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After more than 30 years and numerous abandoned renovation plans, Battersea Power Station may finally be getting its facelift.
Developers today submitted an official application for planning permission to turn the site into a £5.5 billion residential complex.
The proposals would see 3,700 homes built alongside offices, shops and restaurants on the 40-acre site.
The scheme, by Irish developers Treasury Holdings, also includes a riverside park and an extension to the Riverside Walk connecting through to Battersea Park.
Public access would be given to restored areas, such as the two turbine halls and control rooms.
In return, the developers have pledged to save the power station itself, which is listed Grade II*, and create a "low-carbon environment".
Wandsworth council leader Edward Lister said: "Everyone wants to see the power station restored and the whole site developed to provide new homes and jobs."
The developers are encouraged that there has been progress in the planning of an extension of the Northern line from Kennington to two new stations at Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station.
The plans are crucial to the new homes proposed, as the area has no Tube line.
Mayor Boris Johnson supports the extension "in principle" but there is no current prospect of it being funded by TfL.
The station closed as a power plant on 17 March 1975. Proposals for its use have included a theme park, in 1983, and a shopping mall in 1997.
Reader views (5)
Tate modern,Hoxton etc.only became vibrant and desirable areas once creative centres arrived.Battersea Power Station developers should start opening part of the building as creative arts units now, to ensure this iconic building becomes an attractive place to live and work.The higher values for propery this can achieve could hopefully reduce planned height and density of residential units which would engulf the power station.
- Angie Barker, chelsea,LONDON, 20/10/2009 20:29
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Why do they need more rail links. There are 2 main line stations within 10 minutes walk of the power station. Battersea park and Queenstown road. What about Battersea dog and cats home what affect will this have on them?
- Sally Smith, plumstead, 20/10/2009 12:11
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No rail link? There are two train stations within spitting distance and Sloane Square is a short walk away if you can get over the massive psychological barrier that is the Thames. Plus (massive plus) if this actually goes ahead then the Battersea North Tube extension will likely get the green light. As a local resident I welcome it.
- Anne, London, 19/10/2009 16:42
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One HUGE problem remains with any development of this site and that is ACCESS, road access is congested and unsuitable and at present no rail link exists, good luck to anyone who eventually lives there.
- Bernie Grant, South London, 19/10/2009 12:30
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"Developers today submitted an official application for planning permission."
Don't you mean:
Developers today submitted YET ANOTHER official application for planning permission.
- Bob, Cheam, 19/10/2009 10:52
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