A new stretch of Thames riverbank has been opened to the public for the first time since the generator was built in the thirties.

Battersea Power Station opened the area, a one-acre space forming a new piazza directly in front of Circus West Village, on Wednesday February 1 as part of its £9 billion redevelopment scheme.

Before now, it was used for industrial purposes so has been out of bounds for the public.

The piazza will be home to Circus West Village’s 23 restaurants, bars, cafes and retailers, which will turn the space into a bustling riverside location when they open later this year.

Previously used as land for a warehouse and coal storage, the piazza will form part of Power Station Park, the first section of a new six-acre landscaped, public space.

The area is now accessible through a new entrance in a former railway arch called Grosvenor Arch, near Chelsea Bridge and Battersea Park.

Rob Tincknell, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company, said: "As the development continues, on behalf of our shareholders, we are delighted that we are able to open new public spaces for London and are starting to bring the Power Station and its surrounds back into London life.

"This new stretch of the Thames that is opening has always been off limits.

"When Circus West Village’s exciting mix of independent retailers, restaurants and cafés begin to trade this summer, the riverbank will be brought alive and become a new riverfront neighbourhood for London."

By 2020, when the Power Station opens, Londoners will be able to walk on the south side of the river from Chelsea Bridge all the way to the South Bank on a new 'riverside walk'.