Chimney Lift 109 At Battersea Power Station

It’s now possible to take a thrilling ride up one of the chimneys of Grade II listed Battersea Power Station, a unique chimney lift experience. Lift 109 ascends 109 metres to the top of the north-west chimney where 360 degree panoramic views of London’s skyline are on show from a glass viewing chamber. The chimneys are the core of this world-famous landmark and reconstructing them was the first, most important priority in the restoration of the iconic Power Station. After half a century expelling flue gases from one of the largest coal-fired power stations of its sort in the world, the years had taken a toll on the chimneys so the task was a daunting one. Starting in 2013, the four chimneys were rebuilt to the exact specification of the originals from the 1930s and 1950s, with 25,000 wheelbarrows of hand-poured concrete and 375 litres of paint needed for each chimney. This is the first time Battersea Power Station has opened its doors to the public in its 90-year history and what a triumph it is.

The Lift 109 experience begins in the Power Station’s magnificent Art Deco Turbine Hall A where visitors can see original records and media displays, detailing the building’s rich history. The second stage is an express lift to the base of the north-west chimney from where you’ll board London’s brand-new glass elevator: Lift 109. Once at the top, you’ll have one of London’s best views of world-famous landmarks that make up the city’s skyline, as well as a unique bird’s eye view of the Power Station itself.

Architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (1880-1960), who also designed the red telephone box and Waterloo Bridge, designed the Power Station. It was built to help rationalise London’s haphazard electricity supply system. The station began producing electricity for the capital in 1933 and continued in service until 1983. Providing one fifth of London’s power, Battersea Power Station used to provide electricity for many notable locations across London including Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Carnaby Street and Wimbledon.

The Power Station was actually built in two stages: Battersea A was built between 1929 and 1935 and Battersea B, despite World War II, came into service in 1944, with the fourth chimney completed in 1955. Once complete, it was the tallest building in London and with the six million bricks used to construct it, the Power Station was one of the largest brick buildings in Europe. The area within the main Boiler House of the Power Station is so vast that it would be possible to fit in the whole of St Paul’s Cathedral within the space.

The Power Station has appeared as the backdrop in a number of film blockbusters including The Dark Knight, The King’s Speech, Fast & Furious, Superman III and of course it featured on the iconic Pink Floyd Animals record cover. Pink Floyd commissioned a 40-foot helium filled pig balloon, nicknamed Algie, for the cover of their album. Algie was to be anchored between the two northern chimneys while photographers snap the picture. However, the little piggy had other plans, escaping and flying to Kent where he was rescued by a local farmer and subsequently returned to the capital for his photoshoot.

Control Room A and Control Room B, which helped manage the distribution of London’s electricity when the Power Station was operational, have been fully restored to their former glory. Control Room A, in the gorgeous 1930s Art Deco part of the power station is available for private events while Control Room B forms part of a 1950s styled bar, serving cocktails inspired by the Grade II* listed building’s iconic architecture and history.

Practicalities

Lift 109 is open 10am – 8pm seven days a week throughout the year. Tickets: Adults £15.90/Children £11.50 Family of four £50.40

Getting there:

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers operates a regular service from Battersea Power Station Pier and various stops along the river, including Embankment and Westminster. There’s also a new metro Station: Battersea Power Station on the Northern Line, five minutes from the power station.