The retail destination will provide access to well-known brands, which will be different to what they have elsewhere

By NG MIN SHEN / Pic By ISMAIL CHE RUS

Battersea Power Station Development Co (BPSDC) has launched its latest retail and leisure destination in London, at the repurposed Battersea Power Station which will be reopened in 2020.

Once a coal-fired power station, the landmark building located on the River Thames is now owned and being redeveloped by a consortium of Malaysian investors, namely Sime Darby Property Bhd, SP Setia Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

The management of the 17ha site, which will also include commercial space and apartment units, is being undertaken by BPSDC based in the UK.

“When completed, Battersea Power Station will be the third-largest retail destination in Central London, comparable in scope to Oxford Street and just as centrally located,” Sime Darby Property said in a statement last Friday.

The two turbine halls within the project will house a vast array of curated brands from around the world in just over a hundred units.

Turbine Hall A, which was built in the 1930s and evokes the Art Deco glamour of its era, will contain the Premium Collection — brands that portray elegance, sophistication and timeless style.

Meanwhile, Turbine Hall B, which was completed in the 1950s, has a sparer aesthetic and will be home to contemporary brands providing a mix of younger, faster and more diverse names.

“On behalf of our Malaysian shareholders, we are looking forward to fully opening this iconic building to the public for the first time so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come,” said BPSDC deputy CEO and CFO Simon Murphy.

According to BPSDC retail leasing director Sam Cotton, the retail destination will provide access to well-known brands, which will be offering something different to what they have elsewhere, as well as start-ups from Britain and around the world.

“The response has been incredible and because we are handpicking every single retailer, this is going to be a fantastic place for both retailers and consumers,” he said.

Cotton said the company is scouring the globe not only for the best retailers, but also looking at how it can provide a platform for the wider evolution of retail.

Apart from retail outlets, the project will also comprise a wide range of food and beverage (F&B) outlets.

“We will have a 35,000 sq ft food hall showcasing innovative dining experiences that combine the best of London’s food scene, including the latest restaurant start-ups, new concepts and international cuisines,” said BPSDC F&B leasing director Helen Carr.