Construction of the powerstation south of Thames started in 1929. However, both the initial and final stages took approximately 26 years. The coal-fired power station supplied 20% of London’s electricity at its peak.
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Source: Battersea Power Station
Built by Giles Scott, the famed architect, it quickly became a landmark in London, with its four impressive chimneys. Pink Floyd’s 1976 album “Animals” included the power station as the cover.
30 August 1978: Battersea Power Station, Battersea Towers in Gothic Style
The 42-acre site will gradually be reopened in phases as a mixed use development. The first part of the project includes accommodation, bars and restaurants. It is expected to open in 2017.
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Source: Battersea Power Station
The entire development is served by a new Tube Station, which opened in the latter part of 2021.
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The second stage, actually the portion that was in the former power station, was finally reopened on October 20, 2022.
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You will find Uniqlo stores, Superdry and Levi as well as Nike, Adidas, Nike, Sweaty Betty (Lululemon) and Nike.
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The store’s inventory includes a showroom for Polestar electric-vehicle manufacturer and another for Maeving electric-motorcycle manufacturer. Boss, Rolex, Ralph Lauren and Rolex are some of the top-end brands that you will find in these stores. Gordon Ramsay also has a restaurant in the area. There are no budget stores in sight, and the site’s biggest grocery retailer is Marks & Spencer, a higher-end choice associated with middle-class shoppers.
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Surprised at how many shops had yet to open, however.
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Another store was dedicated to local businesses…
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…but this area seems small when compared to the huge site.
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The site’s design was influenced by its industrial past.
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The Control Room was a bar that served as a meeting place.
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There are also bits of old machinery scattered about. This circuit breaker dates back to 1955.
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A display with information about the site’s past and redevelopment was also on display.
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Battersea developers claim that the 42-acre site will house around 25,000 people by the time it is finished. They also say it will be one the largest commercial, retail, leisure, cultural and office areas in London.
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Source: Battersea Power Station
