Battersea Power Station is an iconic landmark - even growing up in the Midlands I recognised the huge building with four towers which is, incidentally, one of the largest brick buildings in the world.
The power station actually stopped producing electricity when I was a teen back in the '80's and is now Grade II listed.
As well as the impressive exterior the interior of the building features lavish Art Deco fittings and decor but was put on the Heritage At Risk Register by English Heritage as the years began to take their toll on the neglected landmark.
Thankfully the building and the area around it is getting a new lease of life thanks to developers who are creating a living community in Battersea, transforming the huge building by incorporating stylish apartments, shops and restaurants which are proving popular with young professionals and families.
So why move to Battersea?
Apart from the growing influx of canny new residents hoping to grab a bargain while the area is still up and coming, many companies are opening offices there as work on the Northern Line extension to the London Underground progresses. The line is due to open in 2020 at which point I predict property prices will skyrocket!
Already residents enjoy fantastic leisure and arts facilities along with some amazing restaurants.
Whether you fancy Cambodian, French, Thai or Korean, Battersea has it all plus posh fish and chips. Many of the venues are new branches of established restaurants who recognise that the discerning folk buying properties or staying in the hotels in Battersea want top quality nosh.
Gordon Ramsay has a restaurant in Royal Hospital Road. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay has an Inspiration Table you can book for up to six people where you can experience the creativity of the chefs and learn about the science and art behind the food being created in front of you.
The area is getting a reputation for being attractive for creative types so there are some quirky restaurants and cafes, fascinating productions at Battersea Arts Centre and the world famous Affordable Arts Fair to look forward to.
The Affordable Arts Fair is held at the impressive Battersea's Evolution event venue and attracts thousands of people from all over the world attracted by the art, the easy approach to viewing and buying art and the prices!
The regeneration is also bringing thousands of new jobs to the area. The US embassy is relocating there and word is other embassies are set to follow.
Outdoor space is exceptional with the wonderful 200 acre Battersea Park on the doorstep offering rowing on the lake, a lakeside cafe, pagoda, children's zoo, sports facilities, changing exhibitions and some notable tree specimens.
You can watch the magnificent fountain display between 10am and 6pm every day between early March and late November and the crystal display on the hour every hour between 10am and 6pm during the same period.
Children will love the impressive playground and fitness lovers can make use of trim trails while walkers will enjoy the picturesque 1 kilometre long lakeside promenade.
All in all Battersea is a bit of a gem - a rough diamond being transformed into a proper jewel in London's crown.
The power station actually stopped producing electricity when I was a teen back in the '80's and is now Grade II listed.
As well as the impressive exterior the interior of the building features lavish Art Deco fittings and decor but was put on the Heritage At Risk Register by English Heritage as the years began to take their toll on the neglected landmark.
Thankfully the building and the area around it is getting a new lease of life thanks to developers who are creating a living community in Battersea, transforming the huge building by incorporating stylish apartments, shops and restaurants which are proving popular with young professionals and families.
So why move to Battersea?
Apart from the growing influx of canny new residents hoping to grab a bargain while the area is still up and coming, many companies are opening offices there as work on the Northern Line extension to the London Underground progresses. The line is due to open in 2020 at which point I predict property prices will skyrocket!
Already residents enjoy fantastic leisure and arts facilities along with some amazing restaurants.
Gordon Ramsay has a restaurant in Royal Hospital Road. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay has an Inspiration Table you can book for up to six people where you can experience the creativity of the chefs and learn about the science and art behind the food being created in front of you.
The area is getting a reputation for being attractive for creative types so there are some quirky restaurants and cafes, fascinating productions at Battersea Arts Centre and the world famous Affordable Arts Fair to look forward to.
The Affordable Arts Fair is held at the impressive Battersea's Evolution event venue and attracts thousands of people from all over the world attracted by the art, the easy approach to viewing and buying art and the prices!
The regeneration is also bringing thousands of new jobs to the area. The US embassy is relocating there and word is other embassies are set to follow.
Outdoor space is exceptional with the wonderful 200 acre Battersea Park on the doorstep offering rowing on the lake, a lakeside cafe, pagoda, children's zoo, sports facilities, changing exhibitions and some notable tree specimens.
You can watch the magnificent fountain display between 10am and 6pm every day between early March and late November and the crystal display on the hour every hour between 10am and 6pm during the same period.
Children will love the impressive playground and fitness lovers can make use of trim trails while walkers will enjoy the picturesque 1 kilometre long lakeside promenade.
All in all Battersea is a bit of a gem - a rough diamond being transformed into a proper jewel in London's crown.