An eclectic mishmash of different architectural styles and textures, Bromley-by-Bow is an up-and-coming area of East London. With its growing artistic and creative community, namely the television studios on Three Mills Island, it’s fast becoming a competitor to trendy hotspots like Shoreditch. It doesn’t hurt that the area is well connected with two tube stations on the District and Hammersmith and City Lines and DLR stops. The area is wonderfully diverse, hosting part of the UK’s largest Bangladeshi community.

Trendiness wasn’t always so pervasive in the neighbourhood, with the industrial revolution playing a large part in its development. In the 1820s, a variety of waterworks related industries sprung up, with workers’ housing quickly following. Milling was one of the biggest industries in the area. Today, House Mill is still standing and is the largest surviving tide-powered mill in Britain! Unfortunately, bad quality residential buildings and economic depravity meant that by the late 19th century, much of the area had grown into a slum. Over the following decades, there were a series of different government initiatives that implemented various civil improvements.

Today, the area has become well known for its local 3 Mills Studios, which is the production site for many of the U.K.’s favourite TV shows and films. These have included Footballers’ Wives, Million Pound Drop, 28 Days Later, and Sherlock Holmes. It was also there that the Big Brother house was located for the first two series.

Despite the area’s up and coming energy, its relatively isolated atmosphere means that there continues to be a lack of amenities. Following the decline of industrial businesses in the area, the neighbourhood became relatively deprived. Nevertheless, the arrival of new creative projects is now forcing many locals to consider the threat of gentrification. FBM Architects’ plan for a new residential development on the corner of Commercial Road and White Horse Road was recently confirmed. Meanwhile, in the conservation area around Regents Canal and Limehouse Cut, planning has also been granted for the residential redevelopment of Sailmaker’s Warehouse. While residents have complained about the high prices attached to these schemes, plans are also underway for the development of a site opposite Bow Church DLR where at least 50% of the 150 homes will be affordable.