HRH Duke of Gloucester Visits Battersea Power Station

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and the Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Arif Bendahara visited Battersea Power Station in Central London, UK, on Friday 24th September to witness the momentous progress being made on this Malaysia-owned regeneration project. 

The Malaysian High Commissioner, H.E. Zakri Jaafar, also accompanied Their Majesties on the visit.

On Their Majesties inaugural visit to Battersea Power Station, they were welcomed by Dato’ Jagan Sabapathy, Incoming Chairman of Battersea Project Holding Company (BPHC), Datin Norazah Mohamed Razali, Non-Executive Director of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and Sime Darby Property, Dato’ Seri Ahmad Johan Mohammad Raslan, Non-Executive Director of Sime Darby Property, Mohd Hizami Mohd Iskandar, Principal Officer of PNB UK,  Ramzi Abdullah, Principal Officer of the Malaysian Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Simon Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC). 

As well as receiving an update on the wider development, Their Majesties were given a special tour of the Grade II* listed building, including the dressed apartments in the first completed section, Switch House West, where residents now live and of Malaysia Square, where the Yang di-Pertuan Agong unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit. This engraving will be a constant reminder of the strong links held between Malaysia and the UK and the continued importance of inward investment by the country.

After lying dormant for over 30 years, the consortium consisting of Sime Darby Property, S P Setia and EPF bought the iconic site and made quick progress on the restoration works which are now nearing completion. Once open to the public next year, Battersea Power Station will be one of the most exciting retail and leisure destinations in London, with over 100 shops, bars and restaurants, as well as unique events and leisure spaces, including the Chimney Lift Experience, which will be operated by global events and entertainment leader, IMG. Apple has also taken 500,000 sq. ft. of office space across six floors for its new London campus and there will be a brand new six-acre park in front of the Power Station, looking out over the River Thames.

H.E. Zakri Jaafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK, said:

“Seeing the immense effort that is going into regenerating this part of London is truly remarkable. What has been achieved by this consortium of Malaysian companies, which have combined resources in an international sphere, is truly exemplary. Their Majesties visit is indeed timely to witness this proud accomplishment by Their Majesties subjects. This project will be an important point of reference for future Malaysian projects and collaborations.”

Dato’ Jagan Sabapathy, Incoming Chairman of Battersea Project Holding Company (BPHC), said: 

“It is an honour to welcome Their Majesties to witness the grand redevelopment of the Battersea Power Station. This project is a shining example of the synergy between Malaysia and the UK working together to bring a new destination to life, and I believe it will be a legacy to the Malaysian people’s ambition, expertise and investment. 

“We have achieved what others have only attempted, and it is a great privilege to see the Malaysian flag flying high at the Battersea Power Station.”

Last week, the Northern Line Extension (NLE), the first major extension to the London Underground this century, opened marking another significant milestone for the project. Battersea Power Station now has its very own Zone 1 station with journey times to the West End and the City taking approximately 15 minutes. 

The first completed chapter in the regeneration of Battersea Power Station, Circus West Village, is a thriving neighbourhood with over 1,500 residents calling it home and a mix of vibrant restaurants, cafés, bars, a theatre and cinema which attract over three million visitors a year. Strong progress is also being made on Electric Boulevard, the third phase of the project which comprises buildings by Gehry Partners and Foster + Partners, forming their first-ever collaboration.