Hall’s well that ends well in Battersea Power Station revamp

Its exterior, with those distinctive four corner towers, is arguably as iconic an image of London as Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral.

And its status was probably enshrined forever by the famous Pink Floyd album cover from the 1970s which captured its skyline-stealing features.

But there is plenty about the interior of the Nine Elms giant that is Battersea Power Station that deserves a little attention too.

In particular, the unmistakable landmark by the Thames boasts a particularly impressive section known as Control Room A, which has now been meticulously restored ahead of the Grade II* listed building opening its doors to the public this Autumn.

Control Room A was part of the original Turbine Hall A built at the station, before the second half of the building, including Control Room B, was completed in the 1950s.

It prompted then Princess Elizabeth to pay a visit to the control room with her grandmother, Queen Mary in 1946.

Control Room A was decommissioned in 1975 with Control Room B following suit a few years later and the building largely fell into ruin. But it has remained in the public consciousness.

Since the station closed its doors in 1983, Control Room A has also lived a second life as a film set, featuring in a scene in Monty Python’s Meaning of Life; and its semi-circular control desk appeared in the Academy Award-winning film The King’s Speech.

Malaysian investors bought the site in 2012, and started works on Circus West Village a year later –  phase one of the redevelopment focusing on the area surrounding the Power Station building.

Work began on the Power Station itself in 2014. The plans are for the 42-acre site to include more than 250 residential units, bars, restaurants, office spaces, shops and entertainment spaces.

When Battersea Power Station opens later this year, Control Room A will offer the public a unique experience as they step inside a preserved piece of UK history and witness the art deco design reflective of the era.

Initially, it will be a private events space but there are plans to throw it open to the general public at some stage.

Simon Murphy, chief executive at Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC), said: “The unveiling of our completely restored Control Room A is another pivotal moment in the regeneration of this iconic building.

“It has been a key objective to bring these historic areas back to life, while remaining true to their original forms.

“We are looking forward to bringing a new purpose to this piece of London’s history upon our opening this autumn and to showing the public all of the incredibly detailed restoration work undertaken over the past decade to open this landmark up for all.”

Emily Gee, of Historic England, said: “We are delighted that the refurbishment of Control Room A at Battersea Power Station is now complete.

“Battersea Power Station has fully recognised the vital contribution that Control Room A makes to significance of the Grade II* listed building, and this is reflected in the meticulous programme of conservation and repair which has been undertaken in close consultation with Historic England and Wandsworth council.

“This is a huge achievement.”

 

Main Picture: Control Room A – Picture: Ian Lidell