A first-class address: new homes on former Royal Mail site at Mount Pleasant to launch this summer

For more than a century, Mount Pleasant has been the main hub of the nation’s postal distribution system, a logistical marvel ensuring millions of parcels and letters reach their destination every day.

Now the historic Royal Mail sorting office in central London is to become an “address” in its own right, named Postmark, with 681 “first-class” homes, part of a lively new commercial quarter designed by four firms of architects.

The new neighbourhood is where east meets west, straddling two London boroughs — Camden and Islington — and two postcodes, WC1 and EC1.

The site, historically a prison, sits above the “lost” River Fleet, buried underground with a network of secret tunnels above it, the famous Mail Rail, now a cultural and tourist attraction that will be a key feature of this new address.

A NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD

The coveted 12-acre site had been the subject of a protracted planning dispute, mainly over affordable housing, before then-London mayor Boris Johnson intervened, paving the way for it to be sold to Taylor Wimpey. The developer paid £190 million.

Royal Mail will continue operations from its splendid Art Deco HQ, taking pride of place.

The main depot and two car parks are being redeveloped into four distinct areas.

In total there are 10 new blocks, rising up to 16 storeys. About half the land will be open space with public squares and roof gardens, while new pedestrian routes will slice through the site, creating links with the wider district.

The first phase of 214 homes includes penthouses as well as 63 affordable flats.

Show homes are designed by Conran and Partners. Buyers can choose one of two styles — “classic” or “urban” — and they will be able to make use of a fitness studio, cinema room and residents’ lounge.

Prices from £670,000. To register for the launch later this summer, call 020 3944 1371.

Street-level shops and restaurants plus offices for creative, media, tech and legal sector workers aim to add vitality to this new neighbourhood.

A new museum, part of the redevelopment, celebrates the fascinating history of the postal system, a benevolent cornerstone of British society dating back to 1512. Home buyers can now be part of this heritage.