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The area name Hackbridge is taken from the Hack Bridge over the River Wandle. Earlier name variants include Hogbridge, Hakebridge, and Hagbridge. A theory says that the name derives from Haka’s bridge, Haka was most likely a prominent person who lived here in the past. Another name theory states that Hackbridge originally meant bridge of the hogs. The largest river located in South West London, River Wandle, flows through Beddington Park. The park is very close to Hackbridge railway station. In the past, the park was part of the Carew Manor. The local railway station opened in 1868. During peak hours, this station provides links to London Bridge, Dorking, and Horsham.
Two London bus routes pass through Hackbridge. Residents can also use the nearby tram station at Mitcham Junction to reach Wimbledon and Croydon. Hackbridge Regeneration is a program that aims to make this SM6 area UK’s first sustainable suburb. Thanks to an eco-friendly housing project called BedZED, important steps were already made towards this goal. A fund of £150 million was allocated to redevelop the old Felnex industrial estate into “one of the greenest places to live in the UK”. The development plan includes 725 homes, offices, workshops, doctor’s surgery, and a supermarket. The BedZED project, short for Beddington Zero Energy Development, was a candidate for the 2003 Stirling Prize which honors great architectural achievements.
Hackbridge has Edwardian, Post War Modernist, and Tudor Revival architecture. The center area features some Victorian cottages. Architect H.P. Burke-Downing designed the church of Hackbridge and Beddington Corner. This parish church was established in 1931. This area has two educational facilities: Culvers House Primary School and Hackbridge Primary School. English actress Tracey Ullman grew up in this part of South West London. Songwriter Tony Power is another local celebrity. The Duke and Duchess of Portland established the first home for country dogs in this area.