CABE backs new life for Battersea Power Station

CABE has praised Rafael Viñoly’s designs for the massive redevelopment of the 38-acre Battersea Power Station site in south west London.

Battersea Power Station, Wandsworth, London

The power station was decommissioned in 1982. It was designed in the 1930s in brick-cathedral style, and its four distinctive chimneys dominate the skyline in south west London.

The Grade II* listed building has been made the clear focus of the site in the redevelopment, and after its renovation, it will include shops, offices and apartments.

Converting the listed industrial shell of the power station has been a complex project, and CABE’s design review panel felt that an impressive amount has been achieved within the constraints of the building.

The power station is being given a strong new setting, provided by a simple new riverside park and the oval form of landscape and buildings to the south.

The site also includes a new hotel, more housing, and leisure facilities.

CABE has reviewed the scheme six times - which is unusual - but this iterative process has resulted in improvements at each stage, including the complete removal of a controversial new tower in the original proposal.

Inevitably, for a development of this scale and complexity, there are areas to be resolved. The massing of surrounding blocks needs to allow the power station to dominate in all views. Work is required to ensure acceptable sunlight and daylight penetration into some apartments at lower levels, and avoid overshadowing in the public realm.

CABE is supporting both the outline planning and listed building applications to the London Borough of Wandsworth.