Lots Road
Power Station

Chelsea

Lots Road Power Station, a timeless piece of London’s history now converted into a 260-unit residential-led mixed-use development, part of the Chelsea Waterfront masterplan for Hutchison Property Group.

Client: Hutchison Property Group
Size: 260 residential units + 62,000 sqft commercial space
Status: In Construction
Sectors
Mainstream Residential, Private Development, Other Tenures
Services
Concept Design, Planning Applications, Employer's Requirements, Construction Delivery, Construction Documentation

Developer Hutchison Property Group initially appointed Formation Architects in 2010 to undertake a complete review and rationalisation of the proposed scheme design, which in turn led new Planning Permissions being granted for the former power station.

The exciting conversion of the power station building will accommodate 260 apartments including 67 affordable units grouped around a large central atrium space at the heart of the building. Commercial space at ground and first floor will help create a vibrant urban street within the building.

Formation Architects had undertaken the detailed technical design to take the project through tender and onto site having developed the construction information using Revit to BIM Level 2. Formation Architects scope also included the interior design for all apartments and common parts.

History

Lots Road Power Station was a disused coal-fired power station located on the north bank of the River Thames in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Construction of Lots Road Power Station began in 1902 and was officially opened in 1905. It was originally designed to supply electricity to the London Underground railway system, which was rapidly expanding at that time.

The station burnt 700 tonnes of coal a day and had a generating capacity of 50,000 kW – supplying electricity to most of the railways and tramways of the London Underground Railway System, making the transition from steam to electric.

By the mid-20th century, changes in technology and the availability of alternative energy sources led to the gradual decline of coal-fired power stations, including Lots Road Power Station. The Power Station was subsequently decommissioned in 2002, as the Underground became fully powered by The National Grid. In 2013, the area was then rebranded as the Chelsea Waterfront, a development that will comprise of 10 buildings.

Repurposed and Retrofitted

Though decommissioned, the building itself remained a prominent landmark along the Thames. The remaining structure has been subject to considerable decay, awaiting comprehensive redevelopment and retrofit.

By preserving the building's industrial heritage – this includes the external envelope of the power station, retained chimneys and historic steelwork and existing features while integrating modern amenities and design elements, the power station creates a unique and inviting environment that honours the site's past while embracing its future.

This adaptive reuse approach not only preserves the site's historical and heritage significance but also revitalizes the surrounding area while meeting contemporary housing demands.

Design

In 2010, developer, Hutchison Property Group appointed Formation Architects to conduct a comprehensive review and rationalisation of the Power Station. This initiative resulted in the approval of a new planning permission for the former power station.

This exciting conversion of Lots Road Power Station will accommodate 260 residential units – of which a significant portion are dedicated to affordable housing, alongside commercial spaces within the existing power station structure.

Units are grouped around a vast central atrium space at the heart of the building, as a communal space, fostering a vibrant sense of community and aesthetic appeal. The proposal aims to enhance the active frontage, setting, and legibility of facades; as well as aspire to create a distinct sense of place or 'heart’ and foster a vibrant community where people want to both live and work in.

The scheme addresses the climate crisis and environmental issues largely through the repurposing of the existing structure rather than building anew, minimizing environmental impact and preserves resources by refurbishing and retaining existing materials, resorting to new materials only when necessary.

Environmental benchmarks and assessments rate the project positively, with BREEAM good for commercial spaces, EcoHomes and EPC evaluations as Good awarded.

The Powerhouse stands as a testament to exemplary design and sustainable development. Revitalising a historical landmark but also set a new standard for adaptive reuse and repurpose projects that prioritize both heritage preservation and contemporary living in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Lots Road Power Station represents an important historic building and industrial landmark whilst bringing a new development with plenty of architectural and design references to the power station’s former life.

Next Case Study:

KC2A & KC4

The buildings form is part of the affordable housing allocation within the prestigious Chelsea Waterfront development.