There’s nothing more thrilling than a new view of the London skyline, and the latest opportunity to see London from the sky has landed. The newest viewing vista to grace the city is a glass lift, which whisks visitors to the very top of one of Battersea Power Station’s iconic chimneys. Dubbed LIFT 109 (after the height of the viewing experience, at 109 metres), it finally opened, after what felt like years of teasing, on November 15 at 1.09pm.
The attraction was first announced back in 2018, and was expected to arrive in 2021. And now visitors can at last be hoisted up 109 metres above the riverside, to enjoy 360° views across the city. That’s a little lower than rival vistas at the London Eye, Shard or Sky Garden, but it is a wholly unique view. It does also come with a bit more authentic history behind it (even if the chimneys themselves are actually all-new replacements of the originals).
Right, so, it’s… a lift?
Well, yes. And no. LIFT 109 is able to hold around 30 visitors at a time for its unique viewing experience. The experience begins down on terra firma in the power station’s redeveloped Turbine Hall A. There an interactive exhibition charts the history of Battersea Power Station. Immersive displays and light installations mimic electricity generation, hearkening back to the building’s history. The great glass lift then whisks you up top for a whole new perspective on a city than we’ve seen before. And once you’re safely back down on the ground there is, no surprise, a gift shop. The sign of any great attraction!
Elsewhere in the gargantuan redevelopment are a plethora of options for drinking, dining, shopping, and entertainment. And that’s just what’s available now, with even more shops and dining experiences set to hit the place in coming months.
Said Stephen Flint Wood, EVP and Managing Director of Arts & Entertainment Events at IMG:
“IMG is delighted to be working with Battersea Power Station to bring this amazing new attraction to life. Lift 109 will offer unparalleled views of London, as well as an interactive insight into the energy behind the icon. This immersive new exhibition and unique viewing platform will attract visitors to the Power Station from across London, the UK and the rest of the world.”
So, what are you waiting for? Head to the website and grab your tickets now.
Also published on Medium.