An address to relish: new Bermondsey neighbourhood to be transformed by industrial chic homes in former factories
Having devoured nearly all of Bermondsey’s historic wharves and waterfront warehouses, developers have been switching their focus to the district’s hinterland — former factories where some of Britain’s most famous food brands were produced.
The marvellous old buildings range from Victorian to mid-century modern, whetting developers’ appetites for homes with steel-and-brick industrial chic.
Posh property company Grosvenor is transforming the former Peek Freans biscuit factory complex into a new neighbourhood of 800 homes, and now London Square is turning the place where Crosse & Blackwell churned out Branston Pickle, Worcester Sauce and Salad Cream into a new address with 406 homes, artist studios and gallery space.
The 4.7-acre London Square Bermondsey site close to Bermondsey Spa regeneration zone comprises nine buildings being turned into apartments and townhouses overlooking courtyards and garden squares.
Until very recently, this was not a sought-after location but development is spreading from Borough Market and London Bridge and bringing a new range of food and fashion businesses to gritty Bermondsey backstreets and railway arches.
The first phase is called The Tannery, a Twenties building with a striking entrance foyer dominated by a black concrete staircase. The flats have a similar design edge, with SieMatic kitchens, Butler-type sinks and Crittall-style black metal-framed windows. Prices from £550,000. Call London Square on 0333 666 4343.
Basement parking is available and coming later are big loft apartments with roof terraces. A bonus for buyers is the Bakerloo line Tube extension from Elephant & Castle to New Cross Gate. Preliminary work is under way, with two new stations along nearby Old Kent Road expected to boost local property prices.
