Published on
December 3, 2021
Battersea Power Station has revealed the newly restored Control Room B set to be one of London’s most unique all-day bar experiences opening in 2022.
At its peak, Battersea Power Station produced a fifth of London’s power. Working in tandem with Control Room A, Control Room B managed the distribution of power generated by the Power Station’s turbines.
Simon Murphy, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC), said: “We are creating one of the most unique all-day bar experiences in London which will naturally become a centrepiece for Turbine Hall B. For the very first time in history, guests will be able to see the historic Control Room B in all its glory, sit back with a coffee or cocktail and soak up the breath-taking views of this heritage landmark that has finally been restored after years of lying derelict. When it opens late next Summer, it will not only be a great venue for socialising with friends and family or an impressive date night setting, it will also make the perfect backdrop for ‘that’ photo opportunity.”
Control Room B opens directly into Turbine Hall B, in contrast to the art deco Control Room A which was a separate room. As it was built after the Second World War, its design is influenced by brutalism with glazed ceramic tiling throughout and retains its original human scale stainless-steel control panels arranged in an arc.
Recently, Historic England deemed the Grade II listed landmark no longer ‘at risk’ by the Heritage at Risk Register after 30 years following an extraordinary effort by partners and stakeholders, including Wandsworth Council, who have worked together over three decades to preserve this piece of London’s history.
Once completed, Battersea Power Station will be one of the most exciting retail and leisure destinations in London, having recently announced that major international brands will be opening inside the iconic building. The Power Station will be home to over 100 shops, bars and restaurants, 254 apartments, office space as well as unique events and leisure offering, including the Chimney Lift Experience. There will also be a new six-acre riverfront park that is open to the public.
Retail: Brands are signing up to be part of the shopping experience
The retail and leisure experience will continue on a new high street, Electric Boulevard, which runs from the south of the Power Station, between the Frank Gehry designed Prospect Place and Foster + Partners’ Battersea Roof Gardens. Electric Boulevard will offer a mix of office space, shops, bars and restaurants, a park, community centre and an exciting new 164 room hotel from art’otel®, the brand’s first hotel to open in London.
The new Northern line extension Tube stops at Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms – bringing the area within 15 minutes of the West End and the City. Once open, Battersea Power Station is expected to draw visitors from across the capital and the globe, becoming one of London’s most visited destinations and boosting the local economy and creating around 20,000 jobs.
