Work Begins Again on Battersea Power Station
Phased reopening with revised site operating procedures to protect workers
Picture: Battersea Power Station
May 12, 2020
Construction workers are gradually returning to the Battersea Power Station redevelopment site.
Work re-started in phases on Monday, May 4.
It is understood that strict social distancing measures have been put in place, as well as enhanced cleaning, re-inductions for staff and changes to the site format.
A two-shift programme with staggered starts and thermal temperature checks as workers come into the site are also being implemented.
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced yesterday (May 10) that anyone who cannot work from home, particularly those in construction and manufacturing should be “actively encouraged” to return to work as part of a slow easing of lockdown measures.
When finished, the site will feature thousands of homes and offices as well as an events venue and shopping centre.
Today a spokesperson for the Battersea Power Station Development Company confirmed the site is undergoing a phased reopening.
They said: “Following the temporary closure of the Battersea Power Station construction site on 24 March, we have extensively reviewed the new COVID-19 site operating procedures published by the Construction Leadership Council and aligned these with the latest health and safety guidance from Public Health England.
“Together with our construction managers, Mace and Sir Robert McAlpine, we have worked hard to test and develop new site procedures that fully incorporate these new recommendations in order to allow a gradual and phased restart of construction on site whilst ensuring the required social distancing protocols are strictly enforced.
“The UK Government clearly states that the construction industry plays a vitally important role in the economy and that works should continue through this period providing that compliance with guidelines can be strictly observed.
“We are now able to get people back to work safely and in a measured, responsible manner.”
The historic power station is due to open to the public next year, with the Northern Line London Underground extension also expected to finish in autumn 2021.
However work on the Northern Line extension, like all major Transport for London projects, has also been on hold in recent weeks to keep workers safe.
It is not yet known when this will restart.
Sian Bayley, Local Democracy reporter