Battersea Power Station switched the lights back on today, opening its doors to unveil the long-awaited shopping mall south of the River Thames.

The new shopping centre consists of two main halls created from the restored turbine halls of Power Stations A and B.

The eight-year renovation project has worked to preserve as much of the architectural history of the Grade II*-listed building as possible.

A unique mixture of shops, bars and restaurants will be available for visitors to both the shopping centre and the adjacent pedestrian high street Electric Boulevard, which also opens today.

Retailers opening stores in Battersea include brands such as Nike, Mulberry, Theory, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Aesop, Space NK, Hugo Boss, Jo Malone London, Uniqlo and Mango. 

These are joined by independent retailers such as Battersea Bookshop and restaurants including Le Bab, Where The Pancakes Are and Poke House, as well as concept restaurant Control Room B, which is located in one of the original control rooms.

Other amenities include a cinema, with a food hall expected to open in 2023.

Battersea Power Station Development Company chief executive Simon Murphy said: “Today marks a historic and hugely celebratory moment as we open Battersea Power Station and Electric Boulevard to the public.

“This opening is a fantastic boost for the local economy, creating over 2,500 jobs through the many shops, restaurants, offices and leisure venues opening here, as well as providing a new destination for London.

“Many said it was impossible; several tried and failed. However, through the commitment of our shareholders and with the support of many public and private-sector stakeholders in the UK, we’ve succeeded in bringing Battersea Power Station back to life so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

“This opening is a fantastic boost for the local economy, creating over 2,500 jobs, as well as providing a new destination for London”

Simon Murphy, Battersea Power Station Development Company

“We are truly thrilled to welcome the local community, Londoners and visitors from across the globe to come and explore this Grade II*-listed landmark that many have marvelled at from afar for years.

“Now, for the first time, everybody can walk inside, interact with the magnificent architecture and experience all that the reborn Battersea Power Station has to offer.”

On Electric Boulevard, fashion giant Inditex has unveiled the biggest Zara store in the UK complete with the retailer’s latest technologies.

Zara has introduced a number of UK firsts, including automated click-and-collect and online returns points, a scan-and-go option and RFID-enabled fitting rooms, which lead directly to self-checkout stations.

The 40,000 sq ft store also includes a shop-in-shop style lingerie boutique, as well as a shoe and bag room. Both spaces have a dedicated stock room where customers can request alternative sizes from store assistants.

The space also includes ranges from Zara’s womenswear, menswear and childrenswear collections, with limited-edition ranges designed specifically for the Battersea store on sale.

Zara UK managing director Max Nutz told Retail Week: “This is an iconic store – here we’re trying to showcase the customer experience at Inditex. We’ve introduced two new sections that we haven’t had in the UK so far: lingerie and a shoe boutique, both offering special customer service.

“The is store number 60 of Zara in the UK. Everything started in 1998 in Regent Street and we have learnt so much from the British customer. They are really demanding in terms of fashion, sustainability and technology, so we are trying to keep our offer the best and lead in the market.

“This is the latest concept of Zara, the new experience of Zara, and we hope everyone enjoys it.”

Adidas, meanwhile, has placed immersive experiences at the heart of its Battersea store concept, which it has called ‘Home of Sport’.

Acting as a community hub, the new Adidas space will play host to a range of inspirational talks, classes and meet-and-greets with athletes, starting from the opening weekend.

The Body Shop has also sought to inspire visitors in its new Battersea store, offering community workshops and leaning into the brand’s activist roots.

The health and beauty retailer has ensured that 90% of the store is made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials and also offers its signature refill station for products such as shampoo and shower gel.

Superdry has also opened a new store in the shopping centre, expanding on the vintage clothing ranges that first became available in its Oxford Street store last year.

Nike’s Battersea store offers a range of sports performance wear with a focus on running, yoga and fitness.

The retailer also offers bra fit services and styling sessions, as well as sports clubs and yoga sessions.

New stores and restaurants will continue to open their doors over the next few weeks and months.

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