When you think of iconic London buildings and sights, there are a few that are globally recognised. I’m talking, of course, about the likes of the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, the Elizabeth Tower, and more. But another building has entered the forefront of the public imagination in recent years. Since opening its doors to the public in 2022, Battersea Power Station has cemented itself as one of the city’s most iconic, recognisable, and must-visit locations.
As the name suggests, in its heyday, the Battersea Power Station was in fact a working power station. After years of disuse, the building was redeveloped into an iconic shopping, entertainment, and dining destination, alongside new residences. And earlier this year, after less than 4 years of being open, the venue attracted its 50 millionth visitor.
The Power Station’s history
Work originally started on the power station all the way back in 1929. None other than the prominent architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who designed Britain’s iconic red telephone boxes, was part of the project.
The first phase of the building was completed in 1935, and between the 1930s and 80s, the station produced a fifth of London’s power. Battersea Power Station supplied “electricity to some of London’s most recognisable landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.”
The building was then fully completed in 1955. At this point, the building’s main Boiler House was so enormous that you could fit St. Paul’s Cathedral within the space.
In 1980, the building was awarded Grade II listed status. But just a few years later, in 1983, the Power Station would close and cease operation. It would subsequently be bought and sold a couple of times, receiving upgraded Grade II* listed status in 2007.
In 2013, after decades of disuse and more than 80 years since work first began on the site, work began on redeveloping the building and surrounding area. And then, in 2022, Battersea Power Station and Electric Boulevard opened to the public on 14th October. The building has since become an even more iconic part of the city, with over 11.2 million visitors in its first year.
In September of 2026, mere days before its 4th anniversary, Battersea Power Station welcomed its 50 millionth visitor.
Battersea Power Station today
Today, Battersea Power Station is an exciting destination for people to eat, drink, shop, and play. In a delightfully circuitous fashion, the self-same venue that once provided electricity for entertainment venues is now an entertainment venue in its own right. Today the area is home to “more than 2,200 homes, approximately 800,000 sq ft of office space… and more than 170 shops, bars, restaurants and leisure experiences.”
Battersea Power Station also recently welcomed the arrival of a new music venue, Apple Music Hall. Sir Elton John performed at the venue’s opening night. The venue’s line-up includes everyone from Troye Sivan to Arlo Parks, Burna Boy, Chase & Status, and Charli xcx.
And the Battersea Power Station team aren’t resting on their laurels! They write that:
“By the end of 2026, the riverside neighbourhood will have added more than 20 new brands to its retail, leisure and dining offering….
“[The] 42-acre development [now] enters its next chapter, with a planning application submitted to revise the original masterplan for the remaining 16 acres of undeveloped brownfield land.”
Read more about the plans for Battersea Power Station’s future here.
