New Acres is a pleasant place to work, exercise and resist a sneaking sense of existential dread
One of the saddest and strangest places in all of England is a new-build development called New Acres that sits on the banks of the Thames beside the Wandsworth dump. Approaching from the train station, a stumpy skyline of London Vernacular arises, appearing suspicious and uncouth as it tries much too hard to fit in against a Thames skyline increasingly filled with luxury apartments.
On first impressions, it’s hard to imagine any signs of life here beyond the routine. But take a closer peek around its alleys and squares and there are bold attempts at civilization: a tapas bar, a sauna and even an independent bookshop. This is an exercise in what property developers in London call “placemaking”.