London Photo Gallery - Chelsea Waterfront

The area around Imperial Wharf station has a number of new residential developments, with the Thames riverfront close by. Chelsea Waterfront includes revitalizing the Lots Road Power Station that used to power the Brompton and Piccadilly Circus Railway, which eventually became part of the Metropolitan District Railway. Construction began in 1902 and the power station with its 2 tall chimneys opened in 1905. Coal was supplied through a tidal basin in Chelsea Creek. By 1953, just over half of the power generated for the Underground came from here. The power station closed in 2002 as the power source shifted to the National Grid. The site was redeveloped by Hong Kong's CK Asset Holdings and the appropriately-named Powerhouse is now a 199-unit residential building. Inside is a long central atrium that is a public space with water features, long benches to sit, and shops. This is nothing like nearby Battersea Power Station though. I don't think it was intended to become a busy tourist destination, with the relatively small retail space more geared to serve area residents. The Thames Path outside isn't heavily touristed given its location. Next to it are more residential towers, with the tallest rising 130m and 92m. At these heights, residents can get a sweeping view of the Thames and London. The entire redevelopment spans almost 9 acres across 2 boroughs.