Battersea Power Station, 2024/1418

The Battersea Society objects to the significant design changes proposed. We also consider the play and amenity space proposed is inadequate and are concerned that the community uses are too focussed on cultural amenities and on events.

Design

We are frankly disappointed with the designs for these two buildings PP3 and PP4. They lack all the vitality and exuberance of the two Gehry buildings already erected (PP1 and PP2), with their dominant curvilinear form. They are very different from what was set out in detail in the Masterplan. With their rectilinear form, they will sit very uncomfortably alongside the existing buildings and the proposed ‘flower’ building PP5.

The reasons given for the marked change in form represent, indeed, a rebuke to the design of buildings PP1 and PP2. We recognise that changes are necessary both in relation to new building regulations and constraints such as the need to reduce the loading on the Northern Line Extension station box. We also note the need, as outlined in the Client Brief as described in the Design and Access Statement (DAS) for ‘efficiency’: simpler, more efficient forms; stackable residential units; and reductions in the volumes of concrete and steel.

Elsewhere, this is described as a ‘rationalisation’ of the overall structure, including the elimination of the cantilevered winter gardens. We remain to be convinced that curvilinear forms are incompatible, as claimed in the DAS, with enhanced fire regulations. We note also that the designs are not compatible with the design code agreed as part of the 2021 agreement. The code requires step downs in height towards the other buildings in the Gehry ensemble as a key element in making the ensemble cohere as a whole. The reasons given in Appendix 1 of the Statement of Compliance for the failure to meet this requirement are unconvincing, and the result is a severe risk that the ensemble itself will not cohere, and he relationship with the Foster buildings is less than satisfactory.

It may be that the Battersea Park Road frontage sits within the approved footprint but the fact that one building is designed ‘lean out towards the road’ leads to an uncomfortable frontage which appears overwhelming for such a busy and relatively narrow footway. This is clearly demonstrated in the illustration on page 36 of the DAS and page 44 of the statement of compliance.

Play Space

The calculations for the provision of play space excludes any provision for the senior living units. Not only can many be expected to have visits from grandchildren but we cannot see any provision for a swimming pool or a gym, both pre-requisites for senior living facilities of the type proposed. The current provision over the whole Power Station site is insufficient, with the current outdoor play area for young children often overcrowded, especially at weekends. Moreover, the lack of any provision for 12-17 year-olds in the current proposal is unacceptable, as is the claim that it is not needed since provision is available in Battersea Park.

Community Hub

The Cultural Strategy for this area was first set down in 2014 and appears from the documentation we can find to be both out of date and to concentrate on arts and cultural events and spaces to the exclusion of everyday amenities for the many residents to the north and south of Battersea Park Road. High among these needs should be a public library, quite properly included in the plans in the past but now discarded. Such a facility, administered by GLL, would provide – in the words of Wandsworth Council:

“As well as borrowing a book, libraries offer a place to work or study, business meeting rooms, a range of online resources, a home delivery service, a heritage service and free events for children and adults including children’s craft activities and story times, author readings, adult learning classes, book and film clubs and digital support for older people.  Libraries are also a key part of the council’s Community Spaces Programme providing somewhere warm and safe to enjoy free activities and get together with neighbours.” Brightside online, May 2024

The map of the community ecosystem on page 61 of the DAS shows the distance that the many residents of the Nine Elms/Battersea area would need to travel to access either the Battersea Park Road or York Road libraries, both small and heavily used. We urge Battersea Power Station and the Council to reinstate this plan.

In conclusion, we very much hope that the team at the Power Station reconsider their plans, even though we acknowledge they may not be required to as a result of existing planning consents.