The first scheme to start construction on a sprawling site that will one day be home to 16,000 new properties is underway.

Riverlight became the first scheme to start construction in the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea (VNEB) Opportunity Area when Mayor of London Boris Johnson took part in a ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, September 8.

The (VNEB) area is expected to create 16,000 new homes and 25,000 new jobs over the next decade. The Berkeley Group, which is investing £300m into the area and responsible for Riverlight, is building the development next to Battersea Power Station.

Riverside will be centred around six pavilions with external glass elevators and feature a new riverside walk and pocket park.

Mr Johnson said: "The design standard on this inaugural site in the regeneration of Nine Elms is absolutely spot on."

Tony Pidgley, Chairman of the Berkeley Group, said: "Our intention is to create a place that will grace the Thames, drive investment, and deliver new homes and jobs. We want this to be a world-class example of place-making. It will set a benchmark for the whole regeneration area."

Residents of the luxurious housing project will get access to a clubhouse which will include a gym, swimming pool, holistic spa, digital entertainment suite with private cinema, a library and a spacious lounge.

It will also be close to the two new proposed Northern line stations.

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