It has been announced that Frank Gehry, acclaimed for his innovative architecture worldwide, is to take part in the design of the ambitious £8bn project to transform and renovate London’s iconic Grade II-listed Battersea Power Station.
In collaboration with Foster and Partners, Gehry Partners is commissioned to work on Phase 3 of the redevelopment scheme, which includes two residential areas on either side of a retail high street with an estimated number of 1,200 homes as well as a variety of shops, restaurants and a hotel. Amongst their expected deliverables is a new shopping street which will connect to the proposed Northern Line extension and residential buildings on the banks of the Thames. The new Northern Line is predicted to serve 3,400 homes in the area.
Design
While Los Angeles-based firm Gehry Partners will design the buildings in the eastern part of the iconic site, Sir Norman Foster’s company will design residential homes in the western side. Overall, their design aims to create 1,200 apartments, a 200-room hotel and 350,000 sq ft of commercial space.
“Our goal is to help create a neighbourhood and a place for people to live that respects the iconic Battersea Power Station while connecting it into the broader fabric of the city. We hope to create a design that is uniquely London, that respects and celebrates the historical vernacular of the city,” said Frank Gehry.
The eco-development scheme of the area surrounding the Battersea Power station coincides with eco-renovation project of a power plant itself, which is assigned to Rafael Viñoly Architects. The Battersea Power Station is an industrial icon that was decommissioned in 1983 and is planned to be converted into a mixed use development that will produce renewable energy and supply the surrounding residences and the commercial and office complexes with clean energy. The icon has been numerously featured in works by the Who, Pink Floyd and the Beatles.
The chief director for Battersea Power Station Development Company, Rob Tincknell, declared that the designs would be “groundbreaking and wonderful”. He further added: “This clearly demonstrates both the quality and the design aspirations which our shareholders are determined to achieve, as well as the extraordinary design solutions which the site deserves.”
