Camberwell: A diverse and culturally rich area

People seeking flats to rent in Camberwell can look forward to spending more time in a culturally rich location with plenty to offer all members of the community.

Located in the borough of Southwark, the district has gained a reputation as a hub for creative activity and is one of the most diverse and varied locations to live in London.

Camberwell takes its name from an old well and has been around for more than a thousand years, gaining repute between the years of 1279 and 1855 for its annual fair, a popular venue for local merchants.

However, it was in the nineteenth century that the area first began to develop its reputation as a hotbed for the arts, with numerous artistic individuals, groups and organisations all operating from Camberwell's many studios and workshops.

Prominently, it is home to the Camberwell College of Arts, an internationally renowned facility that has been welcoming students for more than a decade, while public arts venues include the Blue Elephant Theatre, GX Gallery and South London Gallery.

The annual cultural calendar centres around the Camberwell Arts Festival, which takes place each June, while regular open days are held at Vanguard Court, a cobbled alley of artists' studios located behind Lucas Gardens.

Camberwell's cultural richness is perhaps unsurprising given the diversity of the area's 37,000-plus population, of which more than one-quarter were born outside the EU, according to 2001 census data.

It is thought the area has become even more diverse since the census was taken, while the population is also said to be relatively young.

Beyond the arts scene, those moving to Camberwell will find plenty of ways to occupy their time, thanks to its wide array of shops, services, attractions and leisure facilities.

Parks and green spaces include Brunswick Park, Lucas Gardens, Ruskin Park and the famous Camberwell Green, which lies at the heart of the district, while Camberwell's pubs and bars often host live music and exhibitions.

In terms of food, cuisine from across the world can be found in the area - including Ethiopian, Italian, Turkish, Greek, Thai and Vietnamese dishes - with popular eateries located around Camberwell Green junction, Castlemead Square and Camberwell Station Road.

Elsewhere, Camberwell Leisure Centre is housed in an impressive Victorian building and offers facilities for swimming, badminton, football, martial arts and dance, while the Camberwell library provides free internet access and an ideal place for children to study.

The area is also home to a thriving and modern business district, with robust transport links and easily accessible town centre facilities such as the Butterfly Walk shopping centre on Denmark Hill.

Additionally, Southwark Council is also currently engaged in a revitalisation programme in the district, which aims to further improve the bus network, streetscapes and pedestrian facilities, as well as clamping down on crime.

These factors combine to make Camberwell one of the most desirable places to live in London for those with a passion for the arts or culture, or simply those wishing to be part of an energetic and diverse community.

Posted by Martyn Glynn

Published 25th November, 2011

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