Battersea

Battersea is a district of south-west London, England, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. It sits on the south bank of the River Thames, opposite Chelsea and Pimlico, and is part of the Nine Elms–Battersea area. The district contains a mix of housing, offices, and green space, and has undergone substantial redevelopment in recent decades.

Historically part of Surrey, Battersea expanded in the 19th century with industry and transport. A major landmark is Battersea Power Station, built in the 1930s and decommissioned in 1983; it has since been redeveloped for offices, housing, and leisure. Battersea Park, opened in 1858, remains a major green space with a lake, playgrounds, and ornamental grounds.

Cultural venues include the Battersea Arts Centre on Lavender Hill, housed in a historic building, and the riverside area that hosts theatres and markets in nearby Nine Elms. The area’s economy and skyline have been reshaped by the road and rail links from the ongoing development around the river.

Since the 2000s, Battersea has been a focal point of redevelopment as part of the Nine Elms scheme, with new housing and amenities and improved transport. In 2021 the Northern line extension opened Battersea Power Station station, providing direct access to central London and connecting the area to the city network.