The Northern Line extension: A challenge for mapmakers and for social equality

After four years of tunnelling and building, London’s Underground network was extended to reach two new stations on 20th September 2021. With an estimated cost of £1.1bn, the Northern Line has grown by 1.8 miles to connect Kennington in South London with Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station. Around £270m towards the costs of building the new line, which serves the housing and retail developments located along Battersea Riverside, was contributed by companies developing the area. This bought the developers considerable influence on decisions that have since had an impact on mapmaking and social equality alike.