Day 18: Battersea Power Station
Today’s advent door is a very old and very heavy one, and behind it sits one of London’s most iconic and most recognised buildings, Battersea Power Station.
This grade II decommissioned power station building has been part of London’s skyline south of the river since the 1930’s. From the 1930’s to the 1980’s it was responsible for supplying a fifth of London’s power to some of the most famous buildings in the capitol including Buckingham Palace and The Houses of Parliament. It closed its doors in 1983 and until recently has been mostly unused, unloved and slowly falling further and further into disrepair. I always felt a little sad that such an incredible building appeared so neglected.
However a little earlier this year it finally reopened after massive refurbishment and regeneration. Of course it no longer supplies power, but is home to a multitude of shops and restaurants and also a cinema. The space has been lovingly restored and much of its original structure and even some of the internal workings remain.
If I’m honest, I’m not a huge fan of shopping centres, but the history and the sympathetic restoration makes this one a really interesting place to visit. There is also lots of outdoor space, and I can easily imagine sitting outside beside the river her in the warmer weather with a drink or two.
For now though there is an ice skating rink, stalls selling mulled wine and warming wintery food and lots and lots of Christmas trees.
