Battersea Power Station is Finally Open to the Public

Battersea Power Station – A fact sheet

Battersea Power Station was decommissioned in 1983 and since then, the building stood derelict until the new redevelopment plan was approved. Previously, several efforts to revive Battersea Power Station have resulted in numerous setbacks including an attempt to turn the power station into a theme park and a mall to be suspended between its chimneys.

According to an estimate, the Battersea Power Station has undergone £9 billion transformation, backed by a group of Malaysian investors who bought the site for £400 million in 2012. Now, the development will cater to around 25,000 people living and working in and around the building. And according to the new transformation plan, the turbine halls located inside the power station have been converted into an upmarket retail space hosting luxury brands.

Not just like any other construction project…

According to an estimate, six million bricks were used in the construction of the original Battersea Power Station building. Attention to detail is critically important for the successful restoration of the historical landmark project. Therefore, during restoration, the two firms that made the bricks to build Battersea Power Station in the last century are tasked with hand-making 1.75 million more bricks in order to match the original ones.

The iconic chimney experience

Battersea Power Station has historic importance, therefore, during regeneration, its original design was kept and only made necessary changes. Battersea Power Station is known for its red brick façade and four chimneys – the red brick façade is intact and the symbolic chimneys have been replaced with the exact replicas. A glass elevator in Battersea is installed that will take the visitors 109 meters high and offers views of London’s skyline from a unique viewing platform.

Acres of open green spaces

Creating new open space is at the heart of the new master plan for Battersea Power Station development. The idea was to craft a number of high-quality interconnected open green spaces for thriving mixed-use neighborhoods. Almost 20 acres of land are dedicated to creating new open spaces, which equates to almost half of the total site footprint.

Large and circular water will be around the Power Station, which is not just a focal point for the public space but will double the visual presence of the building by creating its reflection. Moreover, Gehry Partners designed an awe-inspiring kids’ play area and signature community centre at the verge, where the new Nine Elms linear park opens up to The Power Station site.

Premium amenities and facilities

Since the planning stage, the focus was to offer exceptional facilities and premium amenities to make living as convenient as possible. The team came up with the idea of a bespoke residents’ lounge – designed by David Linley that offers socializing and working spaces on the riverside and is accessible by a triple-story glass foyer.

A rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Power Station and River Thames and a unique roof garden are also designed to distinguish the development from several others in London. Winter gardens are designed considering residents’ need for open space in view and to offer them retail therapy, a list of high-end retail stores and restaurants is curated so that whatever residents will need is available on-site or within an easy walk. Be it a regular grocery shopping or a high-end designer item from one of Britain’s hottest fashion houses.

Apartments offer luxury living

Not just the riverside or city views but all the residences are designed to offer tranquillity and diversity. The focal point was to provide a place where people can live, work and enjoy together – through its communal vibes. All the apartments are spacious and complemented with modern facilities within the residence. Moreover, these homes are equipped with modern features and technologies. A few of the on-site facilities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa, fitness centres, sauna, restaurants, mini cinema, cafes, 24/7 concierge service and residents’ lounge.

Electric Boulevard

The Electric Boulevard is an exclusive and the most vibrant place in the entire development that will give you access to reach over 40 retail units along with the world’s finest restaurants and leisure clubs. The bustling culture, brands and convenient location will add to a unique shopping experience for high-net-worth individuals. For those who believe in retail therapy, the boutiques, shops, and restaurants are being carefully put together so whenever they step out, everything will be within easy access.

Battersea Power Station will be Apple’s Headquarter in London

When Battersea Power Station was planned to be transformed, several experts were of the view that it is not a suitable place for commercial tenants and employers may never like to occupy office space there. However, Apple dispelled all these speculations by occupying a major chunk of office space within the power station, which gave an obvious boost to the project.

It will occupy 500,000 sq. ft. of office space across six floors in the central boiler house in the Power Station and plan to shift almost 1,400 employees from its eight London offices here. The opening of an Apple megastore is also on the card. Seeing Apple occupying this much space in Battersea Power Station, I believe several other techs or IT companies will consider having an office there.

Simon Murphy, chief executive of Battersea Power Station Development Company, “Opening the building to the public for the first time in history is a monumental moment for the project.”