We are very excited about the launch of the sympathetically restored and repurposed Battersea Power Station, which opened its doors to the public on Friday.
It was built between 1929 and 1955 as a coal-fired power supplier, to the designs of J. Theo Halliday and Giles Gilbert Scott, under the direction of the London Power Company. Technically, there is Battersea Power Station A, which was completed in the 1930s which retains an Art Deco style. The later Battersea Power Station B follows a Brutalist design. The building was decommissioned in the 1970s but was awarded Grade II* listed status in 1980 for its notable fittings and décor, and it is one of the world’s largest brick structures.
The decade-long restoration has resulted in the building becoming a luxury shopping and leisure complex (with the addition of restaurants in the 24,000 sq. ft Boiler House, planned for launch in 2023). The original fittings have been carefully woven into the repurposing, with machinery exposed on the ceiling and dials and controls a feature of the Control Room, which is used as an all-day bar and events space.
Furthermore, you can enjoy a new view of London from above by taking the glass lift, LIFT 109, up one of the chimneys to a height of 109 metres.
And for the winter season? Look out for the skating rink which will open in November!
Photo credit: © Claudio Divizia/Shutterstock.com