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More illustrious names join Nine Elms on the South Bank architectural roll call

Nine Elms on the South Bank today becomes associated with yet another internationally acclaimed architectural practice

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Published on
October 23, 2013

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Nine Elms on the South Bank today becomes associated with yet another internationally acclaimed architectural practice: Gehry Partners has been chosen alongside Foster + Partners to design Phase 3 at Battersea Power Station.  In addition, this will be architect Frank Gehry’s first building in London.

Nine Elms on the South Bank is the £15 billion transformational area between Lambeth Bridge and Chelsea Bridge, which includes Battersea Power Station, but also Vauxhall town centre, the new US Embassy and New Covent Garden Market.  It is one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe and the most significant development area in London.

The area will be home to a wealth of outstanding iconic buildings, which will include an ultra-modern tall building cluster in Vauxhall.  Some of the world’s leading architects and designers are reshaping the entire district on a scale seldom seen in an established world city, including Rafael Viñoly; Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Sir Terry Farrell, Allies and Morrison and Kieran Timberlake.  Foster + Partners, as the other appointment for Battersea Power Station Phase 3, have already established an influence in the area, as the architects behind St James Group’s The Corniche on Albert Embankment. 
 
Phase 3 will be one of the most exciting areas of the Battersea Power Station development, otherwise known as the High Street. It will also serve as a new town centre for Nine Elms on the South Bank.  Being a retail pedestrian street it will act as the gateway to the entire development and the new Northern Line extension.   Phase 3 will comprise two residential development zones located either side of the High Street.  Both architectural practices are collaborating on the High Street; Gehry Partners is designing the residential buildings to the east of the High Street, with Foster + Partners designing the residential buildings to the west.   In total, Phase 3 will comprise 1200 residential units, a 200 room hotel overlooking both the town square and the Power Station, 350,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space, a 15,000 sq. ft. library and further leisure space.
 
Rob Tincknell, Chief Executive Officer for Battersea Power Station Development Company commented: “We are thrilled to have two such well regarded architectural practices join the team and for Battersea Power Station to be the home to Gehry’s first building in London.  This clearly demonstrates both the quality and the design aspirations which our shareholders are determined to achieve, as well as the extraordinary design solutions which the site deserves.  We are very confident that Phase 3 will be something groundbreaking and wonderful in London.”

The mixed-use Battersea Power Station master plan is designed by Rafael Viñoly.  It spans 39 acres of prime River Thames frontage and comprises over 3,400 new homes as well as offices, shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, community and leisure space and 18 acres of open space. Specialist restoration architects Wilkinson Eyre is appointed to the Power Station building and Ian Simpson Architects alongside dRMM has designed Circus West, Phase 1 of the development.
 
In July 2013, a ground breaking ceremony took place at Battersea Power Station with the Prime Minister of the UK, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Mayor of London.
 
Councillor Ravi Govindia, Co-Chair of Nine Elms Vauxhall Partnership and Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the owners are pressing ahead with this exciting phase of the development. This part of the master plan will create a brand new pedestrian high street and town square flanked by new shops, restaurants, bars, a library and a hotel. It will be another truly exciting draw for this part of Nine Elms on the South Bank and provide many more local jobs and opportunities.”

Helen Fisher, Nine Elms on the South Bank Programme Director, commented: “It’s great to have so many design and architect heavyweights involved in the transformation of the area.  The appointment of Gehry Partners and Foster + Partners brings us one step closer to realising our vision for Nine Elms on the South Bank, as a fantastic, vibrant place to live, work and visit; a place with inspiring architecture, both old and new, and beautiful public realm.”

 

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