NESTLED amidst the vibrant pulse of Central London, an icon rises, casting its shadow over the bustling streets below. Battersea Power Station, a testament to the city's industrial legacy, now basks in the spotlight of global acclaim.
Its weathered bricks and towering chimneys tell tales of bygone eras, but today, they stand as guardians of heritage, attaining the prestigious World Gold Winner title at the 2024 FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards.
This accolade crowns the remarkable journey of regeneration undertaken by Permodalan Nasional Berhad, Sime Darby Property, SP Setia, and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), breathing new life into one of London's most cherished landmarks.
The World Gold Winner for the FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards 2024 is the latest accolade to be awarded to Battersea Power Station. Earlier this year, the neighbourhood was named one of the Top 20 "Best Cultural Spots" in National Geographic's Best of the World 2024 series, in addition to winning the RIBA London Conservation Award 2024.
Battersea Power Station was also awarded World Gold in the Master Plan category at the FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards 2021, and World Silver in the Residential Mid-Rise Category for the first completed phase Circus West Village, in 2019.
PULSATING WITH LIFE
Once a dormant relic of London's industrial past, Battersea Power Station now pulsates with vitality, reborn as a vibrant mixed-use destination. Over 100 shops, restaurants, cafes, and leisure experiences, along with 254 apartments and 565,000 sq ft about 52,490 sq m of office space, now populate its hallowed halls.
This transformation didn't just sprout from ambition; it stemmed from a profound recognition of the site's uniqueness and strategic potential when the consortium of owners acquired it back in 2012.
Battersea Power Station now serves as the nucleus of a sprawling 17-hectare riverside neighbourhood, attracting over 11.2 million visitors last year alone. With its completion on the horizon, it is poised to become home to over 25,000 residents and workers, embodying the vision of a self-sustaining and inclusive community.
The restoration process, a labour of love, paid homage to the legacy of the power station while embracing modern innovation. Over 1.75 million bricks were meticulously repointed, and the iconic chimneys were painstakingly dismantled and rebuilt using original 1930s techniques. The historic turbine halls were resurrected, now housing a myriad of contemporary amenities within their grand spaces.
Among the notable additions is Apple's new 46,451.2 sq m United Kingdom headquarters, nestled within the power station's historic walls. Visitors can also embark on a unique journey through Lift109, a glass elevator experience affording panoramic views of the London skyline from the north-west chimney.
SHAPING THE URBAN LANDSCAPE
Beyond its architectural grandeur, Battersea Power Station symbolises economic revival. More than 6,500 jobs have been created, bolstering the economy of the London Borough of Wandsworth.
Major infrastructure developments, including the Zone 1 Battersea Power Station Underground Station, have enhanced connectivity, seamlessly weaving the site into the fabric of London.
Reflecting on this triumph, Tan Sri Jagan Sabapathy, chairman of Battersea Project Holding Company chairman Tan Sri Jagan Sabapathy enthuses: "It's a source of great pride that Battersea Power Station has won World Gold in the Heritage Category... marking the third time the project has received an accolade at this prestigious ceremony." He underscores the project's ethos of inclusivity, envisioning a legacy that transcends generations.
Visitors to Battersea Power Station can enjoy over 140 British and international brands, as well as a taste of Malaysian culture with authentic cuisine from Roti King and quality pewter from Royal Selangor.
The site is ever-changing, marked by the recent debut of 50 Electric Boulevard, a cutting-edge office building crafted by Foster + Partners. Exciting future plans, like London's inaugural riverside indoor padel courts, are poised to enhance the area's rich heritage even more.
With its own Zone 1 London Underground station and accessibility via various modes of transport, Battersea Power Station beckons, a testament to the power of preservation and innovation in shaping the urban landscape.
For more info, visit Battersea Power Station's website at https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/ for more information.
