Bankside
Bankside is a lively central London riverside location stretching from Blackfriars Bridge to London Bridge, directly opposite St Paul’s Cathedral.
The area is part of the London Borough of Southwark and is seen as South London’s alternative to the West End. It is steeped in history and features iconic landmarks, unique architecture, a vibrant art scene, mouth-watering markets and award-winning restaurants, bars, and shops.
In this guide, we'll walk you through what makes Bankside a sought-after place to live, offering essential insights for buyers, renters, and property investors.
Properties in Bankside
Bankside Property Market
Bankside is a sought-after residential area of London with an average property price of £1.1 million, making it one of the more expensive places to buy property in the capital. This is due to a few factors, including its central location, excellent transport links, world-class cultural attractions, and new developments.
Bankside offers residents easy connectivity, making it a particularly attractive residential location for those who work in the city. The area also offers easy access to renowned venues, such as the Tate Modern, the London Eye, and Shakespeare's Globe.
Recent years have seen substantial improvements to Bankside's infrastructure, making it more appealing to both residents and businesses. This, coupled with the area's central location and popular local sites, means Bankside’s property market continues to thrive.
Bankside is a convenient place to live, with great transport links, multiple Tube stations and bus routes, it's easy to get around London from here. There are also lots of local amenities, like shops, bars, and restaurants.
Bankside also has green spaces nearby, like Bankside Park and the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern. These are great places to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Bankside is a great place to live and has a strong property market because it has everything you need: culture, transport, amenities, and green space.
Property Types in Bankside
Bankside's property scene is a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, reflecting its diverse past and present. The iconic Shakespeare's Globe theatre represents Elizabethan architecture, while remnants of Bankside's industrial past can be found in older buildings with warehouse-style charm. Newer developments feature contemporary design elements, creating a vibrant and eclectic architectural landscape.
Bankside has grown and developed as a residential area for over 25 years, with the revitalisation of warehouses and historic properties around Clink Street, Bermondsey Street, and Shad Thames. This mix of old and new is reflected in the housing options that are available, including warehouse conversions, period properties, and new apartments.
Bermondsey Street, Shad Thames and Clink Street were among the first to benefit from regeneration, and Bankside's property market has thrived ever since. Upcoming large-scale developments near Elephant & Castle, less than a mile south of London Bridge, are set to add even more dynamism to the area.
Other notable places include Benbow House, New Globe Walk, with views of the river and St. Paul's Cathedral, and the award-winning contemporary lofts at The Jam Factory on Green Walk.
Buying Property in Bankside
Bankside offers luxury living and a vibrant lifestyle, making it a popular choice for buyers and investors.
Bankside's location on the south bank of the river Thames offers residents breathtaking views and easy access to scenic riverside walks and parks. This proximity to nature adds to the area's charm and attracts people who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Bankside property is also a promising investment opportunity. The area's prime location means rental properties in the area are in high demand, making it a good option for investors seeking steady income. Additionally, the potential for capital growth is substantial, given Bankside's track record of property value appreciation. One notable development popular with investors is the exclusive Neo Bankside, a high-end, award-winning residential building completed in 2012.
Bankside's popularity among tourists also makes it a good location for short-term rentals. This additional income stream can appeal to investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
Renting Property in Bankside
Bankside is a popular area to rent in London because of its proximity to the city and excellent transportation options for commuters. It also has a prime riverside location along the Thames, offering stunning views and a peaceful urban escape. Bankside offers a variety of housing options, from apartments to houses, to accommodate different budgets.
Bankside is also home to a vibrant creative scene and a strong sense of community. Residents support local businesses and enjoy the short walk to famous attractions. Bankside's diverse international community make it a culturally rich place to live which appeals to those who are new to London.
Buildings of Significance in Bankside
The Tate Modern in Bankside ranks among the world's largest museums of modern and contemporary art, housing an extensive collection of over 70,000 artworks. What sets this museum apart is its location within the former Bankside Power Station, a structure designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and constructed in phases between 1947 and 1963. In 2000, Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron transformed the power station into the iconic museum it is today.
This renowned cultural institution draws more than 6 million visitors annually, firmly establishing itself as a top London tourist destination. The Tate Modern's diverse collection spans from 1900 to the present day, showcasing works by acclaimed artists like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, and Damien Hirst. Beyond its artistic treasures, the museum offers additional amenities, including a library, restaurant, and bookshop.
For enthusiasts of modern and contemporary art, the Tate Modern is an absolute must-visit. It stands as a dynamic world-class museum, continuously evolving and presenting a compelling array of artistic expression.
Bankside Schools
- City of London School is a selective grammar school with a reputation for academic excellence. It has a strong focus on the arts and sciences, and its alumni include many successful individuals in a variety of fields.
- Mulberry School for Girls is a comprehensive school with a focus on academic achievement. It is known for its strong academic results, its commitment to diversity, and its innovative teaching methods.
- Central Foundation Boys School is a state-funded school with a history dating back to 1823. It is known for its strong academic record and its commitment to providing a high-quality education for all students.
- Notre Dame R.C Girls Secondary School is a Catholic school with a focus on academic excellence and personal development. It is known for its strong academic results, its commitment to faith, and its nurturing environment.
- Harris Academy is a group of academies with a focus on academic achievement and social mobility. They are known for their strong academic results, their commitment to helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and their innovative teaching methods.
Bankside Regeneration Information
Past Regeneration Projects
Bankside has undergone major regeneration over the years, with the development of new cultural attractions and the conversion of former industrial buildings into apartments and offices.
Winchester Palace was another important regeneration project for Bankside. Buried for centuries, development work in the area uncovered the ruins of Winchester Palace. In 1980 these ruins were revealed to the public following major restoration work.
Winchester Palace was the London residence of the Bishops of Winchester from the 12th century until the 17th century. The palace was located on the south bank of the River Thames, in the area now known as Bankside.
The palace was once a grand and impressive building, but it was destroyed by fire in the 16th century. Even today following the restoration, only the ruins of the palace remain. These ruins can be found on Clink Street, next to Southwark Cathedral and the Golden Hinde replica ship. The site is open to the public and can be visited for free.
Winchester Palace is a reminder of the rich history of Bankside. The palace was once a centre of power and influence, and its ruins are a testament to the changing fortunes of the area.
Current Regeneration Projects In Bankside
Bankside Yards is a significant mixed-use development spanning 3.3 acres and featuring eight buildings. Key highlights of the project include:
- Location: Bankside Yards enjoys a prime location nestled between the renowned Tate Modern and historic Borough Market.
- Size: This ambitious development is set to become a substantial 1.4 million square feet "hyper-mixed" complex, with a vision to seamlessly connect the spaces between the Tate Modern and Borough Market.
- Sustainability: Bankside Yards takes the lead as the UK's first major mixed-use development to be fossil-fuel free, prioritising sustainability and carbon emission reduction.
- Public Realm: The project will introduce biodiverse green areas, a new pedestrian-friendly street, and a fresh public square for the community to enjoy.
- Retail and Cultural Spaces: Bankside Yards will rejuvenate 14 historic arches, transforming them into vibrant retail and cultural venues.
- Residential: The development includes 550 new homes, including affordable housing, ensuring a diverse and inclusive community.
Bankside Yards is poised to be a dynamic, sustainable riverside destination that caters to the needs of residents, workers, and visitors alike. The project will unfold in multiple phases over the next few years.
Bankside Community
Better Bankside: Better Bankside is an organisation that focuses on corporate responsibility and community engagement. They offer the Bankside Community Exchange, which connects individuals and businesses with local charities, schools, and community organisations for volunteering, fundraising, and support.
Bankside Open Spaces Trust: Bankside Open Spaces Trust is an environmental and volunteering charity that has been working since 2000 to protect, preserve, and enhance parks and open spaces in the area. They aim to create and maintain green spaces for the benefit of the local community.
Bankside Yards: Bankside Yards is a hypermixed riverside destination in Bankside that aims to create a vibrant community and cultural hub. They are committed to sustainable development and fostering a sense of community within the area.
The National Foundation For Youth Music: Located on America Street, this community service/non-profit organization focuses on providing music education and opportunities for young people.
Transport Information
Tube:
By Tube the Jubilee and Northern Line serve Southwark and London Bridge stations. The Northern Line provides a direct link to Kings Cross, St Pancras and Euston stations. The Jubilee Line provides direct links to the West End.
Southwark » Westminster
Southwark » Bond Street
London Bridge » Westminster
London Bridge » Bond Street
Boat
Thames Clipper
Stops at Waterloo Pier, Savoy Pier, Blackfriars, Bankside, London Bridge and others.
Bus:
Covent Garden
Aldwych
Waterloo Station
National Theatre
London Bridge Station
Tower Gateway Station
Underground
By underground the Jubilee and Northern Line serve Southwark and London Bridge stations. The Northern Line provides a direct link to Kings Cross, St Pancras and Euston stations. The Jubilee Line provides direct links to the West End.
Thames Clipper
Stops at Waterloo Pier, Savoy Pier, Blackfriars, Bankside, London Bridge and others.
Bankside, where history meets modernity, offers residents a rich cultural environment, diverse culinary scene, and ongoing revitalisation. This dynamic London locale invites you to explore its vibrant range of experiences, ensuring something for everyone in the heart of the city.
Get in touch with one of our friendly team to discuss your Bankside home!
Things To Do in Bankside
Bankside is one of the oldest settlements in Britain and takes its name from one of the medieval causeways built to hold back the Thames.
Today, there are plenty of things to do in the area:
- Cultural Gems: Explore Southwark Playhouse for a range of productions and visit the Bankside Gallery for prints and watercolours. Don't miss the world-renowned Tate Modern in the aforementioned former Bankside Power Station.
- Historic Attractions: Discover Southwark Cathedral, Vinopolis for wine tasting and dining, the Golden Hinde, Tower Bridge Exhibition, London Dungeon, Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and Tour, and the Menier Chocolate Factory. Enjoy theatres like the Rose Theatre and Unicorn Theatre for young audiences.
- Museums Galore: Visit Sir Francis Drake's ship, The Clink Prison Museum, Design Museum, and Fashion and Textile Museum.
- Culinary Delights: Dine at Oxo Tower Restaurant, Fish! for sustainable fish dishes, Le Pont de la Tour for private dining, Gastronomica for Italian deli treats, Menier Chocolate Factory Restaurant, Roast for classic British cuisine, Wright Brothers Oyster & Porter House, The Leather Exchange Bar & The Leather Uppers, Delfina for modern twists on traditional fare, and L'antica Pizzeria for authentic Italian.
- Pub and Bar Scene: Enjoy a drink at The Garrison Public House, Village East, Anchor Bankside, Wheat Sheaf, Doggett's Coat and Badge, Brew Wharf, and The Rake.
- Nightlife: Experience the vibrant nightlife at Cable nightclub, spanning three archways and accommodating up to 1000 guests.
- With views of the river and sights of Tower Bridge and The Tower of London, Potters Fields Park is one of the few remaining open green parks along the riverside and is a favourite for many of the Hastings International team.
