The 2nd cheapest London borough expects a 45% increase after Crossrail completes
The London borough of Bexley is situated in south-east London, just south of the River Thames. It is one of London’s greenest boroughs with over 100 parks and green spaces, totalling around 640 hectares. It had a population of around 232,000 in the 2011 census.
Bexley’s economy is booming and with its excellent connectivity to the city and main employment zones, it also has a large commuter occupancy.
Improvements to the Dartford river crossing and a new crossing planned for Greenwich will improve Bexley’s connectivity and reduce travelling times. The borough also has a successful industrial and manufacturing sector. It is home to one of the three largest industrial areas within London and also has ample cleared space for expansion. This means that it can accommodate large-scale, new-build projects with relative ease. Bexley is currently the second cheapest London borough for residential property but Crossrail will surely change that. The improved rail connection will open at Abbey Wood in the west of the borough by 2019.
House prices for properties near the station are predicted to rise as much as 45% from 2014-2020. The predicted rental growth in the same period is as much as 30%. That means Bexley Property Investment is ideal for you if you're looking for a London zone 3,4,5 property.
Economy & Employment
Bexley’s plans are to attract higher value business to the borough.
There are around 7,000 businesses in Bexley which include food and drink manufacturers, retailers, logistics and a relatively new growing ICT sector. Big brands include ADM, Coca-Cola, Stoneham and Caterham Cars.
Bexley borough also has above the London average employment levels. Knowing Bexley, the borough’s Economic and Employment Development. Strategy, proposes actions with partners, to diversify the range of employment with a focus on attracting and retaining higher value businesses. It puts knowledge central to developing the local economy and empowering local people to access new employment opportunities. Also in discussion is the construction of a new secondary school for Crayford as part of the Academy programme.
Investment
Bexley is bursting with investment and regeneration projects
The main geographical focus is Bexley Riverside, including Erith, Crayford, Thamesmead and Abbey Wood, Belvedere and Slade Green. Erith Park is undergoing massive regeneration with the construction of apartments and houses which are available for rent, to buy or part ownership. So there are options for everyone whatever their budget. Invest Bexley plan to support the development of key listed buildings such as Crossness and Hall Place. The aim is for these heritage properties to become a focus for the community. They will be reimagined as spaces for training and recreation as well as attracting investment through tourism. They also plan to develop sports and arts provision in the borough, providing cultural and sporting facilities that reflect the needs for the diverse communities and form part of housing and business developments.
Transport
Air: London City Airport is the closest to serve Bexley, being around 30 minutes away. London Heathrow, London Stansted and London Gatwick airports are also easily reachable within an hour’s travel.
Rail: Bexley railway station provides services to London Charing Cross and Cannon Street via Sidcup and Woolwich Arsenal. The area is well catered for with 20 railway stations serving the borough’s population. When Crossrail opens in 2019 journeys from Abbey Wood to the centre will be 23 minutes faster!
Road: Road access to and from Bexley is good. The major trunk roads serving the borough are the A2 and A20 which both connect to London’s M25 Orbital Motorway, making access to the south and south-east particularly smooth.
Bus: There is an ample bus service to the heart of the capital and surrounding areas.
Education
Bexley has above-average academic success, with statistics above both the UK and the London average. Not surprising when you consider that they have four grammar schools across the borough:
• Beths Grammar School for Boys
• Townley Grammar School for Girls
• Bexley Grammar School
• Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School.
Further Education: There are two further education colleges: Bexley College with two campuses and Bird College of Dance, Music & Theatre Performance in Sidcup.
Higher Education: Greenwich University
is the nearest HE institution to serve the borough through all of London’s finest educational establishments are easy to reach via the substantial transport network.
Shops & Leisure
Shopping & Dining: The Broadway Shopping Centre in Bexleyheath is the main retail centre, housing over 60 stores and ample car parking spaces. There are plenty of good restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the borough.
Sport & Culture: There are several historic buildings in Bexley. Red House was designed and occupied by William Morris whose paintings are on display there. There are two theatres: Churchill Theatre for children and Erith Playhouse. Bexley is also home to the Crayford Greyhound Track, worth a visit for some excellent entertainment.
Green Spaces: As one of the greenest of London’s boroughs, there are no shortage of parks and open spaces to explore. One of the most popular is Danson Park, often a venue for live music & other events, where you can hire a boat for some leisurely cruising on the Thames
