It's not because of the gas works structure though, it's just because the buildings have a very drab looking design anyway. I guess Its kind of done on purpose too because it's supposed to look industrial like which is why its all grey and looks like it's covered in metal grill plates or something, but it's not worth it because they look crap now. Then theres not that many windows and stuff. I feel like if they just had some colour it would be a lot better.

They're quite small gasholders too which doesn't help.

Gas holder conversions have been done before and look a lot better. Earliest one I know is the big one in Dublin shown here. They went in the other direction and went with 100% glass/windows on the outside, some middle ground would be best. http://mjp.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Gasworksedited.jpg

Oval, London is having some large ones converted soon too, they look a bit better but not amazing.

Then theres a big gasholder site with 7 listed gas holders between West Ham and Bow stations which will all be converted soon enough, they're at the early consultation/planning stage atm and will be 2k homes. Each gas holder is almost the size of the Dublin one shown above