Early Camden had been a quiet, middle-class residential market town in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, but by mid-19th century the wider area became a major transportation hub, connecting London with the rest of the UK.
Lined with warehouses and factories, the Regent’s Canal opened to traffic in 1820 and by 1850 was joined by The Great Northern Railway and a Camden-based London terminus. With railway and canal construction came labourers and a substantial working class population made inner Camden and King’s Cross their home.
Following the rapid population rise of the 1850’s, large yellow- brick family homes (typically three-story high with substantial basements and cottages) became multi-occupancy and divided into apartments to accommodate working-class families.
By the end of the nineteenth century, most of the housing stock was ‘soot-stained and run-down’ and only in the last decades of the twentieth century would Camden again become socially diverse.
More fashionable neighbouring districts which now form part of the borough, such as Primrose Hill and Belsize Park, have remained predominantly wealthy areas. Knight Frank has a wealth of knowledge in historic locations in this area, so make sure to get in touch for more information!
1980’s and beyond
Towards the end of 20th century, much of the residential property built in the 1800’s became listed and now form some of the most popular streets in the area.
Mornington Crescent is one of Camden’s most instantly recognisable streets featuring curved terraces grouped in a crescent form around communal gardens.
Camden Town, the borough’s vibrant nucleus, became a cultural hub for musicians and artists during the second half of the 20th century and a fashionable place for creative types to live and work.
Camden market, which began in the 70’s, is strongly associated with counter-culture movements and is now one of London’s most visited tourist attractions. Since the 1980’s many of the family homes have been modernised, returning the splendour of Camden’s 18th century housing to its former glory.
21st Century property development
The majority of development in Camden has undoubtedly been in King’s Cross over the last ten years. The area has seen a complete turnaround, transforming it into one of the most desirable places to live in London. The first major change was the arrival of the Eurostar in 2007 which coincided with the refurbishment of St. Pancras Station.
The sudden propulsion of King’s Cross as London’s gateway to continental Europe was a catalyst for development and in 2007 Argent embarked upon their total regeneration of the area.
The project, which is due for completion around 2020, has seen the building of around 2000 new residential homes as well as the arrival of some of the world’s most renowned companies, including Google, Universal, Nike and many more.
The 145 apartment Gasholders development, beside Regent’s Canal, is an example of how the area is changing. These new home will be housed within three refurbished Grade II-listed, cast-iron gasholder guide frames in the heart of King’s Cross.