News

First image of the dismantling process at Battersea Power Station released

Battersea Power Station Development Company (“BPSDC”) have confirmed that following a series of tests the dismantling of the first South West chimney at Battersea Power Station has commenced and the first image documenting this is now released.

Published on
August 18, 2014

Share

Battersea Power Station Development Company (“BPSDC”) have confirmed that following a series of tests the dismantling of the first South West chimney at Battersea Power Station has commenced and the first image documenting this is now released.

The process is taking place using a series of hydraulic jaws which are attached to a circular working rig at the top of the chimney.  As the chimney is dismantled the working rig descends with the debris being evacuated down a central funnel to be re-used or conserved as part of the legacy programme.
A new jump form rig, used to place the new concrete and reinforcement, will then be assembled at the base of the chimney to facilitate rebuilding the chimney in stages, each of approximately 1.2 metres in height, replicating the original construction. Cleaning cradles will be installed within the chimneys for future external maintenance and will be used as the platform from which painters will apply the final paint finish using the same materials and techniques as the original process.
Phil Gullett, Chief Operating Officer of Battersea Power Station Development Company, commented:

“The four iconic chimneys are not only one of the most distinctive features of the London skyline, they are the very DNA of this historical building.  After years of research and independent reports confirming this is the best strategy, we are now at the stage where the process of dismantling them and rebuilding them is underway and that means they are certain to be safeguarded for future generations.”

The decision to dismantle and rebuild the chimneys was taken in conjunction with English Heritage and Wandsworth Council following extensive surveys and research into alternative repair techniques. 

The chimneys have been deteriorating in condition over many years as a result of the internal steel reinforcing having corroded during active use and exposure to the elements.  In practical terms this has created a situation whereby the concrete of which the chimneys are made is cracking and breaking away from the reinforcement, thereby creating a falling debris hazard which has to be addressed before the building and the riverside park can be opened up to the public.

Once the first chimney has got to the point where it is re-built to half of its height, work will start on dismantling the other three chimneys, thereby ensuring that at no time is the iconic Power Station left without a chimney.  The chimney replacement programme will complete in 2016. 

Anyone seeking more information on the chimney programme can visit:
www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk/chimneys


Related Stories