Northern line extension will transform Nine Elms from 'no man's land'

An extension of the Northern line to Nine Elms in south London will transform the area from a “no man’s land”, it was claimed today.

The funding announced by George Osborne in Wednesday’s Autumn Statement will ensure the creation of Tube stations in Nine Elms and outside Battersea power station.

It is hoped about 16,000 homes and up to 25,000 new jobs will be created in the area, with 27 projects in the development pipeline including Battersea power station and the new US embassy.

Richard Duong, 43, owner of The Duchess pub overlooking Battersea power station, said: “It is a good thing, it will generate a lot of things around this area. At the moment it is a no man’s land. Once they start work it will be all right, at the moment there is no passing trade, the only business we get is locals. The sooner it starts the better. The talk is there but unless it starts it is just the same as before.”

Kenny Darcy, 45, a website developer who recently bought a home near the proposed Nine Elms Tube station with his girlfriend, said he had invested in the area at the right time.

He said: “I think it is going to be brilliant for the area. I have lived here for 18 years and I am really excited about it. What we need is a bit of a shopping street, I don’t want to see something that has not got visual appeal.”

Colm Harris, who jointly runs the London Craftsmen Centre in Wilcox Road, near the site of the proposed Nine Elms station, said: “From a selfish point of view it will be good for business as there will be people with money coming in.

“But there will be a huge influx of people and traffic. Vauxhall station will become like King’s Cross. If I lived in the area I would not be too enamoured with all the traffic.

“In 10 years I fail to see how this won’t be a new Northcote Road, knowing how busy and vibrant that is.”

Krisztina, a worker at the Tanning and Beauty salon in Wandsworth Road, said: “I think we need a few more office-type buildings and those kind of client circles. It will be a good thing, I think.”