The restoration of Battersea Power Station from an abandoned industrial site to a mixed-use development highlights WilkinsonEyre’s architectural ingenuity and dedication to heritage preservation. Known for its distinctive chimneys and Art Deco features, this Grade II* listed structure opens to the public for the first time since its closure in 1983. It is now adapted to include a mix of retail, residential, and cultural spaces.
Battersea Power Station Renovation Technical Information
- Architects1-10: WilkinsonEyre
- Public Realm Design: Gehry Partners and Foster + Partners
- Location: Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, London, United Kingdom
- Total site area: 42 acres
- Original Construction: 1929 – 1933
- Renovation: 2012 – 2023
- Photographs: © Peter Landers, © John Sturrock, © Hufton & Crow
It has been a privilege to restore and transform this iconic building, not only saving and celebrating the original features but creating interventions which bring the structure alive again. I’m excited that these incredible volumes – the Turbine Halls and Boiler House – will, for the first time, be open to all. We’ve taken great inspiration from Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in everything from the drama and scale right through to individual material choices and I hope this is reflected in the experience of residents and visitors.
– Sebastien Ricard, Director at WilkinsonEyre
Battersea Power Station Renovation Photographs
Historical Significance: An Industrial Giant Reborn
Battersea Power Station, designed by the renowned Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, first began operations in 1933. This monumental structure quickly became a vital energy source for London, supplying a fifth of the city’s electricity and powering landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. Built in two phases—Turbine Hall A in the 1930s and Turbine Hall B in the 1950s—the power station’s architectural style masterfully combined Art Deco flourishes with industrial Brutalism, making it an unmistakable fixture on London’s skyline.
However, the power station’s decline began with its decommissioning in 1983, and multiple redevelopment proposals failed to come to fruition over the decades. It wasn’t until 2012, under the leadership of a consortium of Malaysian investors, that a successful and meticulously planned restoration was initiated. This project aimed to honor the building’s rich heritage while reimagining it for modern use, marking a turning point in the station’s history.
Restoration Process and Design Interventions
The restoration of Battersea Power Station was led by WilkinsonEyre, whose approach focused on celebrating and preserving the original architectural features while integrating modern interventions. The preservation of the four iconic chimneys, a quintessential element of the London skyline, was a challenging yet critical aspect of the project. Each chimney was carefully dismantled and rebuilt to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic fidelity.
Inside, the two Turbine Halls were transformed into public spaces that evoke the building’s industrial legacy. With its Art Deco design, Turbine Hall A retains the grandeur of the 1930s, while Turbine Hall B reflects the raw, industrial aesthetic of the 1950s. WilkinsonEyre introduced modern design elements that complement the historic structure, such as a glass lift—Lift 109—installed within one of the chimneys, offering panoramic views of London from a height of 109 meters.
A significant focus on sustainability underpinned the restoration. Reusing original structural elements, including the steel frame and concrete slabs, achieved substantial carbon savings, equivalent to about 36,000 tons of carbon dioxide. Additionally, the introduction of energy-efficient systems and use of renewable energy sources align with Battersea Power Station’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development in heritage architecture.
Urban and Architectural Impact on London’s Landscape
The restoration of Battersea Power Station extends far beyond the building itself, creating a cohesive urban environment that reintegrates the site into London’s bustling fabric. Electric Boulevard, a new pedestrian-friendly high street, stretches from the power station to the new Zone 1 Northern Line station, enhancing connectivity and drawing foot traffic into the area. Designed by Gehry Partners and Foster + Partners, Electric Boulevard forms a vibrant spine, bordered by mixed-use buildings that house retailers, office spaces, and residential units, further amplifying the project’s urban significance.
Public spaces play a pivotal role in the site’s transformation. The six-acre Power Station Park, part of the broader 42-acre redevelopment, serves as a lush green oasis amidst the industrial setting. The careful landscaping and strategic layout of public plazas encourage a welcoming atmosphere, providing residents, visitors, and tourists with accessible and enjoyable open spaces. This significant allocation of public realm—nearly 50% of the development’s total area—demonstrates a strong commitment to community engagement, a fundamental element in establishing Battersea Power Station as a thriving, inclusive urban hub.
Inside, the blend of retail, dining, and entertainment offerings within the restored structure transforms the former industrial giant into a multi-functional center, catering to a diverse audience. The presence of both large international brands and independent local retailers fosters a unique mix, making the power station a destination for shopping, leisure, and cultural engagement.
Reflections on Battersea Power Station’s Adaptive Reuse Model
The restoration of Battersea Power Station is a landmark achievement in adaptive reuse, setting a precedent for the preservation and reinvention of industrial heritage. This ambitious project demonstrates how a historic structure can be revitalized without compromising its architectural integrity. By blending old and new, the power station’s redevelopment showcases the possibilities of adaptive reuse in preserving cultural landmarks while introducing them to modern audiences.
The project’s success also provides essential insights for future regeneration efforts. WilkinsonEyre’s sensitive approach highlights the importance of maintaining a building’s historical character while allowing for functional updates that serve contemporary needs. The balance of conservation and commercial viability is critical, particularly in post-industrial sites where large-scale redevelopment must cater to economic and cultural considerations.
Battersea Power Station Renovation Plans
Battersea Power Station Renovation Image Gallery
About WilkinsonEyre
WilkinsonEyre is an internationally acclaimed architectural practice known for its innovative approach to designing large-scale, culturally significant projects. Founded in 1983 by Chris Wilkinson and Jim Eyre, the firm has established a reputation for its creative use of materials and technology, often pushing the boundaries of architectural form and engineering. Their work spans numerous high-profile projects, including the acclaimed restoration of the Battersea Power Station, where they integrated historical preservation with contemporary functionality, honoring the structure’s Art Deco and industrial heritage while introducing bold, modern interventions. WilkinsonEyre has won prestigious awards such as the RIBA Stirling Prize and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to sustainable and thoughtful design that resonates with both users and the urban landscape.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Public Realm Design and Electric Boulevard: Gehry Partners and Foster + Partners
- Landscape Architecture: LDA Design
- Conservation Lead: Historic England
- Interior Retail and Leisure Design: Multiple brands and Inception Group (for Control Room B bar)
- Structural Engineering: Arup and Buro Happold
- MEP Engineering: Arup
- Owners: Malaysian consortium including S P Setia (40%), Sime Darby Property (40%), and The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF, 20%)
- Long-term Commercial Asset Holders: Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and EPF
- Development Manager: Battersea Power Station Development Company
- Overall redevelopment cost: £9 billion
