Battersea Power Station has opened to the public for the first time in its history following an eight-year restoration project.
Nearly 40 years after the Grade II-listed London landmark was decommissioned in 1983, visitors can explore the power station‘s historic Turbine Halls.
These have been restored and transformed into a unique retail and leisure complex with shops, bars and restaurants. The Boiler House will be home to the 24,000-square-foot Arcade Food Hall when it opens 2023.
Electric Boulevard, a new pedestrianised high street to the south of the power station, has also opened.
“Battersea Power Station will now breathe new life into this part of London – attracting more investment and boosting our economy as we build a better London for everyone,” said London mayor Sadiq Khan.
In addition, London-based experiential hospitality company Inception Group is launching a new bar called Control Room B in one of the original control rooms.
Control Room B will provide an immersive experience, serving cocktails inspired by the Art Deco building’s architecture and history. It will transport guests back to the 1950s when the second half of the power station was constructed.
The launch “is a fantastic boost for the local economy, creating over 2,500 jobs through the many shops, restaurants, offices and leisure venues opening here, as well as providing a new destination for London”, said Simon Murphy, CEO at Battersea Power Station Development Company.
He added: “Now, for the first time, everybody can walk inside, interact with the magnificent architecture and experience all that the reborn Battersea Power Station has to offer.”
As previously announced, Battersea Power Station features the ‘Chimney Lift’ experience, a viewing platform that climbs 109 metres up the interior of the North West chimney. The Chimney Lift exhibition and visitor experience has been designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates.
Battersea Power Station also boasts green spaces including the Power Station Park and Malaysia Square, designed by Bjarke Ingels.
Emily Gee, Historic England’s regional director, said the redevelopment will “bring the public inside for the first time and show the power of our industrial heritage and its potential for regeneration”.
“The sheer scale and condition of the power station presented major challenges to its repair and reuse,” added Gee.
Images: Battersea Power Station
