“A town of the future?” you might ask, looking around. Yes, Thamesmead was once envisioned as just that. Rising from land once occupied by the Royal Arsenal, Thamesmead was intended to be a utopian community. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Greater London Council, began in the 1960s. Thamesmead was designed with modernist principles at its heart. Think innovative architecture, ample green spaces, and a unique network of canals and lakes. The goal? To create a harmonious blend of urban living and natural serenity, a stark contrast to the crowded inner-city areas from which many new residents would come. Walking through Thamesmead today, you’ll see remnants of this grand vision. The echoes of “beton brut”, raw concrete, are visible in the buildings. You can stroll along the pedestrian walkways, designed to separate people from cars. Imagine a time when this area was abuzz with construction, the air thick with the promise of a brighter future. While Thamesmead’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges, the spirit of innovation and community persists. The town continues to evolve, embracing its unique past while looking towards a future as vibrant as its original vision.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service