Transforming Battersea Power Station

The architects and developers behind the transformation of Battersea Power Station have unveiled plans for phase three of the ten year showcase development project. Architect Frank Gehry said he thought the new community would be a hub that would attract people, “from all over the world.”

The Battersea Power Station Development Company and architects, Gehry and Foster, have presented designs for a new high street, called the Electric Boulevard, to be built on the former industrial land. The heritage building, once a symbol of British industry, had been abandoned by consultants and developers until a consortium of Malaysian investors rescued the site, funding the regeneration of the deserted chimneys and engine rooms into luxury penthouse apartments.

The third phase will deliver over 1,300 apartments and town houses, including 130 affordable homes, alongside a 160-room hotel, retail and leisure facilities. When completed the whole complex, overlooking the Thames, will bring more than 3,400 homes to the south west London borough.

Rob Tincknell, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company, commented: “We have set out to make Battersea a showcase for the world’s very best architects and the designs we are unveiling demonstrate that commitment in action. Phase Three is an important part of our plans for the site, creating a new thoroughfare which will be at the heart of the new vibrant community. We are determined to create a genuine sense of place, and developing landmark buildings in which people are proud to make their home and work in is vital to us achieving that aim.”

Frank Gehry, Founder of Gehry Partners, said: “Our goal from the start has been to create a neighbourhood that connects into the historic fabric of the city of London, but one that has its own identity and integrity. We have tried to create humanistic environments that feel good to live in and visit.”

Work began on Phase One of the development, known as Circus West, back in July 2013 while the restoration of the Grade II* listed Power Station itself is gathering pace, with the reconstruction of the first of the iconic chimneys to the original specifications set to start shortly.