Planning Milestone for Battersea Power Station
London, 10th November 2006

Last night Wandsworth Council gave consent to six planning applications and one variation concerning detailed designs for the Battersea Power Station site.

These consents, representing a total area of 4.5 million sq ft mean that, for the first time, the project can now move forward towards the construction stage and leasing programme.

Victor Hwang , President of Parkview International said yesterday, “Today is an important day for the Battersea Power Station project. We have appreciated the unwavering support of Wandsworth Council who have seen us through in excess of 50 submissions since 1996.

“It has taken us 13 years and an investment of £200 million to arrive where we are today. This included the acquisition of an additional essential 8.5 acres of land from Thames Water, National Grid, British Rail and Spicer Cowan to create this masterplan. It was not until 2003 that the London Electricity Board vacated Turbine Hall B and the removal of plant and equipment was completed in December 2005 that we were able to inspect the structure.

“As a foreign investor, it has been somewhat of a revelation to realise that it is not uncommon in Europe  for projects of this scale and complexity to take this long to navigate through the planning process.

“Throughout this time, Wandsworth have remained focused on ensuring that the regeneration of Battersea Power Station will assure its long term future and deliver a world class project to the borough and for London . We appreciate their effort, tenacity and professionalism as we worked with them and we thank them for their continuing support.

“We are delighted to have reached this milestone and as we move into the next phase of construction, we very much hope that we will have the opportunity to work with the authorities to evaluate how this project could contribute to the Olympic Experience and to provide a legacy for London . We believe that the vision of the masterplan for the regeneration of Battersea Power Station site will be able to provide complementary facilities and amenities to the vision that the Mayor of London has for the 2012 London Olympics.”

Parkview International will now begin the construction process on the project. It is expected that the first construction contracts for the restoration of the Power Station will be awarded in January 2007.

In the meantime, Parkview are continuing discussions with a number of potential development partners who share our vision to see this project through to completion.

Note to Editors

Set on a 36 acre site alongside 380 metres (1235 ft) of prime Thames riverside frontage, the redevelopment of the Battersea Power Station site represents one of the largest urban regeneration projects in central London . The developers, Parkview International, aim to create for London , a new cultural, entertainment, business and events focus supported by a dynamic and wide-ranging hotel, leisure and retail offering.

Simply called The Power Station, London , the vision for the development embraces a place of fun and celebration; international meetings and events venue and a new centre for the creative industries. 

At its heart is the Power Station, a celebrated iconic building and a potent symbol of the energy and vitality that is London . Surrounding the Power Station will be two hotels, over 70,000 square metres of Class A office accommodation, a 2000+ seat auditorium and a 750 unit residential component.

Images are available on request.

For further information:

Ian Rumgay
Corporate Communications Director

Parkview International London Plc
Tel: +44 (0)20 7501 0688
Email: ianrumgay@pilp.com