Chance to see inside of power station

London Evening Standard/London

Londoners will get a rare — and final — chance to view the derelict hulk of Battersea Power Station from the inside later this month.

The grade II* listed brick landmark is opening its doors to the general public for only the second time since it was decommissioned in 1983.

The art deco building is included in the annual London Open House weekend which allows access to buildings that are normally off-limits.

The only previous occasion that the public have had access to the inside of the “glorious ruin” of the former coal-fired generator was during an exhibition of Chinese art in 2006.

There have been dozens of events at the boiler house venue inside the walls but these have been invitation only.

The power stations owners expect thousands to take the opportunity to view the structure before it is turned into the centrepiece of a new £8bn riverside development.

Rob Tincknell, chief executive of the Battersea Power Station Development Company, said: “I’ve always tried to maintain an open policy as much as we can because there is so much interest. This is the final chance for people to stick their heads in before the refurbishment works start in October. I wouldn’t be surprised if 10,000 people come over the weekend, if not more.”

Visitors will follow a carefully prepared route from the new pop-up park on the riverside into the vast central boiler house before leaving via the cavernous Fifties Turbine Hall B on the eastern side of the building.

The route will be carefully cordoned off and will be well away from the sheer brick walls so that visitors do not have to wear safety equipment. The event over the weekend of September 21 and 22 is free and requires no pre-registration.

The power station will be open from 11am to 4pm with last entries at 3pm. For further information about London Open House visit www.londonopenhouse.org