Page 135 - GreenRE_Sustainable Real Estate Book

London’s most visited attraction

For close to four decades, Battersea Power Station stood
derelict, crumbling on the banks of the River Thames
following its closure in 1983. At its peak, the Grade II* listed
Power Station supplied a fifth of London’s electricity. However,
work on the London landmark began in 2012 and after eight
years of restoration, its doors opened to the public for the first
time in October 2022 as an exciting new retail, leisure and
cultural destination.

The redevelopment of Battersea Power Station was driven
by a commitment to preserve the site’s heritage and cultural
value and to breathe new life into the iconic structure
while paying homage to its industrial past. The project
sought to strike a balance between maintaining the Power Photo source: Brendan Bell
Station’s original features and incorporating contemporary
elements. Envisioned as a catalyst for the regeneration of the
surrounding area, it presented an opportunity to revitalise The architects have painstakingly restored the building ensuring the voices and aspirations of the community are
a formerly neglected part of London and create a thriving
to bring it back to its former glory, paying homage to its heard and valued. The result is a vibrant and tightly-knit
neighbourhood that would generate economic growth and
industrial past. The landmark chimneys, deemed structurally neighbourhood, that will thrive sustainably into the future.
employment opportunities.
unsafe were carefully reconstructed to the original The commitment to the community is further demonstrated
Sustainability and Innovation specifications using the same methods used back in the through substantial donations exceeding £6 million to local
1930s and 1950s. The north-west chimney is now home to charities and causes.
The Battersea Power Station site spans over 42 acres and
once complete, will offer a diverse range of amenities Lift 109, a unique glass elevator experience, which transports Some of the activities initiated include the Battersea Academy
including 3.5 million sq ft of mixed commercial space, visitors 109m to the top of the chimney offering spectacular for Skills & Employment (BASE), the BPS Community Choir,
approximately 4,200 newly constructed homes and 19 acres views of the London skyline. and the Power to Connect (PtC) programme, to actively
of public realm. At the heart of this location is the Power support local businesses, community organisations, and
Station building itself, with its meticulously restored Turbine Emphasising the ‘S’ in ESG families. BASE is a recruitment service provider working in
Halls. Turbine Hall A boasts Art Deco elegance, reminiscent of The Battersea Power Station is dedicated to fostering a partnership with businesses at the Power Station to match
the 1930s when the Power Station initially took shape, while diverse and inclusive neighbourhood for living, learning, local people with suitable jobs, while the BPS Community
Turbine Hall B, completed during the 1950s, showcases a working and leisure. For more than 15 years, the Communities Choir with over 100 members offers an opportunity for
blend of post-war architecture and industrial-chic aesthetics. team has championed the needs of the local residents, members from across the local area to come together as

SUSTAINABLE REAL ESTATE | Our 10-Year Journey 124