Battersea Power Station makeover is 'complete' as it prepares for autumn opening

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Jul 6, 2022

The radical makeover of Battersea Power Station has reached “practical completion” ahead of the grand opening as a major London retail destination this autumn.

The multi-year project has seen the distinctive building going from a heavily polluting power station in the heart of London to a new neighbourhood complete with offices, homes, leisure activities and a massive mall.

The fit-out of the commercial spaces and final cosmetic elements of the public areas are now progressing ahead of the opening.

Retailers signed up to occupy the building include Zara, Ray-Ban, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, The Kooples, Aēsop, Gant, Mango, Reiss, Le Labo, The Body Shop, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Watches of Switzerland, MAC, Space NK and Jo Malone London.

The milestone of completion was marked by the unveiling of the decorative Turbine Hall floor patterns which ‘ghost’ the footprint of the original turbines that once powered a fifth of London’s electricity.

There had been times in the last few decades when it looked like the Grade II listed structure might be left to decay. The extent of its decline can be seen from the fact that the building’s unmissable four chimneys have had to be completely rebuilt using the original construction method, having been deemed unsafe following extensive surveys.

And the eight-year project of transformational restoration should be a big step for London retail by the time it opens later this year.

Simon Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC), said: “Today, on behalf of the Shareholders, Sime Darby Property, S P Setia and the Employees’ Provident Fund, together with PNB, we are proud to announce practical completion of the main build of Battersea Power Station, creating a new destination for all to live, work, eat and play. 

“We are now working with the retail and leisure brands as they fit out their spaces ahead of the opening of this wonderful building to the public for the first time.”