Two-year rebuild complete of Battersea chimneys

Grant Prior 8 years ago
Share

Battersea Power Station’s four iconic chimneys have now been fully rebuilt using the same construction technique as when they were first erected.

Since the first pour in May 2015, nearly 25,000 wheelbarrow loads of concrete have been hand-poured into the chimneys that each stand 51 metres tall.

Rather than use a hose to pour the concrete, it was decided to replicate the original construction methods and 680 tonnes of concrete was lifted in a hoist to the top of the chimney, transferred into wheelbarrows and then hand poured into the structures.

The rings that can be seen around the new chimneys, and that could also be seen around the old ones, are formed by using a ‘Jump Form’ shuttering method.

Using steel and timber, the metal rings are filled with concrete then moved up and filled again. Overall, the hoist has travelled the equivalent of 21 miles, lifting the concrete to the eight workers waiting on boards high above the ground.

The original chimneys, two were built in the 1930s and the second pair in the 1950s, had to be demolished as they were deemed unsafe because they were badly crumbling after so many years.

The rebuilding of the chimneys was overseen by main contractor Skanska and led by specialist engineers Beroa Bierrum working with Delta, the specialist dismantling contractor.

Rob Tincknell, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company, said: “Battersea Power Station’s chimneys have been the backdrop for films, music videos and album covers and really are world famous.

“On behalf of our shareholders, I would like to say it has been an honour to restore this iconic symbol to the London skyline so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come.”

Cllr Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “These giant chimneys are recognised the world over and as the local planning authority we have a profound duty of care to make sure the rebuilding process is a success.

“The site’s owners have understood their significance from day one and have gone to great lengths to restore them to their former glory. And delivered on their promises.”

Emily Gee, London Planning Director at Historic England, said: “Historic England welcomes this final stage of the rebuilding of the chimneys, ensuring that the Power Station will retain its landmark status along this evolving part of London’s skyline.”

Chimney rebuild image 1

Latest news

Balfour Beatty terminates Danny Sullivan labour deals

Around 500 workers on HS2 will be moved to alternative agencies or be taken on direct
1 day ago

Trio face prosecution after Hinkley site death

Main contractors and client to face charges over death of site supervisor
1 day ago

Buyers see recovery in house building sector

But civil and commercial work still in the doldrums
2 days ago

Apprentice saws-off thumb on hotel refurb site

Court hears how digit was reattached and teenager continued training with another firm
2 days ago

Laing O’Rourke tops June contracts league

£919m animal super lab dominates new orders
2 days ago

TSL turnover smashes £500m as profit almost trebles

Data centre and logistics contractor rises high on surging demand
2 days ago

Gleeson Homes chief exec leaves business after restructure

Management revamp after "challenging" year
2 days ago

Green light for 1,600-home Oldham town centre overhaul

Plans for over 1,600 homes across six regeneration sites approved
2 days ago

DSM wins Norwich city centre clearance job

Anglia Square shopping centre clearance for £300m scheme
2 days ago

13-year-old becomes UK’s youngest qualified digger driver

Grandson of Gallagher Group chairman sets industry record
2 days ago

Cubby reborn in £12m Svella-backed takeover

£50m revenue target set as 14 firms combine under new Cubby Group banner
3 days ago

North East NHS trusts plot £3bn health estate overhaul

Market engagement begins for major construction push across four trusts
3 days ago

HG goes green on cranes in £1.2m switch to battery power

Diesel-free crane drive cuts fuel bills by 94%
3 days ago

Developer fined £165,000 for fire safety failings

Firm ignored fire safety orders on apartment job in Preston
3 days ago

Bidding to start for £1.8bn North West framework

Contractors invited to bid for latest Procure Partnerships deal
3 days ago

Hill hits record £90m profit as homes pipeline swells

Build-to-rent push and £4.8bn contracting book to fuel next growth phase
3 days ago

Rayner unveils £39bn plan to build 300,000 social homes

Council building revival and rent reform feature in social and affordable homes plan
4 days ago

Keltbray bounces back with £3.2m profit

Tighter controls and smarter project selection fuel strong turnaround
4 days ago

VINCI JV wins 500-home twin town centre revamps

Chester Northgate phase 2 and Northwich Weaver Square schemes move to delivery stage
4 days ago

80 energy projects unlocked as Ofgem backs grid expansion

£24bn energy networks deal gets green light from regulator
5 days ago

How to see your stories on the Enquirer

Join our Suppliers and Buyers directory to get your news published
4 days ago

Henley lands Midland Mill revamp on Leeds tower scheme

Restoration of 18th-century mill kicks off on South Bank regeneration project
4 days ago

New boss at Eric Wright Civil Engineering

Gavin Hulme takes top job as Diane Bourne moves to group role
4 days ago

Pinewood submits £1bn data centre plan

Studio giant adds green and learning spaces to tech hub blueprint
5 days ago

Record results after TClarke goes private

Britain's biggest M&E contractor flourishes after de-listing
5 days ago

Dalkia lands £200m nuclear maintenance deal

1,000 nuclear FM staff to join M&E contractor
5 days ago

Construction comeback to outpace wider economy

Arcadis forecast fueled by spending review optimism
6 days ago

First steel goes up on giant car battery site

Severfield gets to work on McAlpine Somerset site
6 days ago

Permasteelisa wins cladding deal on Bovis city tower

Facade specialist lands package at 60 Gracechurch Street
5 days ago

Fox buys recycled asphalt specialist Fisher

Acquisition adds major recycled asphalt capacity in north west
6 days ago