Who better to tell you what it’s like living at East Wick + Sweetwater than some of our latest residents themselves? We caught up with Ben and Laurence, who recently made EW+S their home, to hear about their journey, what drew them to the area, and what they love most about life here.

Tell us a bit about yourselves.

Ben: We actually met at work about ten years ago, and although Laurence is a true South East Londoner and I’m originally from West Sussex, our paths crossed in London after both of us had lived in Brighton—though never at the same time! We’ve now been living together for five years (and yes, we still work at the same company). London has really become home for us.

What made you start house hunting?

Laurence: We’d always dreamed of owning a place in London, and when the latest new homes at EW+S became available, it just felt like the right moment to take the leap. We love this part of the city, so it was a perfect fit for us.

How did you find out about EW+S? Were you already looking in Hackney?

Ben: We were actually some of the first renters in Phase 1, moving into Makers House as our first home together right in the middle of the pandemic. Before that, we’d both lived in tiny studio flats, so this was a real adventure for us.

What do you like about the area? Any favourite spots?

Laurence: Being so close to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Victoria Park is a real treat and having that much green space in London is rare. We both love running, and there are loads of options for keeping fit nearby, like The Copper Box and the Velodrome. There’s always something happening at Hackney Bridge, from pop-ups to festivals, you name it. The Rioja wine festival this summer was a highlight! Canalside is great for a drink or bite to eat, and we’re both excited to check out the new V&A Storehouse, which is literally opposite our flat.

How’s the transport? Is it convenient for work?

Ben: The location is brilliant. Stratford Station is just a 10-minute walk away, but if you don’t fancy that, Hackney Wick is only a few minutes away, and there’s a bus stop right outside on Waterden Road. Getting around London is really easy.

What stood out about EW+S and the neighbourhood when you first saw it?

Laurence: Some new-build neighbourhoods can feel a bit soulless, but EW+S is different. There are loads of small businesses including a barbers, café, a gym, dentist, and a spa and it really feels like a little micro-community. We love being able to support local businesses right on our doorstep, and we’re excited to see what opens next as the area grows.

What do you love about your new home?

Ben: The rooms are a great size, and the ceilings are higher than in other new flats we looked at. The finish is really high quality, and the whole place feels bright and airy.

How was your experience buying with EW+S?

Laurence: Moving is always stressful, but the EW+S team made it feel relaxed and even exciting. They’re such a friendly bunch and kept us updated every step of the way. Even after we moved in, they were always in touch to make sure everything was okay and to answer any questions.

We’ve won another award!

Hot on the heels of our recent British Homes Award,  we’ve been awarded Silver for Best Apartment Development at the WhatHouse? Awards 2025 – one of the most prestigious awards in housebuilding.

Now in their 45th year, the WhatHouse? Awards celebrate the very best in British housebuilding, judged by a panel of industry experts through rigorous assessments and site visits. The awards bring together over 1,300 leaders from across the sector to recognise innovation, quality, and excellence in creating new homes and communities.

We’re well on the way to delivering our vision for EW+S. Contemporary homes with open-plan layouts, outside spaces and future-ready features are complemented by green roofs, energy-efficient technology and extensive cycle routes. A diverse mix of independent businesses and community spaces ensures EW+S is more than homes – it’s a thriving new neighbourhood on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Countdown to Christmas… discover the magic waiting for you!

Celebrate the season at East Wick + Sweetwater’s Clarnico Club with a magical evening as part of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s Winter Adventure.

You’re warmly invited to enjoy festive cheer, joyful laughter, and all the wonder of Christmas. Sip on mulled wine, savour mince pies, and be surprised by a special performance that’s sure to delight.

Join us on Thursday 4th December from 6pm at the Clarnico Club.

Location: Clarnico Club, Tandy Place, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 3AS

Keep the adventure rolling with the FREE Winter Adventure at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, over 24 days, a different Park venue will open its doors each evening at 6pm, offering a festive surprises, from 1st – 24th December.

East Wick + Sweetwater is unlocking day number FOUR

This cosy little celebration is the perfect excuse for a fun, festive night out with friends and family.

East Wick and Sweetwater Winter Surprise – Find out more

We won!

Last night we were named Apartment Development of the Year at the British Homes Awards, a prestigious event that champions the best architecture, interior design and landscaping across the UK.

EW+S is shaping and developing a new neighbourhood for East London, turning a former industrial brownfield site into a thriving community that connects Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with Hackney Wick and Fish Island.

We’ve already delivered 302 homes alongside a flourishing mix of independent businesses. As the development progresses, new schools, nurseries, community spaces and a mix of homes will be introduced, transforming the site into a significant new London neighbourhood. The vision is to create a diverse and thriving community centred around its residents.

Four future phases will provide a further 1300 homes with new employment and retail spaces created alongside more than 1,200 cycle spaces and four acres of new multifunctional open space.

With architecture inspired by local heritage and sustainability at its core, EW+S sets new standards for design and environmental responsibility. Supported by a £500,000 social investment fund, the development champions local enterprises and community engagement.

Congratulations to everyone involved in delivering this outstanding new neighbourhood.

Ioana Gal is bringing a new rhythm to East Wick + Sweetwater with her newly opened boutique dance studio.

Ioana stepped onto the dance floor for the first time as a young girl, and what began as a childhood passion has now blossomed into a lifelong dream come true: her own boutique dance and wellness studio.

We caught up with her to find out more…

Hey Ioana! It’s great to welcome Le Dance Studio to EW+S. Tell us more about how it all started.

Great to be here! I grew up dancing, but decided to pursue a corporate career which ended up with me running operations for a media studio in Shoreditch. I loved it and I’m really grateful for those years as it helped  sharpen my business brain and gain an understanding for what’s needed to build something of my own. But dance has always been part of me and I knew deep down that was my real passion.

What does the studio offer?

The focus is on traditional dance styles as well as movement therapy, but we’re one of the only dance studios where you can come to train and then recover too – we have an onsite therapy room which means dancers can step directly from the dance floor into a space dedicated to massage, physical alignment, and – soon – mental health therapy too. Dancers go through a lot, both physically and mentally, and the approach here is to provide more holistic support. We’re mainly focused on professional dancers but we also offer taster sessions and an open door to anyone who wants to explore the power of movement. Le Dance Studio isn’t just about dance steps. It’s about balance, connection, and creating a space where people can feel good – in their bodies and in their minds.

Why East Wick + Sweetwater?

The Olympic Park legacy, the connectivity, the young, vibrant community  – it just felt right. There’s a creative buzz here that you can’t find anywhere else.  Surrounded by green spaces, new builds, and a diverse, thriving population, East Wick + Sweetwater is the perfect place to nurture a studio rooted in passion, movement, and wellness. I love it here!

To find out more email info@ledancestudio.com