As the much-awaited Battersea Power Station opens to the public on October 14, we take a closer look at the impressive project and discover some of its highlights for a visitor
One of central London’s most significant, most innovative, and certainly most eagerly anticipated developments, Battersea Power Station (BPS) has transformed a vast 42-acre former industrial brownfield site into a vibrant neighbourhood for living, working, and playing. Over 19 acres of it is a public space.
Owned by a consortium of Malaysian investors comprising PNB, Sime Darby Property, S P Setia and the Employees’ Provident Fund, the development has been making news halfway across the globe for its scale and ambition.
The project is divided into eight phases, each designed by a range of specialist architects. They include SimpsonHaugh and Partners and De Rijke Marsh Morgan (dRMM) in Phase 1, who handled Circus West Village comprising residences and an eclectic mix of independent and design-led bars, restaurants, shops, fitness and leisure facilities, a cinema, a theatre and an ongoing events programme. Circus West Village commenced construction in 2013, opened in 2017, and is now home to over 1,800 people.
Don't miss: Home Tour: Inside Supermodel Lara Stone’s Family Home in London
Phase 2 of the development is the refurbishment and transformation of the power station itself into a mixed-use destination. Stirling Prize-winning London architecture firm, WilkinsonEyre, who has gained international renown with projects like the Cooled Conservatories at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, oversaw this project phase.
One of the overriding design principles in the proposal was to preserve and showcase as much of the original power station—and pay homage to its heritage and the vision of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott – by exposing more of the listed fabric while creating new and dramatic spaces within the building to excite and delight visitors.
Don't miss: Home Tour: A Minimalist Home Near London Inspired by Malaysia
The Power Station houses 254 apartments, over 100 shops, restaurants and cafes, an events venue, and the new offices of Apple and SharkNinja.
Officially opening on October 14, here is a list of things to see, do, shop and eat and drink at London's hottest new destination.