Full disclosure: this building is one of my favourite architectural spaces, a literal powerhouse of giant industrial drama with its brick-built, Art Deco edifice towering over the south bank of the Thames, an imposing imagery most famously associated with Pink Floyd's inflatable pig floating between the iconic white chimneys.
Built in two halves either side of the Second World War, this "cathedral of power" supplied coal-based energy to London for 4 decades before being decommissioned in the early 80s and eventually falling into ruin. Many plans for redevelopment failed over the years (including one idea of turning it into a theme park!) but it wasn't until 2012 that successful plans began to become reality, and which grew to incorporate a new terminating stop on a branch of the Northern line of the Underground, so it's easy to get to this area using public transport. Parking is trickier but you can find a space if you're willing to pay the price (around £15-20 for 4 to 5 hours).
Situated close to Battersea Park, a large and diverse open space next to the Thames, the redeveloped area includes bars, restaurants, and a few pop-up spaces that currently include a small exhibit on the history of the power station as well as a fitness room sponsored by Bear Grylls. Because why not?
The entire area is now bristling with architectural spaces that offer a range of shops and eateries with living spaces towering above. These avenues and walkways curve round the power station and bloom out the south side, forming spaces with enchanting names such as Malaysia Square and Electric Boulevard.
But the jewel in the crown is still the main building itself. Each of the two turbine halls have been transformed into retail and refreshment spaces nestling amongst entertainment that includes a cinema on the top floor and Lift 109, which will take you to the top of one of the chimneys to see out over the city, at an incredible 109 metres above sea level (thus the name).
The industrial character of the building is reflected in the gantries that have been left on display, the interior original frontage, and elements such as Control Room B, now a bar that retains the original banks of bakelite switches and dials.
The only drawback is that this is clearly an expensive place to spend your pounds. A watch shop with security on the door hints at the quality within and even the Apple shop retains the luxurious modern industrial style of the rest of the units. Prices are fairly London standard in the bars and restaurants so don't expect a bargain basement day out, but that's not the point, which is to enjoy a sumptuous experience in the revitalised carcass of one of the most recognisable spaces in the city, if not the world.
The entire place was spotlessly clean and there were plenty of accessible options to move between floors, even if some of the choices to keep original staircases (now escalators) mean that you end up winding your way round the inside of the turbine hall before being able to get back down to the ground floor.
If you're looking for a high class shopping experience in a stunning venue, or simply want to marvel at the space, then you can't go wrong here. We went while the Light Festival was on, a variety of neon and colourful outdoor exhibits nestled in the walkways and planting. Maybe top off your visit with a stroll west along the river and past the Peace Pagoda, or through the park to the remains of the Pleasure Gardens from the Festival of Britain. Or just circle back to the grand old edifice itself and marvel at how a billion pound investment can breathe new life into old spaces.