If you could choose to live anywhere in London, where would it be? Prime central mainstays like Mayfair and Knightsbridge might be the knee-jerk response, but, post-pandemic, buyers are thinking about property a little more carefully.

For example, some value above all else proximity to culture – the Tate Modern, National Theatre, and BFI would probably do. Others want to exist in a vibrant epicentre of entertainment – ideally near a spot that hosts year-round fairs, occasions and events. Some property-hunters want to live and breathe London, and dream of neighbours like Big Ben, St. Paul’s and the London Eye.

You may or may not have gauged that we are talking about the one and only South Bank. You may also have had your interest piqued by the fact that, despite its not being known as a residential area, you can live on the South Bank, thanks to a brand new development: Triptych Bankside.

This is SE1’s £400 million mixed-use development, comprising two residential towers of 169 apartments, 68,000 sq ft of commercial space in the third tower, retail facilities and 14,000 sq ft of cultural space. Show apartments, designed by Cocovara, are open, giving a tantalising insight into just how chic these apartments have the potential to be. If you should choose to purchase an apartment furnished, there are two options available from handmade designer House of Vara: the Emerald Collection, for ‘understated elegance’, and The Garnet Collection, which has been created with a younger audience in mind.

Furniture integrates seamlessly with the building’s form – architect Squire and Partners opted for curved edges and soft lines in floor-to-ceiling windows and wrap-around balconies; in one of the show apartments, Cocovara has chosen a curved cream sofa complete with a round coffee table made from oak, eucalyptus and leather. Meanwhile, the dining table has been purposefully designed with three corners to fit the contours of the room.

In the open-plan kitchen, Caesarstone countertops create a sleek, contemporary look, and green leather chairs line the breakfast bar. Italian-designed bathrooms lean into traditional luxury, with vast walk-in showers and handmade wood vanity units.

A diverse range of amenities will include a large co-working space with high speed broadband, a new state-of-the-art gym and independent café. A new cultural space at the ground level of Triptych Bankside will become an exciting destination in its own right, seamlessly complementing this world-renowned cultural quarter.

“We are close to achieving £60m in sales since the launch of the show apartments in October 2021,” says Nigel Fleming, Sales & Marketing Director of JTRE London. “We have put much importance on creating a memorable development with an emphasis on eye-catching architecture, stunning interior design and high quality finishes. Our primary goal remains to create a game changing development where the residential, retail and commercial spaces work in tandem forming vibrant social spaces for everyone who lives, works or visits the area.”

Diversifying ideas about what is important is all part of what is coming to be known as the ‘new luxury’. The most highly publicised priority is outdoor space; luckily, all Triptych apartments boast balconies with breathtaking views and landscaped gardens. Meanwhile, the Bankside Urban Forest initiative aims to transform the streets and spaces of Southwark.

Another watchword is sustainability; increasingly, Millennial and Gen Z buyers want to know that building materials and processes are responsible. Triptych Bankside adopts a ‘passive design’ approach (which, done right, should reduce or eliminate the need for additional heating or cooling), and includes a new combined energy centre supported by photovoltaic solar cells (PV).

And finally, in case we haven’t mentioned it already, if it’s proximity to a pulsating urban scene that you desire, Triptych can’t be beat. From the Southbank Centre to Shakespeare’s Globe and Somerset House, culture and entertainment offerings are endless. Foodie heaven Borough Market is also within walking distance.

If you too feel that fun, function and green credentials are the new luxury, book a viewing at Triptych Bankside – you probably never thought you would say this, but your next address might be the South Bank.