Rebuilding To Start On Remaining Three Power Station Chimneys

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As south west chimney nears completion

Wandsworth Council has now officially signed off the first crucial stage of rebuilding work to the south west chimney of Battersea Power Station, triggering the start of work on the other three chimneys.

The rebuilt south west chimney now rises to over 25m above the brickwork washtower, more than halfway to its full exposed height of 40m. It will be restored to its full height of 50m before the end of 2015. Successfully reaching this milestone means the Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) is now permitted to begin rebuilding the other three chimneys.


Image: Anthony Coleman

The phased approach was set out in the project’s planning consent to help ensure the highly innovative deconstruction and rebuilding techniques involved could be successfully delivered.

The four chimneys were built between 1933 and 1955, and were damaged beyond repair by decades of intensive use, followed by decades of neglect and exposure to the elements.

The rebuild programme uses the original construction principles to ensure the visual appearance of the new chimneys matches their predecessors as closely as possible.

The project has been closely monitored throughout by The Morton Partnership, an expert engineering practice appointed by Wandsworth Council to ensure the reconstruction work meets the high standards required.

The engineering firm has confirmed its complete satisfaction with the process to date, as has English Heritage and Wandsworth Council’s building control and planning teams.

The remaining three chimneys are expected to complete in late summer 2016, and all four will then be painted to match the originals.

Rob Tincknell, Chief Executive Officer at BPSDC, said, “Reaching the halfway point on the first chimney to be rebuilt is another significant milestone for everyone involved in the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station. We are very proud of this achievement and with work to start soon on the other three chimneys, I would like to offer the teams on site every best wish for the rest of the project.”

Cllr Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said, “These chimneys are a defining feature of the London skyline so as the local planning authority we have a profound duty of care to make sure the rebuilding process is a success.

“I’m delighted to confirm that the first major milestone has been reached and that the methods are proving successful. I want to thank everyone involved for the superb job they’ve done and I look forward to seeing this incredibly exciting project move forward apace.”

The rebuild programme has been undertaken by a group of specialist contractors including construction managers Skanska, Beroa Bierrum and Buro Happold Engineering.

BPSDC is working with Historic England – previously known as English Heritage - and Wandsworth Council throughout the process of redeveloping the Grade II* listed Power Station.