Blog: Be Inspired! Preservation & Rejuvenation (Sponsored by RIFT)

07 February 2018

Battersea Power Station Chimney Restoration Programme – 2017 winner

When the Battersea Power Station site was purchased by Malaysian shareholders SP Setia, Sime Darby and EPF in 2012, plans were set in motion for a faithful restoration of the grade II* listed building. Comprehensive investigation highlighted significant defects in all four of the chimneys that needed to be urgently addressed.

A Conservation Steering Group was formed to establish the most appropriate method of preserving the existing fabric of the chimneys. This group consisted of the project team, Historic England, Wandsworth council’s Conservation and Planning Department and external specialists renowned in the repair of historical reinforced concrete structures. Many repair solutions were considered, and it was agreed that a trial programme should be undertaken.

Trials on the South West chimney clearly demonstrated that conditions were considerably worse than anticipated and the only way forward was complete removal and replacement. Many innovative proposals were submitted, some of which would have been spectacular and extremely newsworthy. However, in consideration of the sensitive and delicate nature of the building, the client opted for the more traditional approach to their replacement with the intention that ‘the visual and material form of the new should match that of the old’. It was important to maintain the iconic appearance of the building and its contribution to the London skyline.

Judges commented, “Never before have such enormous and famous chimneys been removed from and replaced on an iconic building in such a city prominent position. Investment, collaboration, traditional skills and meticulous commitment have safeguarded this aspect of the London skyline for decades to come.”

This year RIFT will be the new sponsor of the Preservation & Rejuvenation category. For almost 20 years, they been working to ensure people and businesses get the most from their money: from handling tax refunds and Self-Assessment returns for individual clients to making innovation pay for companies through R&D Tax Credits.

Sarah Collins, Head of Research & Development, RIFT Group commented, “RIFT's foundations are deeply planted in the construction industry. As a company, we strive to champion innovation, sustainability and outstanding customer service in everything we do. These are all core values of Constructing Excellence, so we're thrilled to be sponsoring the 2018 Constructing Excellence Awards.”

Entries are now open for the Preservation & Rejuvenation category as well as 14 other’s – you can find out more about how to enter and to register here. Entries for the 2018 awards close on the 5th of March.

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