If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience in London, look no further than the iconic Battersea Power Station. This historic building is now home to a 100+ store shopping centre inside a Grade II listed former power station, with everything from Zara’s biggest London location to a rooftop cocktail bar built inside the original control room. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect when you visit Battersea Power Station Shopping Centre.
History of Battersea Power Station
Before we explore what’s on offer at the shopping centre, it’s worth taking a moment to understand the history of this iconic building. Battersea Power Station was once one of the most important power stations in the UK and provided much of London’s electricity for over 50 years until 1983.
Turbine Hall A was built between 1929 and 1935, while Turbine Hall B was constructed between 1937 and 1941. In recent years, extensive renovation has been undertaken to convert this Grade II listed building into a modern shopping centre with plenty to offer visitors.
Battersea Power Station Redevelopment
The redevelopment project went on for ten years. During this time, the station’s iconic chimneys were dismantled and rebuilt.
It cost £9 billion to remodel the two turbine halls and the surrounding site. These days, Battersea Power Station is an impressive retail and leisure space, which had its official opening in October 2022.
Apple officially opened its UK headquarters at Battersea Power Station along with the Apple Battersea retail store on June 15 2023. Apple Music Hall is a 600-capacity live music and broadcast performance venue located directly beneath the headquarters.
The building and site have retained many of its original features, such as the Art Deco Turbine Hall A and the Coaling Jetty which is now part of a cool urban park. The two former control rooms have been transformed into an events space and a bar.
Where is Battersea Power Station?
Located in South London at Nine Elms in the London Borough of Wandsworth, Battersea Power Station overlooks the River Thames. The exact address is Circus Road West.
The new development features a new pedestrianised high street: Electric Boulevard, as well as new homes at the Circus West Village Apartment Complex. There are also 254 luxurious apartments and office space to rent within the former power station.
Luxury Brands at Battersea Power Station Shopping Centre
Whether you’re looking for designer fashion or electric car brands, there’s a good range of shops to explore at Battersea Power Station. Some of the beauty brands include Jo Malone London, Space NK, The Body Shop and Kiehl’s.
You won’t find a department store and there aren’t many homeware shops. However, there are quite a few high end fashion stores stocking international brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Pinko, Calvin Klein and ME+EM. You’ll also find activewear stores such as Lululemon and Sweaty Betty and luxury watch brands like Breitling and Omega.
For high-end accessories, head to Mulberry or the Rox jewellery shop. The Mac cosmetics store is also popular. Don’t miss the local independent small retailers such as Battersea Bookshop and Curated Makers – the latter has a great selection of unique gifts.
Outside the shopping centre on the Ground and Upper Ground Floors of the Electric Boulevard, the huge Zara store is spread over 48,000 square feet. There’s a lingerie department, baby, footwear, accessories, clothing and homewares.
Restaurants and Bars at Battersea Power Station
There are several restaurants inside and outside the mall, and I found the variety surprisingly strong for a shopping-centre food court. TOZI Pizzeria & Cicchetti Bar does solid Italian plates in a bright, airy space overlooking the Thames, and Le Bab’s gourmet kebabs are a great quick lunch if you’re shopping all day.
Coffee options are still a bit thin – Grind and The Feel Good Bakery work for takeaway, and Black Sheep Coffee or Paris Baguette have seating if you want to sit down with a cappuccino between stores.
The Control Room B cocktail bar features the original power station controls and dials. Arcade Food Hall & Bar is a great place to eat, with three restaurants, two bars and a private dining area. Located on the 1st floor of the Power Station, it continuously updates its roster of global food operators. Some of our fave eateries here are BAO for their Taiwanese buns and beef noodle soups, Gracey’s for East Coast style crispy pizzas and Phed Power for Northern Thai street food and salads.
In terms of the eateries outside the mall, I’ve never been able to get into them at weekends without a reservation, so I’d highly recommend booking if you want to go to one of these.
Entertainment at Battersea Power Station
Beyond shopping and dining, Battersea Power Station has a few standout entertainment draws. Lift 109 – a glass elevator ride up the Northwest chimney – gives you panoramic views across the Thames and central London, and I’d say it’s worth the ticket if you’re into observation decks or iconic London landmarks.
The two luxurious London cinemas here are both run by the same company: The Cinema In The Power Station includes a members’ club, while The Cinema In The Arches sits outside in the former railway arches and has a more laid-back vibe. In summer, Electric Boulevard hosts live music acts, and in winter there’s an ice rink that’s surprisingly well-maintained for a shopping-centre setup, fun whether you’re a confident skater or wobbling around for the first time.
How to Get to Battersea Power Station
The shops are just a stone’s throw from the new Battersea power station tube station. This Zone 1 underground station is the terminus of the Northern line extension.
Another great way to come to Battersea Power Station is via the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. You can use your Oyster card or any contactless payment card. It’s just 15 minutes to Embankment, 20 minutes to Blackfriars and 40 minutes to Canary Wharf.
There are quite a few bike racks, if you prefer to cycle to the power station. Buses are fairly frequent and can be found on nearby Chelsea Bridge Road.
However, don’t attempt to drive here. The power station’s parking spaces are for disabled visitors only, and they cannot be booked in advance.
Where to Stay at Battersea Power Station
The art’otel London Battersea Power Station boasts a rooftop pool and jacuzzi. There are many original artworks by Jaime Hayon dotted around the lobby and the 164 bedrooms.
As well as TOZI Pizzeria & Cicchetti Bar on the ground floor, the hotel has a 15th floor restaurant, JOIA, a 14th floor bar and a rooftop bar next to the infinity pool.
Opening Hours
The Power Station is open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 9pm Friday to Saturday and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday. Check individual stores for their opening times to be on the safe side.
Is Battersea Power Station Worth Visiting?
Battersea Power Station sits in an interesting middle ground among London shopping destinations. It’s more upscale than Westfield but not as luxury-dense as Sloane Street or Bond Street, with a solid mix of accessible high-street names like Zara alongside designer brands like Ralph Lauren and Mulberry.
The real draw here is the setting itself – shopping inside a restored Grade II listed power station feels more atmospheric than a standard mall, and the riverside location and architecture make it worth a visit even if you’re not planning to buy much. If you’re already exploring South London or staying nearby, it’s an easy add to your itinerary.
If you’re based in central London and short on time, I’d prioritize it only if you’re specifically into retail destinations with a strong sense of place.
Battersea Power Station Shopping Centre at a Glance
Address: Circus Road West, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AL · Nearest Tube: Battersea Power Station (Northern line, Zone 1) · Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12pm-6pm · Parking: Disabled visitors only (no advance booking) · Boat: 15 mins to Embankment via Uber Boat/Thames Clippers (Oyster/contactless accepted)
Final Thoughts on Battersea Power Station Shopping Centre
This new development is overall a welcome addition to the city. The public spaces are definitely worth a visit if you like architecture and retail therapy.
Battersea Power Station Shopping Centre offers something for everyone – from its rich history to its wide selection of designer brands and exciting entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for some retail therapy or just want to explore this iconic building, there’s no better place than this London landmark!
Address: Circus Road West, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AL, UK
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Frequently Asked Questions
What stores are at Battersea Power Station?
Battersea Power Station features over 100 shops including Apple, Zara, COS, & Other Stories, Aesop, Le Labo, Diptyque, Ganni, and Vargas. You’ll find a strong mix of tech, fashion, beauty, and homeware brands spread across multiple levels inside the historic power station building and along the riverside.
The Apple store is genuinely stunning if you’re into architecture – they’ve kept so much of the original industrial character.
How do I get to Battersea Power Station by tube?
Take the Northern Line to Battersea Power Station station on the extension that opened in 2021. The station exit brings you directly into the development, which still feels slightly futuristic every time I emerge into that massive turbine hall.
Alternatively, use Queenstown Road (rail) which is about a 10-minute walk away, though I’d only recommend this if you enjoy unnecessary exercise.
Is there parking at Battersea Power Station?
Yes, there’s underground parking at Battersea Power Station with several hundred spaces. Access is via Kirtling Street. The car park operates 24/7 with pay-and-display charging.
Given the direct tube connection, I’d honestly skip driving unless you’re coming from outside London – parking in this part of town is never the relaxing option.
What are the opening hours for Battersea Power Station shopping centre?
Most shops at Battersea Power Station open Monday to Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Restaurants and bars generally stay open later, especially on weekends – some until 11pm or midnight.
Individual store hours vary, so check specific retailers if you’re making a special trip for something particular. I’ve shown up at 7:45pm on a Tuesday and found half the shops already shuttered, so plan accordingly.
