HARRODS VILLAGE: HISTORY
Directly at the banks of The Thames in north Barnes lies a testament to the resilience of history and the adaptive nature of urban spaces - Harrods Village. What started as Colonel Lewis Cowan's Soap Works in 1857 has evolved into a prestigious residential complex that seamlessly blends the past with the present. The historic journey of Harrods Village is intriguing owing to its transformation from a soap and candle-making hub to a luxurious residential haven.
Colonel Lewis Cowan's Soap Works began its journey on the future site of the Harrods Depository. As the Soap Works expanded to include sugar refining and candle-making, it became a significant local employer, becoming a cornerstone of the local community and later known as Hammersmith Bridge Works. However, the tides turned in 1888 when a devastating fire swept through the sugar refinery, resulting in significant job losses. 500 of the 1,000 workers lost their jobs, and the aftermath of the fire led to the closure of the Soap Works in 1892, marking a poignant chapter in its history and a void awaiting renovation.
Following the closure of the Soap Works, Harrods seized the opportunity to acquire the site, repurposing it into depositories for furniture awaiting shipment to clients or to the Harrods store in Knightsbridge. The original buildings, coupled with a new one designed by William Hunt in the 1890s and completed in 1913, adorned a grand façade inspired by Sir Edwin Lutyens' designs for the British Raj. Today, the William Hunt Mansions, a Grade II listed residential block, serves as a visual marker for TV coverage of the iconic Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race as rowers make their way towards the Hammersmith Bridge.
The Renaissance of Harrods Village
As the echoes of Empire dwindled, so did the relevance of these depositaries, and neglect set in. Jumping forward to the 1990s, when Berkeley Homes recognized the potential of the site, breathing new life into the neglected depository. With a vision to preserve the historical charm while catering to modern living, they converted it into 230 flats and 38 purpose-built townhouses, blending modern luxury with the charm of the original architecture. Former warehouses were transformed into high-quality apartments, while the central building became a state-of-the-art Leisure Centre, boasting amenities such as the pool, gym, sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi. The buildings, adorned with red and yellow bands, pay homage to their storied past.
The three central buildings—William Hunt Mansions, Charles Harrod Court, and Richard Burbidge Mansions—stand as proud guardians of the site's history, each with its unique story to tell. Modern additions, including Oriel Drive, Wrenn House, Keble Place, St Edmunds Square, and Trinity Church Road, seamlessly integrate with the original structures, maintaining the distinctive red and yellow bands that tie the development together.
The entire enclave, aptly named Harrods Village, is more than just a residential space; it's a carefully curated, landscaped, and gated development, offering a harmonious blend of history and contemporary luxury living. The architectural heritage of the Soap Works and Harrods' intervention is preserved in every brick and facade, creating a unique living experience that pays homage to the rich history of this London landmark on the bank of the Thames.
Harrods Village stands as a testament to the power of transformation, turning a once-industrial site into a symbol of luxury and modernity. The journey from Soap Works to a thriving residential complex reflects the adaptive spirit of urban spaces, ensuring that the echoes of history resonate in the present, creating a truly timeless living experience.