Our guide to Battersea: the reinvention of this riverside gem

With a river running alongside it, 200 acres of beautiful parkland and a central cafe-lined square, Battersea boasts wonderful village attributes. Yet central London is a mere 20 minutes away and Chelsea is a pleasant saunter across the bridge.

Recent years have seen the SW11 neighbourhood transform dramatically. Now, you’ll find sleek, contemporary riverside developments and meticulously designed apartments in former industrial buildings. There’s a wealth of new properties, shops, restaurants and entertainment offerings. It’s unrecognisable from 20 years ago.

Central to this is the redevelopment of the iconic local landmark, Battersea Power Station. Once, it supplied a fifth of London’s electricity but that ceased in the 1980s. Having been left derelict for nearly 40  years, in October 2022 it reopened its doors and welcomed in a whole new generation to experience the mixed-use destination. Now, Battersea Power Station’s the place to go for everything from designer clothes to cocktails, pop up events to riverside dining and luxury living.

“It has been amazing to witness Battersea Power Station become the vibrant and thriving riverside neighbourhood it is today. We never stand still and will continue to expand what this new town centre has to offer in the coming months and years,” said Simon Murphy, CEO at Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC).

On the waterfront

The stretch of the Thames from Nine Elms along to Wandsworth has evolved significantly. There are many new luxury residential developments on the waterfront now. Sarah Bennett, Associate Sales Manager, Knight Frank Battersea explains, “The landscape has changed. The feel has changed. And to a degree, the people here have changed too.”

She continues, “On the waterfront, we see many overseas buyers looking for a pied-à-terre. We also have a lot of first time buyers, often financed by family money.”

In the past year, London’s riverside properties experienced an average 11% price uplift. Bennett points out, “This steady appreciation underscores the enduring attraction to waterfront living in the heart of the capital.”

Take for example this spacious two bedroom lateral apartment on the sixth floor of the Howard Building, situated on Chelsea Bridge Wharf, right on the riverside. The waterfront location is super convenient – a mere 50 yards from Battersea Park and around 100 yards from the power station. It’s a perfect place to secure your slice of the riverside Battersea lifestyle, with a guide price of £950,000. 

Could anything be more Battersea than living within its iconic landmark? This amazing duplex penthouse apartment within the historic Battersea Power Station is available for sale. The floor to ceiling windows flood the spacious home with natural light. They also frame the exceptional views of the River Thames and onto the city. It’s a unique, special place to live with a guide price of £6,999,995.

A key design influence in this area is the renowned architect firm, Foster + Partners. Norman Foster’s team worked on several apartments within Battersea Power Station, and also the modern design of Riverside One. This recently renovated 1-2 bedroom apartment is the epitome of style and sophistication, with a seamless flow between the open plan living spaces. The building itself looks incredible, but you only understand its true impact when you view it from the north bank of the Thames.

Battersea Park

This 200 acre Victorian park is a hugely attractive asset to the area. Meander along the tree-lined paths, take your morning run or cycle through this glorious green space or simply press pause for a moment. Sporting enthusiasts make the most of the tennis courts, cricket, football, rugby and hockey pitches. It’s an amazing place for kids with everything from a zoo to playgrounds and treetop activities at Go Ape.

The streets just off Battersea Park feature really beautiful family houses, many of them with charming period characteristics. This combination of attractive period properties with green space nearby is enough to lure families across the water from Chelsea or Fulham. It’s an easy walk back to Kings Road from here after all. They can continue their Chelsea lifestyle but will get a better value property on the south side of the river. Plus, there are exemplary schools in the area, such as Thomas’s, Newton Prep and the bilingual L'Ecole de Battersea.

This four bedroom Victorian house is an ideal example. Battersea Park is on its doorstep and it’s an easy walk to the river, the Power Station or over the bridge to Chelsea. Whilst the exterior exudes period appeal, the interior has been opened up and styled for contemporary living. It has a guide price of £2,700,000.

If you’re looking for charm and character, this delightful cottage on Battersea Bridge Road has it in abundance. Formerly, it was the caretaker’s cottage for Connaught Mansions. It still has the original safe for rent collection! Today, these attractive characteristics are juxtaposed by vibrant, contemporary styling. It has an asking price of £800,000.

Improved transport links

Battersea used to be maligned for its lack of decent public transport. It had no underground stops and relied solely on buses or overground links from Queenstown Road and Clapham Junction. But another aspect of the area’s transformation is the extended Northern Line which now goes to Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station.

According to Bennett, “We’re now finding that people buying apartments in the new developments don’t seem to want parking spaces. Previously, parking was seen as a valuable asset but the improved transport links have changed that.”

You can jump on a tube. You can walk to Chelsea. There’s the overground train from Queenstown Road or Clapham Junction. You also have the river taxi from Battersea Power Station which takes you straight into the City, Canary Wharf, Greenwich, Embankment and more. There are so many more transport options available here than there used to be. Alternatively, the cycle paths through the park and along the river provide picturesque routes into town or to the west.

A weekend in Battersea

It’s such a sociable lifestyle in SW11. It’s all about meeting up with friends in one of the many foodie destinations in the area or getting active on the waterfront or in the park.

Culinary hotspots

Joia in L’Art Hotel is an exciting new restaurant creating the delectable flavours of Catalonia and Portugal with a side offering of sky high views. On the waterfront just yards from the river, Gazette always gives a warm welcome. This authentic French brasserie serves up seasonal delicacies and true hospitality. The Sunday roast is an ever popular tradition in Battersea. The Prince Albert pub is a perennial favourite, as well as The Duke of Cambridge.

Cafe culture

Battersea Square has a cosmopolitan European vibe. It’s the place to grab a coffee and croissant from Gail’s or a crepe from Suzette. In the park, Pear Tree Cafe is a popular spot for brunch with friends.

Special events

There’s nearly always something different going on here. Battersea Park puts on remarkable seasonal events like fireworks in autumn and ice skating in winter, along with festivals and fairgrounds. The Power Station hosts myriad pop up events both indoors and outside beside the river. The iconic surroundings provide an excellent backdrop for watching sport on the big screen.

Boutique shopping

Inside Battersea Power Station there’s an exciting mix of high end designer stores and high street favourites. But you’ll also find curated markets and independent pop up stores. Just over the river, you can explore the delights of Kings Road. Then head south to enjoy Northcote Road with its artisan market and array of boutiques. Look out for Battersea Decorative Arts Fair held three times a year in the park, featuring antiques and interior design pieces.

Arts scene

Experience a real cultural mix of events at Battersea Arts Centre. One day it’ll be an orchestral performance, the next beatboxers or a comedic play. It’s a good place to discover emerging talent and extraordinary performances. Within Circus West Village, by Battersea Power Station, is the Turbine Theatre. It’s the place to catch the premiere of a new production, a reimagined classic tale or a diverse and interesting festival.

Panoramic views

A truly unique experience is ascending the iconic chimney of Battersea Power Station by lift. As you exit Lift 109, which is 109 metres up, you get breathtaking 360 degree views of the city skyline across the River Thames. For another memorable experience, head to the American Embassy in Nine Elms. The Sky Pool is a 25 metre, glass bottomed swimming pool which stretches between rooftops in Embassy Gardens.

Battersea has a vibrant buzz – there’s always something going on. Being bordered by the River Thames brings many benefits – waterfront views, transport by boat and the energy that flowing water provides. And that vibrancy has been enhanced even more by the area’s new additions and transformation. It really is a riverside gem in South West London.

View properties in Battersea and contact our local agents or learn more about our 2024 Waterfront Homes publication.