New homes, blocks and developments are nothing new to Londoners. It’s a common sight while navigating well-trodden paths to spot an imploded building, with construction underway on new foundations, making way for glistening new-build blocks, be they residential or commercial.

However, local eyebrows were raised and curiosity piqued as words of a “brand-new neighbourhood” were first whispered along the banks of SW18. A whole new neighbourhood along a well-developed riverbank namechecked in the Domesday Book of 1086?

Brothers Green

Now, after many years in the making, this new neighbourhood has entered its final stage of completion – and it’s this stage that sets it apart from the rest.

New Acres looks just as ‘Wandsworth’ as its surroundings on approach from nearby Wandsworth Town Station, which is reachable from Waterloo within just 14 minutes. The polished new-build neighbourhood’s story began in June 2024, when the first 400 residents settled into Legal and General’s sprawling 1,034-home site.

Loco Lime

A collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments has entered the market in phases, with 35 per cent classified as affordable housing. However, it’s what lies at street level that’s intriguing curious London residents who live further afield.

In addition to myriad new riverside properties, the site boasts 50,000 square feet of sparkling commercial space that has been leased by 36 independent business owners, spanning bookshops, furniture stores, restaurants and wellness and beauty clinics.

Tapas Room

While chain restaurants and well-known fashion stores lie within walking distance across Wandsworth and Putney, just beyond, New Acres hopes to offer an altogether more unique experience. Businesses have been selected to offer both New Acres’ residents and those beyond access to their day-to-day needs within easier reach than ever, from groceries to cafés via workspaces and fitness – even pet and child care.

In Hosef, found at 11b, owner Corvina meticulously curates products from personally selected businesses she herself is fond of, from sweet-scented shea butters to transportative candles, alongside cabinets of vintage jewellery and repurposed furniture. The prospect of making a splash in the capital’s latest residential project was a promising one – and she’s not alone in thinking so.

Morocco Bound

Next door sits The Tapas Room, where locals are soon set to feast on favourites from the original Tooting site and more, from juicy chorizo and octopus skewers to decadent cheeseboards.

An inviting sign beckons curious visitors beyond Foundry, the sleek coworking space at 90 per cent capacity within a year of opening, to Morocco Bound, a bookstore/cafe/bar/event space first established in Bermondsey. The store already has a jam-packed summer programme of events planned, including poetry open mics, sports screenings and jazz and folk nights.

Hosef

Wellness enthusiasts are keeping their eyes on a series of 13 wellness practitioner studios offering discreet spaces for therapists, tattoo artists, aestheticians and more – while foodies and caffeine addicts are catered for by names including Happy Face Pizza, Brass Monkey, Slow Morning Coffee and Avo Man among many others.

As word spreads, it’s yet to be seen whether New Acres is the neighbourhood this part of the city has been crying out for. But as neighbours speak the names of neighbours knowingly and affectionately as they showcase their wares, cook a storm in their kitchens and pamper clients (human and four-legged), the early signs are promising.