Potential Tube extension could continue to transform Clapham
The possible Northern Line extension could bring new opportunities and challenges to Clapham, a hub for young professionals but increasingly unaffordable for locals
Commuters wait for trains at Clapham Junction train station.
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A recent report by Wandsworth Council has found that there are no constraints on extending the Northern line to Clapham Junction.
Clapham Junction would supposedly be an extension of the branch of the Northern Line that runs through Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station, which both opened in 2021.
The potential addition would mean that there would be four tube stations along the Northern line with ‘Clapham’ in the name. Clapham Junction would be in addition to Clapham North, Common and South.
Wandsworth Council is now conducting a public consultation to gauge local support for the proposed extension.
The proposal could enhance local transport links and bring more commuters and visitors to the area, however, a fourth tube station in the wider Clapham area could further accelerate the area’s ongoing gentrification.
‘There’s been a loss of a community feel’
City News spoke to Sahil, a Clapham resident, about what he thought of the changing landscape of the area.
‘Clapham has been gentrified for a long time now but it’s got worse recently. The housing market in particular has become almost unaffordable for most of us, rent has become extortionate relative to the quality of most flats and houses.
We have seen a huge influx of students and young professionals moving in with friends and house-sharing to split the rent.
I’m not sure what the explanation for this is but there is also a huge number of Australians moving to Clapham now, you won’t walk around Clapham High Street without hearing Australian accents.’
When asked whether he felt the area was still accessible for locals, Sahil said ‘there’s been a loss of a community feel. As with a lot of areas in London that become gentrified, local prices have shot up and everything seems to be marketed to the influx of graduates and international residents.’
City News asked Sahil what his opinion was on proposals to extend the Northern line to Clapham Junction.
‘I feel like this would surely make the average rent in the area rise even higher, but I’m not sure.’
Housing market
According to a recent report by Centre for London, the London borough with the largest waiting list for social housing was Lambeth, where the majority of Clapham is located.
In their report, they recommend increasing the supply of social housing in London to 33,000 a year for 15 years to combat the wider issue of social housing waiting times across London, as well as greater collaboration between local authorities and ending the Right to Buy scheme.
According to the Office for National Statistics, rent inflation in the 12 months to October 2024 was 10.4% in London, the highest across England.
‘It’s perfect for people like me’
With the ongoing housing challenges and rising cost of living, Clapham and similar areas are experiencing notable changes in their demographics and housing markets.
These changes are reflected in the experiences of newer residents, such as young professionals who have recently moved to the area.
City News spoke to Jack, 26, who moved to Clapham over two years ago, about what drew him to the area and what he thinks of the potential Northern line extension to Clapham Junction.
‘I moved to Clapham initially because I knew some mates who were living there. I’d always sort of planned to move to London and Clapham seemed like the ideal spot. It’s perfect for people like me.
It’s well-connected, has great bars, parks and places to eat, plus I’d heard a lot of good things from friends who’d moved here.
In terms of the Northern line stuff, I think it’s a great idea. Clapham Junction is already such a busy area and having a tube station would make it easier to get around and could reduce the pressure on the other stations nearby.’
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HeadlinePotential Tube extension could continue to transform Clapham
Short HeadlinePotential Tube extension could continue to transform Clapham
StandfirstThe possible Northern Line extension could bring new opportunities and challenges to Clapham, a hub for young professionals but increasingly unaffordable for locals
A recent report by Wandsworth Council has found that there are no constraints on extending the Northern line to Clapham Junction.
Clapham Junction would supposedly be an extension of the branch of the Northern Line that runs through Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station, which both opened in 2021.
The potential addition would mean that there would be four tube stations along the Northern line with ‘Clapham’ in the name. Clapham Junction would be in addition to Clapham North, Common and South.
Wandsworth Council is now conducting a public consultation to gauge local support for the proposed extension.
The proposal could enhance local transport links and bring more commuters and visitors to the area, however, a fourth tube station in the wider Clapham area could further accelerate the area’s ongoing gentrification.
‘There’s been a loss of a community feel’
City News spoke to Sahil, a Clapham resident, about what he thought of the changing landscape of the area.
‘Clapham has been gentrified for a long time now but it’s got worse recently. The housing market in particular has become almost unaffordable for most of us, rent has become extortionate relative to the quality of most flats and houses.
We have seen a huge influx of students and young professionals moving in with friends and house-sharing to split the rent.
I’m not sure what the explanation for this is but there is also a huge number of Australians moving to Clapham now, you won’t walk around Clapham High Street without hearing Australian accents.’
When asked whether he felt the area was still accessible for locals, Sahil said ‘there’s been a loss of a community feel. As with a lot of areas in London that become gentrified, local prices have shot up and everything seems to be marketed to the influx of graduates and international residents.’
City News asked Sahil what his opinion was on proposals to extend the Northern line to Clapham Junction.
‘I feel like this would surely make the average rent in the area rise even higher, but I’m not sure.’
Housing market
According to a recent report by Centre for London, the London borough with the largest waiting list for social housing was Lambeth, where the majority of Clapham is located.
In their report, they recommend increasing the supply of social housing in London to 33,000 a year for 15 years to combat the wider issue of social housing waiting times across London, as well as greater collaboration between local authorities and ending the Right to Buy scheme.
According to the Office for National Statistics, rent inflation in the 12 months to October 2024 was 10.4% in London, the highest across England.
‘It’s perfect for people like me’
With the ongoing housing challenges and rising cost of living, Clapham and similar areas are experiencing notable changes in their demographics and housing markets.
These changes are reflected in the experiences of newer residents, such as young professionals who have recently moved to the area.
City News spoke to Jack, 26, who moved to Clapham over two years ago, about what drew him to the area and what he thinks of the potential Northern line extension to Clapham Junction.
‘I moved to Clapham initially because I knew some mates who were living there. I’d always sort of planned to move to London and Clapham seemed like the ideal spot. It’s perfect for people like me.
It’s well-connected, has great bars, parks and places to eat, plus I’d heard a lot of good things from friends who’d moved here.
In terms of the Northern line stuff, I think it’s a great idea. Clapham Junction is already such a busy area and having a tube station would make it easier to get around and could reduce the pressure on the other stations nearby.’
