The redevelopment of Battersea Power Station is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the face of an iconic piece of London history. Phase 2 of the precinct redevelopment includes the re-purposing of the Grade II* listed power station structure into a truly mixed-use development including retail space, premium offices, and luxury apartments at high level.
The redevelopment poses significant challenges for the engineering and construction team, including the challenges of extending the design life of existing structural elements being retained, constructing around existing foundations, preserving the heritage listed structure during construction, and providing temporary support to the building (whose wash towers are in the order of 300 feet high) during each stage of demolition, excavation, and construction.
Robert Bird Group were invited into the project team by the client late in 2016, with the project facing critical cost and programme challenges. Robert Bird Group’s engineering and risk-management contributions resulted in significant cost reductions in the structural works packages across the project, and construction programme accelerations were made possible.
The key to Robert Bird Group’s contribution to this project has been a collaborative attitude – engaging with the client, consultants and contractors – coupled with technical skills and experience in delivering design solutions that simplify construction and reduce risk.
