The changes to the Bankside area in central London since 1947.

What is it about?

This article identifies and analyses the physical and cultural changes that have happened in this central London location, and the forces that have driven redevelopment over a seventy year period. Change was largely unplanned and piecemeal and reflects wider changes in Britain; especially the deindustrialisation of central London.

Featured Image

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The deindustrialisation of late twentieth cities is an established field of historical inquiry. Furthermore, the cultural effects of the conversion of Bankside power station to Tate Modern in 2000 have been widely examined. This article draws together and extends these themes and demonstrates how the Bankside area underwent a process of deindustrialisation and how the former Bankside power station was viewed variously as an oppressive presence, an industrial masterpiece and an asset to be exploited and was almost demolished before its conversion to a renowned art gallery.