BATTERSEA
Battersea Park, Battersea Power station, and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are three household names known the world over.
Battersea started life as a small island settlement in the Thames until the land was drained for farming. When the Industrial Revolution arrived, railways transformed the area into a hub of industry and transport; factories were built along with housing estates for the workers.
Today, the big news for Battersea is the redevelopment of the iconic Battersea Power Station, Europe's largest brick structure and one of London's most familiar landmarks, and the surrounding area. It links Battersea to the massive regeneration initiative transforming the Thames shoreline of Nine Elms with a riverside park, high street, shops, hotels, restaurants and cafés, and 4,000 new homes.
Battersea has an eclectic mix of property; the riverside is dominated by new developments, while the hinterland features mansion blocks and Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses.
It's a great place to bring up a young family and is fondly nicknamed 'Nappy Valley' for its community spirit, green spaces, good state, and private schools.
Battersea Park spans 200 acres of green open space and is one of London's loveliest parks with its spectacular fountains, a boating lake, tennis courts, a children's zoo, playgrounds, a bandstand, an art gallery, and cafés.
The award-winning Battersea Arts Centre, founded in 1980, specialises in music, dance, and theatre productions for culture lovers. This cultural gem sits on Lavender Hill and offers many independent theatre productions, with some excellent pre or post-show places to dine. There are still more attractions in nearby Chelsea, just across Battersea Bridge.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home rescues 7,000 animals annually and prides itself on never turning away a creature in need. Since it opened in 1860, more than three million animals have found a haven in its kennels or cattery.
Ideal for an easy commute to the hubbub of central London, Battersea has excellent transport links making it popular for young professionals. Clapham Junction is the area's central train station providing links to London Victoria, Vauxhall, London Waterloo, and further afield destinations such as Portsmouth, Weymouth, Croydon, and Gatwick Airport. The Northern Line extension creates two new stations with direct links to central London.
Local bus routes via Battersea Bridge provide services to Chelsea (10min) and Victoria (15min) and further bus connections to South Kensington, Sloane Square, and Piccadilly Circus.
Battersea has lots going for it, from its leafy parks to its first-class restaurants. It's easy to see why people stay here for the long term.
Developments
Battersea Power Station
Embassy Gardens
Sky Gardens
Chelsea Bridge Wharf
Albion Riverside
Circa London Sales & Lettings, is a sales and lettings agent in Battersea and the surrounding areas of central London.
