These days Bankside estate agents can show you around superb loft-style apartments, new developments and converted apartments boasting penthouse views. But the Bankside of yesteryear was nowhere near as desirable - as with much of London, the area went into decline after World War Two. Our guide to the 1990s regeneration of Bankside gives you unique insights into how the area developed plus the amenities and properties you’ll find there today.

From the 1800s, Bankside became an important industrial centre. Its docks were important for trade shipping, with local many warehouses and wharves to store the ship cargos before and after loading and unloading. Even so, Bankside was sadly not immune to the post-war industrial decline that gripped so many parts of London. The river Thames was becoming increasingly quieter, as the holiday makers dwindled in some fairly austere post-war years and the steam boat day trippers were definitely now only a memory. It was quite common to see Bankside property fall into acute disrepair. In later years its even been reported there was a local sewage problem around the South Bank, The cultural hub of today’s fashionable South Bank bears no resemblance to these sad, dilapidated and probably foul scenes.

Bankside property regeneration followed the curious twist that has been the saving grace of many formerly less popular areas. Its seemingly drab and unloved industrial buildings were transformed during the 1990s London loft living revolution. The immense size of many of these buildings allowed local Bankside estate agents to promote some truly incredible properties with huge amounts of space and light - something that just could not have been achieved by modifying other types of structure. They often had high ceilings, massive floor space and the architects were sometimes able to design sympathetic features. Today you might see original exposed brickwork and beams being seamlessly incorporated into some of the best conversions.

When the Tate Modern opened in 2000, many commentators felt this was the act which sealed the areas new reputation. It is often said the true genius of Bankside is the way it quickly connects so many key cultural venues with the city via the pedestrian friendly Millennium Bridge. Visitors and locals today enjoy the restored Shakespearian Globe theatre, and the nearby splendour of Southwark Cathedral. You can also take in Old London through the Clink Street Prison museum and the Golden Hinde, a fully sized reconstruction of an important medieval war ship. Contemporary culture is championed by the

Bankside Gallery, the BFI Imax and of course the Tate Modern occupies a building which was a formerly a huge power station. As if all this wasn’t enough, the area is a magnet for London’s gourmets, with the Vinopolis wine tasting experience and the much worshipped Borough food market. Walking tours are held along the river and there are plenty of waterside picnic spots, plus of course a multitude of bars and restaurants along the banks of the Thames.

This is an area with a deserved reputation for better schools and there are 95 within the state sector alongside quite a substantial number of private ones. Bankside is served by a strong network of local NHS GP Practices and of course key private medical centres. As you might expect, you’ll also find some good quality private health clubs and holistic health centres. You can take some fantastic riverside walks or enjoy the important green space provided by nearby Southwark Park. The longer established Bankside estate agents are likely to take you to view a wider variety of Bankside property. You might see those loft style apartments; or stylish and contemporary family homes; or some of the sought after new build developments. You’ll find that conversions are predictably popular, since many of the better ones offer wonderful riverside views.