A homeless man said he is “living his dream” after building a shed next to the Thames where he enjoys waterside views. Shahoo Amini, 43, originally from Iran, built the structure under Battersea Bridge for less than £300. His neighbours in Cheyne Walk have paid upwards of £3m for their apartments overlooking the river.
Among the rich and famous living nearby are Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger and rocker Bryan Adams.
Mr Amini previously lived in a flat in Victoria but was evicted for rent arrear in March 2023 following a motorbike accident a year which left him unable to work as a courier, according to the MailOnline.
Cooking up his Mediterranean breakfast on a gas stove outside his home on Wednesday he told the Standard: “I’m living my dream of living next to the water. There are great views and I feel lucky to have this place.
"The council have not given me trouble. The view is amazing and when I cook my breakfast outside in the morning I smile. I built this myself and am proud of what I have created.”
Mr Amini said he showers at a local gym and has organised his tiny living space so he can live there long-term despite the restrictions.
He added: “Of course I would like a more permanent structure on the river but the cost would be so much. For now I’m happy here. Local people have been very kind and friendly. Some have brought me coffee or offered me money.”
He said the cold and damp are his main enemies.
“It gets very cold at night and it’s not perfect but I’m thankful for my small refuge by the Thames!”
A TfL spokesman said they were "working with the housing and rough sleeping outreach service at Kensington and Chelsea Council to help the person staying in a shed on the Battersea Bridge structure".
They added: "Rough sleepers need specialist support from dedicated outreach services, to help them find a permanent route off the streets. We continue to work with outreach services to help safeguard those sleeping rough or seeking refuge on our network."
A spokesman for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council added: "Our first priority is to support rough sleepers into accessing benefits, housing and other support services based on their individual needs so they have an alternative to living on the streets.
"Our outreach team carries out night shifts multiple times a week to identify rough sleepers and help them as quickly as possible. It is a complex issue and this support is dependent on individuals wanting to work with us."
