Location
Battersea is a large district in South West London and is part of the London Borough of Wandsworth. It is centred 3.5 miles (5.6 km) southwest of Charing Cross and extends along the south bank of the River Thames. It includes the 200-acre (0.81 km2) Battersea Park.
There’s an eclectic mix of property in Battersea - from streets of gorgeous Victorian homes "between the Commons" (the area between Clapham and Wandsworth Commons) to prestigious mansion blocks surrounding the park and high-rise waterside developments. Its residents are mostly families wanting to take advantage of the excellent schooling or young professionals drawn in by its proximity to lively Clapham or Central London.
Hsitorically the area consisted mainly of Victorian housing built in the late 1800s and early 1900s due to the construction of the railway in 1838 by the London and Southampton Railway Company. In the post war era a significant proportion of social housing was constructed to address the housing shortage during that era.
In the last couple of decades there has been a number of new developments on the banks of the river. This has provided a large number (in the 1000s) of new accomodation in high-rise apartment blocks from Studio Flats through to 2 or 3 bedroom flats. The area has been developed from the land surrounding the Battersea Power Station, with a new London Underground station, which opened in 2021, and is now an exclusive residential and retail area.
In 2011, Battersea had a population of 73,345 and has since become an affluent inner SW London residential district.
Transport
Battersea is an inner South West London neighbourhood and is well served by bus, rail and tube transport facilities.
Rail and Tube
Battersea is served by three National Rail stations: Battersea Park, Clapham Junction, and Queenstown Road (Battersea). All three stations are in London Travelcard Zone 2.
The largest railway station in Battersea is Clapham Junction, to the southwest of the district. The station is a busy interchange, and it serves destinations across London, the South, and South West England.
As part of Northern line extension to Battersea, Battersea was connected to the London Underground network at Battersea Power Station tube station (Zone 1) in September 2021.
Road
The A3205 runs through Battersea, on the south side of the River Thames, from a point close to Vauxhall Bridge, through to Wandsworth Bridge. Cycle Superhighway 8 passes through Battersea; the route runs unbroken from Wandsworth Town to Millbank, which is near the Palace of Westminster.
Obviously, there are a multitude of bus services running through the district taking you all over London. More details can be found here and on Transport for London's website.
River
The Battersea Power Station Pier provides easy access to Putney in the west all the way through to Woolich and Barking in the east. With many flexible ticketing options available, it is a great way to travel around London and makes commuting to the City or Canary Wharf painless.
Education
An increasingly popular residential area, Battersea’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly the excellent schooling available. Showing no signs of losing the 'Nappy Valley' moniker, families buy up sought- after homes close to prestigious primary schools. Thomas’s Battersea is the prominent independent school of choice, not least due to its very regal recent pupils. Ofsted ‘Outstanding’-rated schools include Harris Academy Secondary School on Battersea Park Road and Ashburnham Community School across the River Thames.
Notable developments in the area
New Covent Garden Market, a major fruit and vegetable wholesale market, was relocated to Battersea from the original Covent Garden in the West End, in 1974. It is the No.1 wholesale market place in the country and covers 35 acres.
Battersea Power Station, an iconic edifice designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, built between 1929 and 1939 has recently re-opened as a high end shopping and residential district.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, is the United Kingdom's most famous refuge for stray dogs.
Battersea Park, a 200-acre green space laid out by Sir James Pennethorne between 1846 and 1864 and opened in 1858, and home to a zoo and the London Peace Pagoda.
Royal Academy of Art has had its roots in Battersea for over 25 years and has a campus located there. The Royal Academy of Dance is also located in Battersea, close to the river and York Gardens.
Leisure
Battersea has several leisure facilities including Latchmere Leisure Centre, Battersea Sports Centre, Nuffield Health and more which provide local reisdents with swimming pools, gyms and other wellness related activities.
There is a plethora of shops, bars, pubs and restaurants located on Battersea Park Road as well as at the new Battersea Power Station and also, obviously, many other places in Clapham or the rest of London.
Battersea was voted as No.2 of 101 London locations on the Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide 2019
With several attractions, plenty to do, and a safe environment, Battersea is a great area in London. There is a lovely community atmosphere and amenities for everyone to benefit from – Battersea is an attractive location for professionals searching for their first home or families looking to relocate.
If you are considering purchasing in the area employ the local experts, Landview Surveyors. We have surveyors based in South London and know the housing stock well and are able to conduct a survey appropriate to the property's age and condition with skill and expertise.
