New Docklands townhouses: London City Island homes will be part of neighbourhood built on site of former margarine factory

New family houses are a scarce commodity amid the sea of apartments in Docklands.

Examples that raise the architectural bar are almost nonexistent, which makes the launch of The Townhouse Collection at London City Island really special.

This fledgling neighbourhood is being built in a loop of the River Lea as it joins the Thames close to Canary Wharf.

Formerly a margarine factory, it is on its way to becoming a smooth waterside quarter.

It will feature boldly coloured apartment blocks, boutiques, cafés and restaurants, an arts club and lush gardens sprinkled with grasses and ginkgo trees.

There will also be an exotic outside swimming pool and swanky new headquarters for English National Ballet and London Film School.

Spread over six storeys connected by a lift, the townhouses have a vibrant red-brick façade, roof terrace, patio and private parking.

Robust exterior architecture is matched by factory-inspired interior design.

Open-plan spaces have Crittall-style glazed partitions and white-oiled oak floors; kitchens have a striking polished concrete island, while matt black brassware and patterned metalwork are used elsewhere.

Prices start at £1.45 million. More info.