Power Station Chimney Lift To Open Next Year
Offering unique, panoramic views from the top of the North West Tower
An artist's impression of the chimney lift
The top of the North West Chimney at Battersea Power Station is promising to be the go-to thrill seekers destination next year. A glass lift is being installed within the structure that will offer 360 degree views of the London skyline for up to thirty people at a time.
IMG, the global entertainment and events specialist which runs 800 events around the world including Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, the Natural History Museum Ice Rink, and Hampton Court Palace Festival, has been appointed to operate the Chimney Lift inside the Grade II listed Power Station.
A 360° CGI bubble image of the chimney lift
The glass lift experience, which will see visitors travel 109 metres up the interior of the North West chimney, will begin in Turbine Hall A with an exhibition celebrating the Power Station’s history.
The North West Chimney and its pop up lift
Sam Cotton of the Battersea Power Station Development Company said, “This year is going to be the most exciting yet in the transformation of Battersea Power Station with our first residents moving into their homes this Spring, the Northern Line Extension opening in the Autumn and our retailer and office occupiers starting to fit out their spaces ahead of opening the Power Station’s doors to the public next year. The first ride in the Chimney Lift will be an extremely special moment for everyone involved in the project and one we’re all looking forward to.”
Battersea Power Station’s four chimneys, which were built in two stages – two in 1935 and two in 1955 - were originally designed to be square rather than circular. A plan which didn’t make it beyond the drawing board. The iconic circular quartet that stands today are actually replicas of the originals, which had to be demolished as they were deemed unsafe after decades of not being used since the station stopped generating electricity in 1983.
In 2017 - after replicating the original construction methods used to build the chimneys using 25,000 wheelbarrow loads of concrete that were hand-poured to form the new structures using a ‘Jump Form’ shuttering method - the final four chimneys were revealed.
The north west chimney – which will house the glass lift - was the last to be completed. The north-east and south-west chimneys will still be used to disperse water vapour for the new energy centre that will provide heating and cooling to the newly renovated building.
Since their 2017 reincarnation the new chimneys have lit up blue for the NHS, green for the NSPCC and a soft, gentle white for the comfort of residents.
Last week the whole of the redeveloped Power Station building was lit up, with all four chimneys illuminated in glorious, celebratory red to welcome the first residents moving into the actual building.
Stephen Flint Wood, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of IMG, said, “We are proud to be working with Battersea Power Station on this prestigious project and utilising our expertise in operating major attractions and events to bring London’s newest attraction to life. The Chimney Lift will provide year-round entertainment, with visual and experiential elements for visitors from across all of London, the UK and around the world to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming them when it opens next year.”
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June 8, 2021