet the demands of modern living. The contemporary apartments feature original features like beams and brickwork that blend with stylish fixtures and fittings. Many of these properties feature concierge services, private balconies, integrated technology, and, of course, stunning views over the Thames, Wapping and St. Saviours Dock. The best properties are located close to Tower Bridge. Some impressive residential buildings are Spice Quay Heights, Tea Trade Wharf and Butler’s Wharf.
Shad Thames properties are not all about loft-style living in spacious warehouse conversions. There are small estates of multi-storey flats and maisonettes situated in quiet streets, well away from the hustle and bustle of city life. For example, the Arnold Estate off Druid Street has four to seven-storey blocks of flats with private parking. Closer to Tower Bridge Road on Gainsford Street and Lafone Street is a small selection of two-storey family homes
In 2021, the average cost of property in Shad Thames was £950,540, which is considerably more expensive than the average London property price of £620,000. However, it’s vital to remember that riverside warehouse conversions with amazing views of Tower Bridge fetch a premium. The average cost of a river view home in Shad Thames is £1.45 million. However, a similar property without the breath-taking river views of the Thames will cost around £767,000.
New-Build Properties in Shad Thames
The area between Tower Bridge Road and Bermondsey underwent extensive redevelopment in the 1980s and 1990s. Many of the disused wharf buildings, warehouses, and industrial buildings were transformed into luxurious flats. Shad Thames is actually quite a small area so there is now little room for further redevelopment. However, on the other side of Tower Bridge Road are impressive new developments like One Tower Bridge and Chatsworth House.
Renting in Shad Thames
Due to its prime location beside Tower Bridge, Shad Thames is popular with renters who want to live close to Central London. The average price to rent a one or two-bedroom flat in Shad Thames is around £700 per week. However, you can expect to pay well over £1,000 per week to rent a riverside apartment.
The cheapest area of Shad Thames to rent an apartment is in the mid-century blocks of flats along Tooley Street or the maisonette flats off Druid Street.
It’s good to remember that renters who live and work in Shad Thames save time and money on the daily commute. The nearest Tube stations are Bermondsey and London Bridge. From there, it’s a 10minute journey to Canary Wharf or 15 minutes to Central London.
Shad Thames Properties Schools
There are a number of good primary schools near to Shad Thames including Tower Bridge Primary School, St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, Hermitage Primary School, St James' Church of England Primary School, Snowsfields Primary School and Riverside Primary School.
There are also a number of secondary schools in the area, including the City Of London School, St Saviour’s & St Olave’s School, Green Valley College, Pimlico Academy.
Shad Thames Properties Regeneration Information
As with much of the surrounding area of London, the Shad Thames area has seen a great deal of regeneration over the years. Following a period of sustained decline during the 20th century, it underwent largescale regeneration during the 1980s and 1990s, and it is now seen as a luxurious location to live.
There are a number of projects in the surrounding area that are either in the works at the moment or are planned for the near future. Most of these are minor such as the project to improve the streets in the Shad Thames area using council funding. Work also recently began on Tooley Street, where new station entrances are being built.
The biggest regeneration project in the area involves the large improvements being made to London Bridge Station, just a short distance from Shad Thames. A large section of the station is now open to the public, but it will not be complete until 2018.
Shad Thames Properties Community
In the heart of Shad Thames, residents enjoy the benefits of a closely-connected community where support, camaraderie, and a shared sense of belonging enrich everyday life.
Shad Thames Community Hub: Committed to building strong neighbourhood connections, mutual assistance, and a deep sense of belonging among residents through engaging events, gatherings, and initiatives.
The Tideaway Community Initiative: The team here is dedicated to creating a resilient community. Working with local residents, businesses, and organisations, they aim to revitalise green spaces and promote environmental awareness. Organising educational opportunities for youth, this group works hard to embody the spirit of community togetherness.
Tower Bridge Community Initiatives: Tower Bridge collaborates with local community groups to promote access and participation. While not specific to Shad Thames, their initiatives contribute to the broader community in the area.
Our Shad Thames: The Facebook group for Shad Thames aims to create a platform for the local community to connect, collaborate, and engage. It serves as a virtual hub where residents, businesses, and individuals can share information, discuss local matters, and foster a sense of unity.
Transport Information
Shad Thames is located in an area with excellent transport connections, including Underground and Overground stations, as well as numerous bus routes.
Underground:
There are a few Underground stations near to Shad Thames:
- London Bridge
- Tower Hill
- Bermondsey
- Borough
Overground:
There are two main stations near to Shad Thames:
- London Bridge
- Rotherhithe
Bus:
A number of bus routes operate around Shad Thames, including: 21, 25, 42, 43, 47, 88, 148, 188, 381, C10, N199, N381.
Things To Do in Shad Thames Properties
Shad Thames is located very near to a number of big attractions. One of these is the Tower of London, which is one of the most exciting attractions in London. Take a tour with a beefeater and find out all about the fascinating history of the tower, and make sure you see the Crown Jewels.
Tower Bridge is another major attraction nearby. Tower Bridge was built in the late 19th century, and it has become an iconic structure of the city. Go right to the top and see the exhibition that will tell you all about its history, and enjoy the amazing views.
Nearby Borough Market is one of the best food markets in London. Head along and see the huge range of international and organic foods on sale, and try some samples while you're there.
You may also want to take a trip to the London Dungeon to enjoy a gruesome tour where you fill find out all about the darker side of London's history.
The Shard is also nearby, and you can buy a ticket to go up to the observation platform and enjoy spectacular views of London.
The new Mayor of London's offices are also close by, next to the impressive "More London" development which has energised the area and contributed to a sharp rise in property prices.
