ARK Living

ARK Living operates as a provider of co-living spaces in the UK, offering flexible accommodation solutions designed to foster connection, work, and community among its residents. The company's approach to urban living focuses on creating environments where individuals can relax, host, work, and live according to their preferences. ARK Co-living provides options for stays ranging from as short as three nights to as long as three years, catering to a diverse clientele including those passing through London and individuals seeking a longer-term residence. Booking flexibility is a key aspect of the company's offering, with dynamic nightly pricing available for shorter stays of one to 89 nights, alongside monthly booking options for periods between three and twelve months, which include discounted rates for extended commitments.

A central tenet of ARK Living's philosophy is a deep commitment to community, aiming for residents to feel part of something larger than themselves and to experience genuine connection. The firm designs its spaces to inspire creativity, learning, and innovation, providing the necessary tools and ideas for its community to flourish. This commitment is supported by a robust programme of curated events and activities, which are specifically designed to encourage social interaction and networking among members. The company's staff are described as professional, responsive, empathetic, and inclusive, contributing to a supportive living environment where residents can feel at home and trust that their needs are cared for.

ARK Living's properties are consciously designed to integrate both private and communal living, ensuring that residents have their own space while remaining connected to the wider community. The fully furnished studios are crafted to optimise space with thoughtful touches and integrated storage solutions. Residents benefit from an all-bills-inclusive approach, simplifying the management of living expenses. Amenities vary by location but commonly include gyms, co-working spaces, communal kitchens, media rooms, and roof terraces. For instance, ARK Canary Wharf features a pool with views of Canary Wharf and a golf simulator, while ARK Shoreditch, opening in Summer 2026, will include a yoga studio, cinema room, karaoke rooms, playroom, and an internal garden. The company also offers a member app to facilitate requests, bookings, bill settlements, and access to event information, further enhancing a stress-free living experience.

The company's operational platform, founded by re:shape and its partners, launched in September 2022 with ARK Wembley, an initial 300-bed asset. This was followed by the launch of ARK Canary Wharf in January 2024, expanding the total operational capacity to over 1,000 beds. ARK Canary Wharf is recognised as one of London's largest co-living spaces. In August 2026, ARK Living is scheduled to open ARK Shoreditch, a new six-floor property in East London offering 194 rooms. Owned and operated by Crosstree Real Estate, ARK Living is led by Managing Director Robert Alam, who joined the company in 2024.

While co-living is a primary focus, ARK Living is also expanding its portfolio to include student accommodation projects across London. The firm is preparing for the launch of a student accommodation site in Canning Town, scheduled to open for the 2026/27 academic year. Additional student living developments are planned for Tottenham Hale and Valentine, indicating a strategic expansion into the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector. This diversification allows ARK Living to cater to a broader range of residents at different stages of their journeys, from student life to shared living.

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