Powerhouse Chelsea Waterfront, Southwest London Mixed-Use Redevelopment, Lots Road Power Station Building Photos

Powerhouse on the Chelsea Waterfront, London

21 November 2023
Powerhouse Chelsea Waterfront
Renewal design: Farrells

photo courtesy of architects practice
Powerhouse Chelsea Waterfront, London
As construction reaches a pinnacle point and the hoarding that has hidden Powerhouse from public view is gradually removed, the first glimpses of the Chelsea landmark’s restored façade are revealed.

16 Oct 2022

Design: Farrells

Location: Chelsea, south west London, England, UK

Images:

Powerhouse, Chelsea

The iconic Lots Road Power Station which had powered the London Underground for over a century has been transformed into an exceptionally rare collection of 260 apartments – the Powerhouse. When fully completed, this post-modernist masterpiece with a hallowed history will enjoy a resplendent future as London’s most refined and exclusive residential address overlooking the River Thames.

Once the driving force behind the rapid expansion of modern London, Lots Road Power Station generated electricity to keep citizens on the move during the Blitz of the Second World War. The repurposing of the Power Station and the delivery of Chelsea Waterfront represent the most dramatic transformation in the borough in living memory. A triumph of engineering built on a scale never seen before, Powerhouse was the first of the city’s three great power stations built over a century ago and the last being redeveloped.

The other two are Battersea, and Bankside (which is now better known as the Tate Modern, one of London’s premier tourist destinations).

Dr Edmond Ho, Director & General Manager of Hutchison Property Group (UK) Limited, said: “This latest project being unveiled at Chelsea Waterfront – Powerhouse – is an iconic London landmark and a cathedral of the industrial age which has been rejuvenated by a world-class team of architects and designers. Taking on a revolutionary new form, Powerhouse will offer a 21st century living experience like no other in one of London’s most coveted boroughs.”

The largest power station ever constructed, with chimneys soaring 275 feet high above the River Thames, Lots Road Power Station was completed in 1905 as the first steel-framed building in the British Isles, often described as the “design grandfather” of Battersea Power Station. Today, a team of architects led by Sir Terry Farrell has restored the historic red brick walls whilst its interiors have been re-designed as lavish living spaces by the award-winning Fiona Barratt Interiors.

Meticulously chosen for their reputation for incorporating historical design features and references to create modern signature residences, Fiona Barratt Interiors honours the Power Station’s rich industrial heritage and preserves its place in architectural lore. Combining modern elements with unique points of historical interest, full-height evergreen trees have been purposefully placed where the building’s turbines once stood, whilst flowing water troughs echo the creation of steam and two industrial chimneys anchor at either end of the space.

Powerhouse’s entrance also boasts a spectacular ‘electric current’ lighting installation – framed by the building’s vast elegant arched windows – representing the original purpose of the building: the generation of power.

Boasting a multitude of state-of-the-art amenities, Powerhouse will be professionally managed by Rendall and Rittner concierge with 5-star services around the clock, from general house management to individual booking requests. The exclusive health and fitness centre, housing a luxurious spa, a fully equipped gym, and a 20-metre swimming pool, offers a private sanctuary for exercise and relaxation. The elegantly appointed Residents’ Club Lounge with its delightful views of the river is the ideal multi-purpose space for work or social gatherings. For those seeking superb cuisine served in stylish surroundings, the restaurants at Chelsea Waterfront which boast unforgettable vistas across the river, and the beautifully lit landscaped gardens will be the first port of call.

Chelsea Waterfront
Chelsea Waterfront, designed by internationally renowned architect Sir Terry Farrell, overlooks a part of the River Thames that was previously inaccessible. The luxury development comprises 10 buildings set across 8.85 acres which, in addition to Powerhouse, also includes Tower West, a 37-storey tower, the tallest residential building in SW10 and Tower East a 25-storey tower, as well asthe Rotunda. Powerhouse is situated across the bridge from the gardens at Chelsea Waterfront which have been thoughtfully crafted by leading landscape architect Randle Siddeley to create an oasis of nature with breathtaking views along the river to Battersea and Chelsea Bridge.

Strong connectivity
Located in an intimate enclave at the heart of London’s most distinguished and elegant Royal Borough, Chelsea Waterfront is situated less than a 5-minute walk from Imperial Wharf Station for direct access to Central London, while nearby Chelsea Harbour Pier provides riverboat services on The Thames Clipper.

Lots Road and the iconic Kings Road area represent one of the finest of dining, shopping and culture destinations that London has to offer. Within the immediate vicinity, residents can enjoy a diverse selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, antique shops, luxury concept stores and exquisite cafés, such as Medlar, Bluebird Chelsea, and John Nicolas Antiques to name but a few.