Battersea Power Station, an Overview
Europe’s largest redevelopment has entered a new phase as the 40 acre site moves forward from a drawing and a dream into the world’s most iconic and impressive scheme. With the first residents having now taken occupation (2017) and the first restaurants and shops due to open later in 2017 people will soon realise that the latent potential of this incredible site is about to be fully realised.
The stunning brick Power Station at the heart of this new part of London will be fully restored in line with its listed status. Apple (the US computer firm) has agreed a lease to take ½ million square feet of office space (more than the entire office space of the Gherkin building in the City of London) inside the Power Station itself. The anchor tenant will no doubt attract a whole raft of other technology and business tenants wanting to operate in close proximity to the world’s largest corporation.
The extension of the Northern Line to the Power Station is due to open in 2020 and will reduce journey times to the West End & the City of London to just a few minutes. The new riverbus service will also provide an efficient and pleasant way to navigate around the City from the site.
Many of the buildings themselves have been designed by world famous architects. The old Power station itself was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (who also designed the iconic red telephone boxes that are scattered across the London streetscape). Sir Norman Foster and Frank Gehry have both designed residential buildings of great significance that are currently under construction. The master design for the whole site was conceived by Rafael Vinoly.
The close proximity of the new United States Embassy is another part of the impressive local infrastructure which is sure to help create a totally new quarter within the mosaic of London. It will be a joy and an honour to watch as this world beating destination reaches its full magnitude.
Buildings within this development include Fladgate House, Pearce House, Dawson House, Faraday House, Scott House, Bessborough House, Switch House East, Switch House West, Gehry Building, Battersea Roof Gardens, Boiler House East and Boiler House West.
