Twenty years ago this area of London was bleak, unattractive, had few shops and restaurants, had a dying residential community and a weak local economy. Today it is thriving mixed and balanced neighbourhood. Millions of people enjoy the South Bank riverside walkway and the green spaces of Bernie Spain Gardens. The design shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars at Oxo Tower Wharf and Gabriel's Wharf make it a destination for Londoners and visitors from overseas. At its heart is a growing residential community with individuals and families living in well designed homes and a working population employed in a wide range of jobs. Both local residents and the staff of local businesses are now benefiting from new community facilities and services.