Designs Completed for Power Station Railway Link
Railway Station Modernisation to Cost £42m
Classic Victorian Ticketing Hall to Be Restored to Former Grandeur
London , 8^th August 2006

Engineering contractors Costain Limited have completed their contract for the preconstruction design works involved in the modernisation and upgrading of Battersea Park Railway. The works which were commissioned by Battersea Power Station site developer Parkview International detail proposals for opening up the viaducts, shopping and café arcade, improved platform access, new entrances, covered platforms and refurbishing the existing ticketing hall.    

The current state of the railway station leaves a lot to be desired and its modernisation will be of considerable benefit to local users as well as visitors to the Power Station.  It is estimated that costs for the whole project will total some £42 million with £28 million allocated to construction. It is to be wholly funded by Parkview without any public sector contribution and is just one part of the developer’s wider commitment to improving the local environment and the regeneration of East Battersea .

For the first time since it was originally built in 1854 the station is to open to the Park that bears its name. New entrances are to be created in Prince of Wales’ Drive and Queens Circus opposite the Rosery Gate leading to the Battersea Park boating lake.

The archways to the north of the station are to be opened up and the space between the viaducts widened at the Prince of Wales Drive end providing a link through the station between the new and existing entrances. A new structure within the thoroughfare will support a mezzanine deck above an arcade of shops and cafes including baby care and restroom facilities.

The existing Grade II listed ticketing hall at the Battersea Park road entrance is to be refurbished internally and restored to its former Victorian grandeur. Over the years much of the historical detailing and characteristics have been lost but these are to be re-introduced as part of the renovation scheme.  Externally the façade on Battersea Park road will be cleaned, windows and doors refurbished.

The existing steep and narrow staircases to the platforms which make access very difficult for the elderly, disabled and mothers with prams will be removed and replaced with elevators and escalators. The five platforms are to be completely refurbished with the Victorian cast iron canopy on platforms two and three being restored while a new canopy will cover platforms four and five which are currently exposed to the elements.  There will also be a new canopy over platform one which is to be widened in order to accommodate increased passenger flows.    

Battersea Park railway station is a key part of the transport strategy for the Power Station development and Parkview estimates that it will be the conduit for up to 50 per cent of visitors to the Site. It provides a frequent service to Victoria , Clapham Junction, London Bridge and south London , Surrey, and Sussex . The railway station will be just a four minute landscaped walk from the Power Station site. Following a review and refinement of the design proposals, the railway station construction work will be scheduled for completion in conjunction with the Power Station development.

John Russell, Costain Project Manager, said:” The objective is to create a railway station truly deserving of the 21^st Century. Designs incorporate state-of-the-art technology and the highest standards of comfort, convenience and security but at the same time harmonise with the station’s original Victorian heritage which will be fully restored in all its glory.”

The main consultants to the developer Parkview forBattersea Park railway station worksare Costain with support from Grimshaw architects and Atkins Design and Engineering Solutions.

ENDS 

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; an 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.