{
  "id": 17796078,
  "title": "Former military barracks in London transformed into luxury residences with eye on security",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/former-military-barracks-in-london-transformed-into-luxury-residences-17796078",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-02T11:47:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2026/11/02/former-military-barracks-in-london-transformed-into-luxury-residences-with-eye-on-security/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For over a century, St John's Wood in north London hosted soldiers on horseback, serving as barracks for the Royal Horse Artillery and The King's Troop. The King's Troop's final parade occurred in 2012 before they moved to Woolwich. Today, a 2.2-hectare site has been transformed into 120 luxury residences, with construction underway to turn the former riding school into a sports hall and recreational facilities. The first high-end apartments, starting at £14.895 million, have hit the market, with the initial residents expected to move in by 2028. Developed by Malaysian-born entrepreneur Ananda Krishnan, the project was taken over by Sir George Iacobescu and Gareth Stow after Krishnan's passing in 2024. A survey of 758 potential buyers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia revealed that security was the top priority for 33% of respondents, followed by safety (29%) and security amenities (56%). The development emphasizes security with 24-hour guards, over 400 cameras with AI behavioral detection, and an airlock system for car park and apartment access. The amenities span from a wellness center, 20-meter pool, and spa to a sports arena, private dining room, cinema, games room, and a children's play area, all designed to provide a secure and privileged living experience.",
  "summary": "For the best part of two centuries, the well-heeled and genteel north London suburb of St John’s Wood echoed to the sound of soldiers on horseback. Established as barracks in 1812, the area served as home to the Royal Horse Artillery and later The King’s Troop, welcoming visits from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. The King’s Troop conducted its final ceremonial parade down St John’s Wood…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}