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Skanska selected as preferred bidder for main works to restore and redevelop Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) is pleased to confirm the selection of Skanska, one of the world’s leading project development and construction groups, as the preferred bidder for the main works contract to restore and redevelop the Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station, the centrepiece of the 42-acre mixed-use scheme.

Published on
October 28, 2014

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Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) is pleased to confirm the selection of Skanska, one of the world’s leading project development and construction groups, as the preferred bidder for the main works contract to restore and redevelop the Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station, the centrepiece of the 42-acre mixed-use scheme.

The Power Station – Phase 2 of the development – is one of the largest brick buildings in Europe, with 6 million bricks used to construct it in the 1930s and 1940s. This former powerhouse of London is one of the most significant surviving examples of Art Deco architecture in the UK.

The main works contract could ultimately be worth as much as £750m and reflects the commitment of the Battersea Power Station shareholders to the redevelopment of this iconic building. Skanska is expected to commence the enabling packages for the main works in March 2015. Works on the Power Station are scheduled for completion in 2019. 

Skanska is well-known for building iconic structures like 30 St Mary’s Axe (The Gherkin), Heron Tower, Barts and The Royal London hospitals and the QEII Bridge. The Barts and Royal London hospital works involved the major redevelopment of both hospitals, providing new build healthcare space across both sites, including the refurbishment of Grade I and Grade II Listed buildings, the enhancement of Ancient Scheduled Monuments and major additions to the public realm within Conservation Areas.

Philip Gullett, Chief Operating Officer at BPSDC, said: “Skanska’s appointment to restore and refurbish the Power Station is further demonstration of our shareholders’ commitment to the development and a major step towards opening up the Battersea Power Station to the public. Skanska is a leading contractor, with the experience and expertise to undertake the work required on this Grade II* listed iconic building.”

Preliminary works on the Power Station site – led by Mace the preliminary works construction manager – have been well underway since October 2013. The site handover from Mace to Skanska will be complete by the end of November 2014. 

Key achievements to date – led by Mace – in the challenging process of restoring the Power Station that has lain derelict for over 30 years include:

• The chimney dismantling and rebuild programme is on schedule and led by specialist engineers Beroa Bierrum with support from Delta Ltd on the dismantling work. The South West chimney – the first to be dismantled before being rebuilt, is down to a height of 20m from its full 50m height. It will be rebuilt and back to full height by the Summer of 2015;
• Extensive brick work surveys have been undertaken on the Power Station elevations by specialist contractors PAYE Stonework & Restoration Ltd – ahead of the brickwork repairs;
• Structural repairs to the steel and brick work on the four wash towers beneath the concrete chimneys – led by J.Coffey Construction Ltd – are also progressing to schedule;

The detailed designs to redevelop Battersea Power Station have been led by Wilkinson Eyre Architects. When it re-opens in 2019, the Power Station will house 254 state-of-the-art homes, three wonderful roof gardens, three floors of show-stopping retail and exciting food & beverage outlets, a 2000-capacity events venue, a 30,000 sq. ft. fashion hub and six floors of office space for creative industries. The entire building will house over 2m sqft of accommodation.

In the long term, the redevelopment of the whole site will generate 17,000 new jobs and nearly 4,000 new homes. Battersea Power Station will be served by a new Northern Line underground station and river bus services, making it one of the most accessible new destinations for people to live, work, socialise and spend their leisure time. 


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