Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station
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Name	Battersea Power Station
Location	London, England, United Kingdom
Operator	Central Electricity Generating Board
Status	Decommissioned

Battersea Power Station is a decommissioned coal-fired power station located on the south bank of the River Thames in London, England, United Kingdom. The station was designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, who also designed the Red Telephone Box and Liverpool Cathedral, and was built in two stages between 1929 and 1955 by John Mowlem & Co and Sir Alexander Gibb & Partners. The station was operated by the Central Electricity Generating Board and was one of the largest power stations in the United Kingdom, supplying electricity to London and the surrounding areas, including Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace. The station's design and architecture have been influenced by the works of Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, and have been compared to the Bauhaus style.

History

The history of the power station dates back to the 1920s, when the London Power Company was formed to generate and supply electricity to London. The company was later nationalized and became part of the Central Electricity Generating Board, which was responsible for the operation of the power station. The station was built in two stages, with the first stage being completed in 1933 and the second stage being completed in 1955. The station was officially opened by the Duke of York, later King George VI, in 1933, and was visited by Winston Churchill and Neville Chamberlain during the 1930s. The station's construction was also influenced by the Great Depression and the Second World War, which led to a shortage of materials and labor. The station's design was also influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe, and has been compared to the Guggenheim Museum and the Seagram Building.

Architecture

The architecture of the power station is a notable example of Art Deco and Industrial architecture, with a design that reflects the Bauhaus style. The station's exterior is characterized by its four chimneys, which are designed to be symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing. The station's interior features a large turbine hall, which was designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and features a cathedral-like ceiling. The station's design has been influenced by the works of Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, and has been compared to the Villa Savoye and the Fagus Factory. The station's architecture has also been influenced by the De Stijl movement, which was led by Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg. The station's design has been praised by architects such as Norman Foster and Richard Rogers, who have designed buildings such as the Gherkin and the Lloyd's building.

Decommissioning and Redevelopment

The power station was decommissioned in 1983, after being in operation for over 50 years. The station's decommissioning was due to a combination of factors, including the oil crisis of the 1970s and the privatization of the electricity industry in the United Kingdom. The station's redevelopment has been the subject of much controversy, with several plans being proposed and rejected over the years. In 2012, the station was sold to a consortium of developers, including Sime Darby and SP Setia, who plan to redevelop the site into a mixed-use development featuring residential, commercial, and retail space. The redevelopment plan has been designed by Rafael Viñoly, who has designed buildings such as the Walkie-Talkie building and the 20 Fenchurch Street. The plan has been influenced by the London Plan and the Thames Gateway development, which aim to regenerate the Thames Estuary area.

Current Status

The current status of the power station is that it is undergoing redevelopment, with the first phase of the project being completed in 2020. The redevelopment plan includes the construction of over 4,000 new homes, as well as office space, shops, and restaurants. The plan also includes the restoration of the power station's historic buildings, including the turbine hall and the chimneys. The redevelopment has been influenced by the London Borough of Wandsworth and the Greater London Authority, who have provided funding and support for the project. The project has also been influenced by the European Union's Habitat Directive and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to promote sustainable development and reduce carbon emissions.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of the power station has been significant, with the station being a major source of air pollution and carbon emissions during its operation. The station's redevelopment has been designed to minimize its environmental impact, with the inclusion of green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient systems. The redevelopment plan has been influenced by the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Energy Act 2013, which aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy. The plan has also been influenced by the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive and the United Nations' Paris Agreement, which aim to promote sustainable development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The power station's redevelopment has been praised by environmental organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and the Greenpeace, who have welcomed the inclusion of sustainable and environmentally friendly features in the redevelopment plan. Category:Power stations in the United Kingdom