Tuesday 15th August 2023
I realised today that I've not seen much of the touristy bits of London this time and I'm quite fine with that. It's a fascinating place and there's always going to be something to see. My list of 'must sees' this time, included the Battersea Power Station so I made my way over after lunch.
It was a perfect day to walk, so after the train spat me out of the bowels of the earth, I set off in the general direction. I say 'general' because my maps kept changing her mind and I couldn't see the power station chimneys from where I was. But the area is being redeveloped at an alarming rate with massive skyscrapers full of apartments and glass. It felt like I was in Dubai, and it was interesting to see how developers are making work,stay,play areas nowadays.
I passed some more houseboats that seem to be permanently moored and I was intrigued by how bouncy the gangway were as boats churned up the waves on the Thames. I know I couldn't walk on those planks and I thought if the residents got 'sea legs' or would that be river legs?
The power station started to show itself and I got excited. I love it when an old building gets a new lease on life. I'm thinking of the Zeits Mocca museum in Cape Town and how stepping into that repurposed silo almost made me cry. Unfortunately the Power station didn't have quite the same effect on me today.
It's a massive building and the shell is largely intact. It was a coal-fired power station built in 1933 to a cost of £2,141,550 (A station- there's 2). It was designed by the man who created the red telephone box too, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. The station is one of the world's largest brick buildings and notable for its original, Art Deco interior fittings and decor. Station A was closed in 1975 and Station B 1983. It supplied a fifth of London's electricity. Today the 5 acre plot is a great space with restaurants, play areas, moors and great views of the Thames and the city.
Inside I was a little disappointed. There is great light, and there are some of the old machinery in place, but with all the designer label shops, it felt too glitsy for me. Perhaps I'm getting old, and I'm still too loyal to the heritage things. Maybe I would enjoy it better sharing it with someone but today I spent more time outside and around it than in it.
I met my local friend again after her work and took the train to her side of town which was a lovely way to end the day.
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