London to Introduce the ‘Chimney Lift’
Last month, London’s Battersea Power Station unveiled a major new attraction, a panoramic glass elevator which will travel to the top of one of Englands most iconic chimneys. Most famously know for its use on the cover image for Pink Floyds tenth studio album ‘Animals’ has been apart of a redevelopment project for almost a decade. Originally designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, this novel addition will bring new popularity to the already iconic site offering visitors unrivalled views of the cities skyline.
Well underway, the renovation is now in its second phase, following the completion of the Circus West Village, which opened in early 2017. With an overall budget of 9 billion pounds (more than the cost of the 2012 London Olympics), in addition to the chimney lift, the complex will house luxury apartments, a concert venue, both commercial and retail space, along with sweeping public parks.
‘We wanted to ensure that the proposed designs were consistent with and sympathetic to Sir Gilbert Scott’s masterpiece, with the chimneys and turbine halls remaining the dominant features of the building.’
- Jim Eyre, director of Wilkinson Eyre, said:
The company D2E were appointed to develop the performance specification for this unique lift and also managed the design competition, assessed the lift contractors submissions and made final recommendations for the successful contractor. For those not familiar with organization, D2E defines themselves as an ‘Access Management Consultancy delivering the highest standards of professional service’. You can see their unique projects and learn more here or by visiting the link below.
‘It was important to us to retain the Power Station’s sense of scale and visual drama, which is achieved through design features such as the full-height glass void behind the southern wall and the vast, central atrium.’
New images of the cylindrical lift – dubbed the ‘great glass elevator’ – have been released by the developer behind the £9 billion regeneration of the Grade II.
The Chimney Lift, will travel up the north-west chimney via a custom-built glass elevator to a viewing platform, offering panoramic views across the city of London.
Battersea Power Station is a decommissioned coal-fired power station, which is now being redeveloped to bring new homes, offices, shops, restaurants, bars, open space and more to Wandsworth, south London. Now owned by a consortium of Malaysian investors, the iconic Grade II* listed building and the surrounding 42 acres are being brought back to life through an eight phase development project.