Restored facade of Chelsea power station that generated electricity for the Tube until 2002 revealed in first-look images of mega redevelopment… where flats start at £1.9million
- Lots Road Power Station powered the London Underground until 2002
- Hub in Chelsea is set across nine acres and has been turned into 260 flats
First-look images reveal the restored facade of the power station which for decades provided the entire London Underground with electricity.
A project to turn the majestic former Lots Road Power Station, which closed in 2002, into a glitzy property development where flats start at £1.7million is nearing completion.
The disused electricity production hub in Chelsea, which was powered by coal and oil and is set across nearly nine acres, has been turned into 260 exclusive flats.
New images of the completed exterior show how, much like the £9billion redevelopment of Battersea Power Station nearby, the exterior of the building has retained much of its original structure.
Two glass residential towers – named East and West – stand alongside the station, with bridges connecting the different buildings.
The ‘Powerhouse’ project is part of the £1billion Chelsea Waterfront development, where former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich bought a three-storey penthouse worth an estimated £22million.
Commissioned in 1905, Lots Road was the second of London’s three power stations to be built – before Battersea but after Bankside in Southwark, which has housed the Tate Modern since the year 2000.
First-look images reveal the restored facade of the power station which for decades provided the entire London Underground with electricity. A project to turn the majestic former Lots Road Power Station, which closed in 2002, into a glitzy property development where flats start at £1.7million is nearing completion
When it was built, Lots Road was the the largest power station ever constructed. It covered 32 acres, with its chimneys soaring 275 feet into the air
Architects Farrells boast that the building is perfect for residential use because of its rare glazed windows, which will give captivating river views to many of the residents.
The development is also set to house shops, restaurants and leisure spaces in the huge atrium, where the turbines once stood.
The former chimneys have also been restored and have been capped with glass.
Farrells partner Shevaughn Rieck said: ‘As the centrepiece of the Chelsea Waterfront masterplan, Powerhouse will stitch the new community into the Lots Road Village.
‘Historically located on a residential street marking the fringe of Chelsea, this heritage asset is today being carefully crafted and restored ready for the next chapter of its life as a collection of homes and new community hub.
‘At its heart is the atrium, a new piece of public realm with restaurants, retail, workspace, and a new neighbourhood health facility, ensuring Powerhouse will once again be for the use and benefit of the people of London.
‘We are genuinely excited to experience this new part of London.’
When it was built, Lots Road was the the largest power station ever constructed. It covered 32 acres, with its chimneys soaring 275 feet into the air.
New images of the completed exterior show how, much like the £9billion redevelopment of Battersea Power Station nearby, the exterior of the building has retained much of its original structure
A computer-generated image shows what a bedroom in the flats will look like when completed
The development in Chelsea boasts spectacular views across the River Thames
Flats inside the former power station start at a whopping £1.7million
The former chimneys have also been restored and have been capped with glass
Architects Farrells boast that the building is perfect for residential use because of its rare glazed windows, which will give captivating river views to many of the residents
The former power station will also host shops, restaurants and leisure areas
An exterior view showing the magnificent arched windows, which are original to the structure
The development will be out of the the price range of most Londoners
Two blocks on the site are dedicated to social housing for locals and there are 61 affordable homes in the station building itself
It was among the first steel-framed buildings to be built in the British Isles and has been described as the ‘design grandfather’ of Battersea.
Construction began in 1902, which was the first full year of the reign of King Edward VII, who came to the throne after the six decade rule of his mother Queen Victoria.
Lots Road, which comprises two vast halls and four towering chimneys, pre-dates Battersea, on the opposite side of the Thames, by 39 years.
It initially consumed coal that was ferried to the site by barge. Its powering of the Underground network lasted from its commissioning in 1905 until it ceased operating in 2002.
Even during the Blitz, the station kept going. However, there was the occasional outage.
A Daily Mail report from 1916 said: ‘For at least two hours shortly before six o’clock last night the London District Railway service failed.
Lots Road was the second of London’s three power stations to be built – before Battersea but after Bankside in Southwark, which has housed the Tate Modern since the year 2000. Above: The power station in the early 20th century
Lots Road provided power for the London Underground network. Above: A poster (left) describing the power station as the ‘nerve centre of London’s Underground’; the station is seen during the Blitz in the Second World war
It was among the first steel-framed buildings to be built in the British Isles and has been described as the ‘design grandfather’ of Battersea
The interior of the Lots Road Power Station is seen above during its heyday, when it supplied the London Underground
Construction began in 1902, which was the first full year of the reign of King Edward VII, who came to the throne after the six decade rule of his mother Queen Victoria
The power station consumed coal that was ferried to the site by barge. Above: The interior of the power station
Lots Road Power Station was built after Bankside – where the Tate Modern is now housed – but before Battersea
The London Underground would not have been able to operate without the power supplied by Lots Road Power Station
‘The whole of the traffic on four of London’s most important underground railways was completely held up by a mishap at the power house in Lots-road, Chelsea.’
It added: ‘The lights in the stations and the trains suddenly went out and the trains came to a standstill, some in the middle of the tunnels and others at the platforms.’
Another, from 1928, said: ‘London’s vast underground railway system was completely paralysed at 11.33am yesterday by a breakdown in the central power station at Lots-road, Chelsea.’
Since Lots Road was decommissioned, the Tube has been powered by the National Grid.
The new development was designed by renowned architect Sir Terry Farrell.
On the former station’s south facing side, the original arched windows now house private balconies.
Two blocks on the site are dedicated to social housing for locals and there are 61 affordable homes in the station building itself.
The facilities on offer include a 24-hour concierge service, along with a 20m swimming pool and gym.
The apartment sizes range from two to four bedrooms.
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