The South Bank's kick-start began in 2000 with the transformation of the riverside's old power station into one of the most iconic modern galleries in the world. Millennium Bridge was built at the same time too, making St. Paul's Cathedral and the financial heartland of City of London just a few minutes walk away. The Greater London Authority moved to the new City Hall designed by Foster + Partners, and the first 'flights' were taken on the London Eye, which became the focus of London's millennium celebrations.
At the Southbank Centre, the largest arts complex in the world, Hungerford Bridge has been brilliantly pedestrianised by architect Lifshutz Davidson Sandilands, the Royal Festival Hall has recently re-opened following a £100m face-lift and the National Theatre is undergoing extensive improvements after 30 years of live performance. And of course, London's famed Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Bankside really feels like the place to be.
With the emergence of The Shard, including the Shangri-La Hotel, as well as the phenomenal success of the 2012 Olympics, there is a tangible sense that the centre of London is shifting along the Thames to the East.
The City of London and the shopping in One New Change is in touching distance over the Millennium Bridge. Blackfriars Station entrance, just two minutes from NEO Bankside, brings the rest of London even closer, and provides a 35 minute express train link to Gatwick Airport.
