Although a number of different 'London Bridges' have existed over the years, the latest opened by The Queen in 1973, London Bridge is more than just a structure, it is an iconic part of London for both business and tourists.
The area of London Bridge, which around 3,000 residents call home, is what many believe to be the Riverside section to the south of the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. The Bridge itself connects the City of London and Southwark boroughs within Central London. With the Shard nearby, it’s no surprise that this area is a commuter hub and a centre for business. Naturally, this is leading to a demand for serviced apartments in London Bridge.
The area does draw its own tourism though. The likes of HMS Belfast museum and the City Hall are just two attractions which are popular amongst tourists. The area and its London Bridge corporate accommodation are easily accessible too. This is thanks to London Bridge and Monument Underground stations either side of the bridge. Cannon Street Railway station is also close by.
It would be easy to mix up London Bridge with Tower Bridge, considering how close they are to each other. It has never been the largest bridge, but a form of London Bridge has always stood since the Roman period. The River estuary between these two London boroughs is much shallower, so the Romans naturally took advantage for the construction of their new city, Londinium. Time passes, and gradually more and more structures were erected onto the bridge. For instance, in the twelfth century, a chapel dedicated to Thomas Becket was constructed onto the bridge. It also had a drawbridge to allow ships to pass through. This was before the impacts of the Great Fire of London and the bridge’s eventual collapse. The nursery rhyme “London Bridge is falling down” was then born.
Then followed centuries of reconstruction, and the bridge then naturally became overcrowded, smelly and dangerous, before it began to sink. Famously, London Bridge was sold to American entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch in 1968 for just under $2.5 million. It was then deconstructed, shipped to America and then reconstructed in Arizona. The current low-key London Bridge was then finished and opened by Queen Elizabeth 1983. The surrounding area has enjoyed a prosperous period since, and the construction of London Bridge serviced apartments then became frequent.
There are over four hundred businesses and 50,000 local employees based in the London Bridge area. It is the people and current businesses which make London Bridge a thriving commercial hub, buzzing with energy very synonymous of the capital centre. However, tourism and expat travel also supports the local economy. Around ten million people visit the area every year to take in the sights. 350,000 travellers pass through the London Bridge railway and underground station every day too. Clearly, the area has an appeal, as the oldest continuously inhabited part of London. The proposals of the ‘Culture Strategy’ and ‘Team London Bridge’ highlight the ambitions to make the area an even better place to live, visit and do business. The supply of London Bridge corporate housing, therefore, has and will continue to increase.
A statement from ‘Team London Bridge’ outlines the economic vision of the Inner London area. It says, “our vision is to ensure London Bridge excels as a leading place for global commerce and continues to develop as a pioneering local centre for enterprise, culture and entertainment".
Team London Bridge is a Business Improvement District (BID) run by local businesses, for local businesses. The money which funds the London Bridge BID goes towards effective projects which match the intentions of the area's five-year business plan. The plan involves reshaping the likes of; Safety & Crime Reduction, Cultural Events, Promotion of the Area, and the Environment. Development of these aspects aims to ensure that the district benefits from more business start-ups, the maintenance of existing local business, and a generally positive environment for business travel. Ultimately, all the benefits of the district can be utilisable when staying in London Bridge extended stay apartments.
As mentioned before, people consider the London Bridge area to consist of the waterfront and southern side area of the Thames. Of course, guests in London Bridge temporary housing or short-term accommodation should not just restrict themselves to attractions in the area. There is obviously so much to see across the entire capital. However, the area does have some noteworthy attractions of its own, such as the Unicorn Theatre, The Shard tower and HMS Belfast.
Relocating corporates and their families can leave the comfort of London Bridge furnished housing or furnished short let to enjoy a performance at the Unicorn, the UK’s leading professional theatre for young audiences. The theatre provides a great way for families to chill out in a busy and lively location. It can be a great stress-reliever, particularly during a potentially busy business trip.
Another way to relax could be to visit HMS Belfast. The historic warship is now a museum on the River Thames. This was following its survival as the most significant Second World War Royal Navy warship. Visitors can explore its nine decks, discovering what life was like onboard during some of Britain's most important sea battles. Travellers to the area can always opt to stay in London Bridge aparthotels close to both the Unicorn Theatre and HMS Belfast museum if they choose.
There is arguably no better way to reflect on a trip to the capital then enjoying the highest and best view of London at the top of the Shard, formerly known as the London Bridge Tower. Opened to the public in 2012, the 95-story supertall skyscraper is a centrepiece attraction of the area and the capital. It has a viewing platform twice the height of any other in the capital, offering views up to forty miles. It most likely plays a significant role in many business trips, but otherwise, it is still a must-see attraction.
Ultimately, London Bridge has all the right aspects necessary to make for a successful business trip to the capital. Not only is the area consisting of many transport facilities, but the corresponding economic and tourism traits are also ideal and can perfectly compliment stays in London Bridge aparthotels.
Easily the closest airport to London Bridge is London City, only a thirty minutes’ drive away. Airport transfers can be organised -from SITU’s London Bridge city apartments for easy travel to London City, and Heathrow Airport (LHR) if preferred.
There are two train stations on either side of the Thames and the bridge; London Fenchurch Street and London Bridge.
London Bridge is the oldest railway station in Central London (Zone 1) and one of the oldest railway stations in the world, after being established in 1836. It is also amongst the busiest, managing around 50 million customers each year. Trains are operated by Thameslink, Southern Trains and South East Trains.
London Bridge Underground Station is on the Northern Line and Jubilee Line, connected to both the area’s railway and bus station.
On the Northern Line, London Bridge sits between Borough and Banks underground stations, whereas, on the Jubilee Line London Bridge sits between Southwark and Bermondsey underground stations.
The bus station serves the area, situated at the London Bridge tube and railway station.
The station has three bus stands, which facilitate the following routes; 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 344, 521 and N21 (night). These routes facilitate travel to the likes of Clapham Junction, Waterloo, Holborn, King’s Cross, Islington, Hackney, Lewisham, Peckham and many other London boroughs and districts.
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