Ten Trinity Square, London
Counting leading luxury brands as its partners, London’s iconic Ten Trinity Square is being transformed into a milestone residential development
Ten Trinity Square, adjoining Trinity Square Gardens near the history-steeped Tower of London, strikes a sophisticated balance between its original, stately, Neoclassical architecture and the streamlined, ultra-luxe style of its new interiors. On the stately side, there is the Grade II* listed building’s ornate, column-adorned façade fronting a forecourt invitingly awash with light by night. Then there is the clean-lined aesthetic of this new residential development’s spacious, high-ceilinged apartments, which boast one to five bedrooms and high-spec kitchens – all in a chic palette of dove grey, ivory, and fawn – and each has its very own private, marble-clad foyer.
Ten Trinity Square’s Thames-side location on the border of the City’s Square Mile, not to mention its dramatic, intriguingly varied vistas, is another draw. Its handsome stone balconies frame outstanding views, overlooking the Norman Tower of London and the Victorian Tower Bridge.
This highly desirable and multilayered project combines 41 apartments – Ten Trinity Square, The Residences at Four Seasons – a Four Seasons hotel, and a private members’ club. The landmark building was bought by developer Reignwood Investments UK in 2010 and is expected to open in Autumn/Winter 2016.
From the first moment I saw the building, I understood that its history and heritage are what makes Ten Trinity Square truly unique.
Songhua Ni, President of Reignwood Investments UK
The interest prospective buyers will have in the building will no doubt be enhanced by its historically rich pedigree: it was designed by Edwardian architect Sir Edwin Cooper as the HQ of the Port of London Authority (PLA) and was opened in 1922 by Prime Minister David Lloyd George. In 1946 it hosted the reception for the inaugural meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN). Severely damaged during the Blitz, it was restored in the 1970s and used as the European HQ of insurance broker Willis Faber.
Songhua Ni, President of Reignwood Investments UK, describes the site’s significance: “Ten Trinity Square is an iconic, landmark building, constructed without compromise. From the first moment I saw the building, I understood that its history and heritage are what makes Ten Trinity Square truly unique. Everyone at Reignwood is extremely proud to have the rare opportunity to carefully restore such a prestigious part of London’s past.”
Grace Leo, Vice President at Reignwood Investments Ltd, agrees that the building’s heritage sets it apart: “Working on this development is a rare opportunity to restore an incredible landmark in the world’s financial capital.” Responsible for hospitality at Ten Trinity Square, and leading the hotel’s development, Leo has worked in the luxury hospitality industry for some 30 years. Today, she specializes in creating and marketing high-end hotels, and her portfolio of projects to date includes ONE UN New York and The Lancaster in Paris.
FOUR SEASONS GREETINGS
Ten Trinity Square’s residences, meanwhile, will be managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, meaning residents will be able to benefit from all of the hotel’s amenities, from concierge, butler and housekeeping services to room service provided by its two gourmet restaurants. The grand lobby bar will serve food all day – and morph into a glamorous social spot by night – while a spa and fitness center will incorporate a hammam, steam rooms, sauna, 24 hour gym, pool and treatment rooms.
The association between Ten Trinity Square and Four Seasons will give this exclusive address a cachet that cannot be underestimated, says Giles Hannah, Senior Vice President at Christie’s International Real Estate, who is working with Reignwood on the marketing and sales of the project. “This is a branded residence paired with a notable name in the luxury lifestyle market, which adds value to it,” he explains. “In this case, Ten Trinity Square is managed by Four Seasons. Branded residences are seen as secure places to invest in because certain standards have to be maintained. As such, they carry a significant premium over other apartments.”
World-class design has become a critical part of a residential brand’s creation
Dan Conn, CEO, Christie’s International Real Estate
Mark Dorman, a partner at Strutt & Parker an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, who is working with Hannah and his team on sales for the property, adds: “Branded residences provide a badge of credibility and a standard for a home that everyone can recognize. Owners can instantly relay the quality of their property to others. Many purchasers will love the lifestyle and services that owning a home in a project that includes a hotel brings.”
Leo believes that Ten Trinity Square’s collaboration with the hotel is sure to be mutually beneficial: “Four Seasons is one of the world’s most revered hotel brands, and Reignwood’s alliance with it stems from a shared commitment to raise levels of sophistication and offer an unparalleled service to cater to the tastes of the most discerning consumer.”
Adding to the development’s allure will be the exclusive Château Latour room. This will be housed in the oak-paneled, former PLA’s executive offices, which are being restored in line with English Heritage’s restrictions. Another feather in Ten Trinity Square’s cap is its sumptuous UN Ballroom – so-called because it hosted the momentous 1946 UN reception – which will be used for events.
INDIVIDUAL, EXCLUSIVE, UNIQUE
Key to Ten Trinity Square’s kudos is the quality of its design and restoration. “The type of client we hope to attract will be drawn to its superb interior design and appreciate genuine craftsmanship in heritage buildings,” says Hannah.
Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate, concurs: “Design – along with branding – has become instrumental in luxury residential developments, creating individuality and exclusivity. World-class design has become a critical part of a residential brand’s creation. Ten Trinity Square will appeal to high-net-worth individuals who are often buying second or third homes,” he adds. “Purchasing for them becomes a different experience, akin to buying fine art.”
Ten Trinity Square’s multifaceted interiors were designed by a number of teams: interior designer Bruno Moinard worked on the hotel’s guest rooms and public areas, as well as the private members’ club; architect Joseph Caspari, a specialist in wellness design, on the spa and fitness center; and architectural practices Hirsch Bedner Associates and Aukett Swanke on the apartments.
The uniqueness of the site requires a carefully considered restoration. “This is a complex, intricate scheme that demands a great deal of rigour and sensitivity to deliver the design while retaining and respecting the existing building’s historic character,” says Suzette Vela Burkett, managing director of Aukett Swanke’s London studio. “The plan is to extend the partial basement to a full one by excavating under the building, which is a highly technical process.”
As for the building’s interiors, Moinard, for his part, intends to create “an elegant, sophisticated, timeless decor.” Overall, the designers are busy sympathetically blending contemporary furnishings and finishes with the building’s original, old-world Neoclassical features – a visual feast of marble, walnut, and ornate plasterwork.
In short, thanks to the combined input of a consortium of trusted luxury brands, Ten Trinity Square is set to re-establish itself as one of the most prestigious landmarks not just in London, but also in the world.
