As Shoreditch continues to grow as one of the capital’s most prosperous, creative and commercial areas, the East End’s very own “Tech City” looks set to oust the traditional City as the engine of London’s economic growth over the next four years*. More alive with web and creative companies than ever, Shoreditch is now London’s brightest and most buzzing district, and it is no wonder that an influx of city workers and creative professionals are choosing to base themselves here. 31 year old Benjamin Nguyen, who runs his own IT consulting company in the City, is one of many of these young workers, who have chosen to look east for their first time buy. Enjoying the benefits of living in a dotcom boom area, on the edge of the City, Benjamin, who is able to walk into work everyday, has purchased a two-bedroom apartment at London Square Leonard Street, EC2’s most vibrant new address.

“People really stood up and took notice when Google moved into the area at the end of last year”, says Benjamin. “There seems to be no end of high-tech companies moving to the area. I have rented in Shoreditch for over three years now and started my own business in the City during this time. Having seen the huge investment in transport links, and constant stream of new restaurant, bar and hotel openings, it made it easy to see why I should invest in my first property here. It is a bonus that I can walk to work in under 15 minutes!”

With the Government now promoting a £400 million investment fund to help start-ups in “Tech City”, the area is only just getting into its stride – with big names such as Google, Amazon, Twitter, Facebook, eBay and Cisco the latest arrivals to this part of town, and many more expected over the next few years. Benjamin continues:

“Although the historical feel of Shoreditch still remains, the whole atmosphere of the area has changed over recent years and it is a very exciting place to be. It is great to escape from the daily grind of the City and come back to such a fun and energetic area, which is constantly changing every day of the week.”

Leonard Street is a cool new development of 42 cutting-edge apartments designed by internationally-acclaimed architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. Situated in a quiet corner of EC2 just off Great Eastern Street, Leonard Street is a stone’s throw from Old Street roundabout, dubbed Silicon Roundabout, the heart of “Tech City”. From Old Street underground station, The West End and Canary Wharf can both be reached within 20 minutes. For international travel, King’s Cross St Pancras International railway station is just 14 minutes away and London City airport can be reached in just over 30 minutes. Fashionable Hoxton Square and Box Park, the world’s first “pop up mall” are also both within a 10 minute walk of Leonard Street. The eight storey building’s southerly facade overlooks a private courtyard, with projecting balconies commanding fantastic views over the cityscape below. The apartments have 21st Century specifications including Sky+ and iPod docks with speakers to all bedrooms and living areas. Benjamin continues:

“I have worked hard to get where I am today and have been saving for the last few years to buy my own place so I wanted something nice as a reward for all of my efforts. My apartment at Leonard Street is definitely reward enough. The apartment that I choose is in the back of the building, away from the street, and has a terrace big enough to raise a puppy, which I hope to get when I move in. Leonard Street is one of the best roads in Shoreditch; all of the good to places to eat and go out are easily accessible. I can’t wait to move in.”

Rebecca Littler, sales and marketing director of London Square, said:

“Shoreditch is a very energetic place, it is no wonder that people are choosing not only to work, but live here. Leonard Street’s coveted location and smart specification are a huge benefit to residents like Benjamin, not just for convenience and quality of life, but also for the capital appreciation of the properties, as the East End continues in its gentrification.”

*http://www.standard.co.uk/news/techandgadgets/hipster-power-shoreditch-tech-sector-to-overtake-city-over-next-five-years-8306418.html