After nearly four decades of dormancy as a power generator, Battersea Power Station (BPS) is finally gearing up to open its doors on 14 October, this time as a dynamic shopping and leisure destination in South London. The highly anticipated redevelopment project will feature a sprawling shopping center, making it the largest in recent years, and will showcase an impressive lineup of renowned brands such as Mulberry, Hackett, Theory, Levi’s, Pinko, Superdry, Zara, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Lululemon, Castore, and Sweaty Betty, among others.
Reviving Battersea Power Station has been an ongoing topic of discussion, with the company behind the project engaging in various promotional activities to build excitement. As an homage to the power station’s history, vintage newspaper boys in 1930s-style outfits were enlisted to distribute a limited-edition ‘Power Station Post’ newspaper across London.
Upon its much-anticipated opening, the development will be home to over 100 shops, bars, and restaurants, along with office spaces and recreational venues. This ambitious undertaking is expected to create approximately 17,000 jobs throughout the expansive 42-acre site. Even after its initial debut, the development will continue to evolve, with plans to unveil a 24,000 sq ft Arcade Food Hall and a 28,000 sq ft club by London fitness brand Third Space in 2023.
One of the main highlights on opening day will be Electric Boulevard, a pedestrianized high street that stretches from the southern end of the Power Station, situated between Frank Gehry’s Prospect Place and Foster + Partners’ Battersea Roof Gardens. This addition aims to enhance the overall shopping experience and cultivate a vibrant atmosphere within the complex.
Battersea Power Station boasts a storied history as a significant electricity supplier, once responsible for providing one-fifth of London’s power. However, it was decommissioned in 1983, and subsequent attempts to redevelop the site were unsuccessful. In 2012, control of the property was acquired by Sime Darby Property, SP Setia, and the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), who have since been at the forefront of the extensive restoration and, in some cases, complete reconstruction of the power station.
The retail offerings within the complex are housed in the two newly-restored Turbine Halls, named Turbine Hall A and Turbine Hall B. Although the exteriors of these halls bear a striking resemblance, their interiors showcase distinct architectural styles. Turbine Hall A pays homage to the Art Deco aesthetics from the 1930s, when the power station was originally constructed, while Turbine Hall B, built in the 1950s, embodies a more robust and industrial design.
With its grand reopening fast approaching, Battersea Power Station is poised to reclaim its position as a prominent landmark in London. This ambitious project not only highlights the city’s commitment to preserving its historic sites but also represents a significant milestone for the retail and leisure industry in the capital. As Londoners eagerly await the unveiling of this colossal shopping destination, it is evident that Battersea Power Station is primed to make a powerful comeback on the city’s cultural and commercial scene.
Useful links:
1. Battersea Power Station Official Website
2. Visit London – Battersea Power Station Guide
