A Modern Powerhouse

A rare collection of 260 luxury apartments set within the oldest of London’s three historic power stations, is the latest phase of residential development, Chelsea Waterfront. Julia Millen delves into the history of the iconic building 

As the building once responsible for electrifying London’s railways begins its new chapter, the storied history of this iconic London landmark is told for the first time. Construction of Lots Road power station was completed in 1905 for the purpose of powering London’s network of underground railways. The building, which was funded by prolific American financier, Charles Yerkes, was the world’s most expensive power station ever built and the largest generator of electricity. Designed by James Russell Chapman, the power station was erected at the junction of Chelsea Creek and the River Thames, supported by the first and largest steel-frame in the British Isles. It became the largest power station in the world, and within thirty years it was providing power to the entire London Underground network, plus miles of tramlines. Four 275 ft. chimneys were constructed as part of the build, designed to direct the smoke and gas away from the power station’s coal boilers and clear of the surrounding residential homes.

As part of the refurbishment of the power station, the two taller chimneys will be retained and repaired, with access ways created through the lowest level of the chimneys linking the inner courtyard to bridges across Chelsea Creek. The building’s original façades, which unusually incorporated glazed windows, lived very different lives - with the South side bleached by the sun for over 100 years, and the West side having been exposed to coal explosions throughout its lifetime. Despite not being a listed building, the power station represents an important symbol of the industrial era, and the remaining historic elements of the building have been painstakingly preserved and incorporated into the new development, including original archways, steelwork, and brickwork. Once known as the ‘cathedral of the industrial age’, the power station’s legacy of public service is key to the reimagining of this London landmark into a modern-day icon. The reimagining of Powerhouse honours the building’s history as a public resource, by servicing the surrounding community through incorporating, retail units, restaurants, and leisure spaces open to the public.  

Once the industrial fringe of Chelsea, Powerhouse will transform a derelict brownfield site in the borough’s biggest transformation in living memory. Masterminded by Farrells London as the cornerstone of Chelsea Waterfront, Powerhouse’s 260 luxury apartments will boast interiors designed to reflect the building’s heritage and industrial legacy, creating a ‘loft living’ experience. Residents at Powerhouse will have direct access to 400m of Thames waterfront opened to the public for the first time in 100 years. The residences are also situated across the bridge from the gardens which have been thoughtfully crafted by leading landscape architect Randle Siddeley to create an oasis of nature, with breath-taking views along the river to Battersea and Chelsea Bridge. Boasting a multitude of state-of-the-art amenities, Powerhouse will be professionally managed by a concierge with 5-star services around the clock, from general house management to individual booking requests. The exclusive wellness centre, housing a fully equipped gym, and a 20-metre swimming pool, offers a private sanctuary for exercise and relaxation. The elegantly appointed Residents’ Club Lounge with its delightful views of the river is the ideal multi-purpose space for work or social gatherings.