[pcrh]

I lived nearby for a few years many years ago.

While I appreciate the sentiments you express, I can say that the site was all but abandoned for many many years. For a while it seemed likely that the iconic towers would be demolished, as there was no economic case to be made for keeping them. So I'm glad they were saved, somehow.

Even so, I agree that the recent developments south of the river are rather soul-less. Areas such as 9 Elms and along the river towards Wandsworth are particularly lacking in visual or any other interest.