This sought-after corner of Bloomsbury is made up of attractive rows of Georgian and Victorian terraced houses, some of which are split into flats or have been converted into hotels, all focussed around the grade II-listed Brunswick Centre, a large shopping complex in the 60s modernist style. Convenient transport links from Russell Square tube station ensure a constant stream of tourism to the celebrated Foundling and Charles Dickens museums, located in the neighbourhood. The transport hub of King’s Cross St. Pancras is located just to the north across Euston Road, meaning that visitors often find this area an attractive place to stay. There is also a surprising amount of green space for somewhere so central, with Brunswick Square Gardens, Russell Square, and St George’s Gardens all located nearby. And with the numerous main roads, all the conveniences that one could ask for are readily provided! Situated close to University College London, and the School of Oriental and African Studies, the neighbourhood’s pubs are local haunts for students and professors alike, which keeps the area lively, and the area’s cafes in business.

Named after the neighbouring Brunswick Square, itself named in honour of Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales from 1795 to 1821, the Brunswick Centre began its life in the 1960s on the site of recently demolished Victorian terraces deemed insufficient by the council. It was originally planned by the architect Charles Hodgkinson as a private, mixed-use development, which was rare at the time, and the structure was completed in 1972. The building failed to attract enough buyers and the residential portion was leased to the Camden council for use as social housing, whilst the developers continued to own the retail space in the centre.

As a homage to the local Georgian terraces, the centre was supposed to be painted cream, although the council didn’t have the funds to do so. It was given grade II status in 2000 despite its lack of broad appeal and in 2002 a £22m renovation project began. The building was painted as it had been intended, water features were added, and the concrete structure was restored. Interestingly, the joint ownership proved problematic during this period, as the landlord owned the concrete structure, but the council owned the windows, making restoration difficult.

The building was intended to be much larger than it is today, extending all the way up to Euston Road. However, the Ministry of Defence would not give up the site of a building used by the Territorial Army. Its unique design has also made it a popular film location, appearing in the 1975 Jack Nicholson film, The Passenger, amongst others.

Given Bloomsbury’s history and reputation, the neighbourhood is unaffordable for the majority of Londoners. Even the Brunswick Centre’s 2-bedroom former council houses can reach up to almost £1m. The shopping centre and the convenient transport links can also make the area rather congested at peak times.

The two new Elizabeth line stations at Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon have already set in motion a new residential boom throughout the whole of the Bloomsbury area. A great deal of money has been spent on improving the shopping areas around Russell Square, and many more retail and residential projects are in the pipeline. It is hoped that this will attract more families and young professionals to the locality, which was once seen as a seedy and down-at-heel part of town.