Today (Oct 14th) saw the grand reopening of London's Battersea Power Station in London - along awaited milestone in one of London's lesser known landmarks, and indeed one of the most neglected in recent years. The launch of the new era of the venue was one of style, culture, and excitement, setting an apt precedent for the retail, dining, and entertainment haven it has already shaped up to be.
We'll be taking a closer look at what Battersea Power Station has to offer in the next few months. For now, here's a little background on the site and its mighty redevelopment journey:
Battersea Power Station was built on the banks of the River Thames in the 1930s providing coal-powered electricity to a fifth of London at its peak. Returning fighter pilots used the smoke from the four iconic chimneys to guide them home during WW2. The power station was decommissioned in 1983 and was awarded listed status.
Today, the 42-acre site is part of the vast £9bn commercial and residential development with a renovation of the turbine hall into the retail space that has just launched, with the former control room seeing one of the most impressive transformations into a swanky cocktail bar. The four chimneys have been completely rebuilt, with one housing a public glass lift to a 360-degree viewing platform that will launch to the public in the coming weeks.
The mighty project, funded by £9bn investment by Malaysia-backed developers, has seen more than a decade of restoration to the point of today. The master plan was designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, while Gehry Partners and Foster + Partners designed the living and retail space.
The space has been transformed into a glitzy shopping centre of 250 stores, alongside mostly luxury flats, office spaces and an upcoming cinema and ice rink. There's restaurants, a food hall, and plenty of food trucks to satisfy the appetite of adventurous visitors.
In a continuation of the grand opening, a five-day free festival of live music & entertainment will take place on the site. It promises entertainment such as circus performers, a DJ, a stage area, and many store activities to keep you more than occupied during the event.
The Power Station is open 10am – 9pm Monday – Saturday and 12pm – 6pm Sunday, with retailers operating individual hours within the complex. You can find out more on how to get there, what to eat and drink, where to shop, and plenty more on Battersea Power Station's official site.
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