15 years in the making: waterfront flats near Wandsworth Bridge have an art gallery, crèche and Pilates studio

Wandsworth’s waterfront architecture is of variable quality. Housing schemes clash in terms of design, bulk and relationship to the river, while shops and places to eat and drink are lacking.

Many homes fail the “pint of milk” test — unless you get the car out.

However, Battersea Reach, at the foot of Wandsworth Bridge in SW18, stands out for all the right reasons, its series of dramatic “ship-prow” buildings featuring generous-size dual-aspect balconies facing the Thames.

It has well-tended gardens, a riverside prom, plus a new pub, a café and restaurant, a patisserie, convenience shops, an art gallery, cycle store and offices on the ground floor. There’s also a crèche, gym and Pilates studio.

Discovery House, the final phase, has arrived 15 years after planning permission was granted for the project, with 74 flats in a 10-storey building in an established community.

Prices from £565,000. Call 020 3797 4889.