Urban Decay and Abandonment in Hammersmith

A short Urban Wander before work late last week took me past this former pub between Hammersmith and the river, The Hope & Anchor. Research suggests it is now a private residence, but if so then slightly curious that so much of its original purpose remains visible, including the original signage, now a mere ghost sign.

Former pub, The Hope & Anchor, Hammersmith, London

As I headed along the river towards the Hammersmith Bridge, my drift took me along the Thames path to the east of Hammersmith. Among the buildings that have already been replaced by or converted into plus new flats, is this curious sight of a building, or collection of buildings, that have seen better days. It would seem that these buildings, once the former Queen's Wharf office blocks, have been empty for some time pending various discussions to convert the area into flats, which although would support the redevelopment of the nearby Riverside Studios is not without its controversy.

Derelict and abandoned, former office block, Queen's Wharf, Hammersmith

Hard to believe this derelict site is within a stone's throw of the Hammersmith Bridge.

Draw dock at Queen's Wharf, Hammersmith

 Derelict and abandoned, former office block, Queen's Wharf, Hammersmith

 Derelict and abandoned, former office block, Queen's Wharf, Hammersmith

Derelict and abandoned, former office block, Queen's Wharf, Hammersmith

These buildings are most definitely an eye-sore on the river landscape, and in no way hark back to the more historic wharf buildings further up the river, but it's imperative any restoration of the area is done sympathetically with an appreciation of the local surroundings, local residents and local community.