Search
Close this search box.
Outstanding European Placemaking Project recommended by Chris Igwe, Global Retail Expert, and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board. /// credit: ACROSS
Outstanding European Placemaking Project recommended by Chris Igwe, Global Retail Expert, and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board. /// credit: ACROSS

Outstanding European Placemaking Projects: Battersea Power Station — A Place To Be, To Identify With And To Belong

Our industry is strong and can achieve a lot. To emphasize this optimistic spirit, we want to showcase what our industry offers. Recommended by Chris Igwe, Global Retail Expert, and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board, Battersea Power Station in London is one of the many outstanding placemaking projects that drive the industry forward.

Battersea Power Station was opened to the public in October 2022 after an eight-year restoration, transformed into a one-of-a-kind, mixed-use destination with over 100 shops, bars, restaurants and leisure venues, 254 apartments and 52,500 sq m of office space, creating a new town center for Wandsworth. Nearly forty years after its closure, Battersea Power Station is now London’s most experiential retail and leisure destination. The building and new pedestrianized high street, Electric Boulevard, bring together an eclectic mix of British, international, and small independent brands, as well as unique leisure experiences, housed in and around the restored landmark.


Battersea Power Station has become the first-choice destination for brands to host large-scale, immersive activities. /// credit: Battersea Power Station

“As a mixed-use project, Battersea Power Station in London, is one of the best projects delivered in recent years because it combines so many aspects of what today’s resident, office worker, visitor or shopper is wanting – a place to be, to identify with and to belong.

As a Retail and Leisure destination, and not a shopping center, the project has recognized the importance of combining the changing habits of today, and a need to provide an environment where the visitors can shop, dine, be entertained, or simply sit and enjoy the external spaces.

The project has had so many challenges over the years, from planning approvals to changing the initial positioning from luxury before moving to premium; from extending the tube station on the Northern Line to creating Battersea Power Station arriving in front of the project; from attracting major international retailers and brands, such as Uniqlo, Nike or Apple to taking large units or attracting shoppers to discover the place and embrace the exciting range of offers.


The architecture of Battersea Power Station is unique with the characteristic
and iconic chimneys. /// credit: Battersea Power Station

The architecture is unique with the characteristic and iconic chimneys. Being a listed building comes with additional challenges to be overcome, meaning that certain aspects are still being reviewed and assessed to improve the project.

Seeing this project successfully delivered over phases, over several years, is a testimony to the planning, coordination, and leasing strategies well executed. In a city where retail is already very dense, with a considerable range and offer from competing high streets, department stores, shopping centers and brands, it is to be acknowledged that Battersea Power Station sets the bar very high.”

Related

Subscribe to ACROSS Magazine

Across print & digital

Enjoy ACROSS – The European Placemaking Magazine on your desktop, tablet, or smartphone.

Latest Print Issue