Tata Steel helps transform iconic London landmark
by David Fleschen
Tata Steel’s plant in Shotton, North Wales, has supplied the premium steel flooring for one of the UK’s biggest-ever construction projects – the revitalisation of iconic south London landmark Battersea Power Station.
The contribution is a crucial component of a multi-billion-pound development project to turn the former power station into a hub for businesses, community and even Apple’s new London headquarters.
To date, Battersea Power Station has required 135,000 square metres – enough to cover two football pitches – of composite floor decking to meet the complicated design brief for the development.
Tata Steel supplied all internal floors through its trademarked product, ComFlor® , a lightweight composite flooring system, with the strength to achieve the load and span requirements for complex designs and also minimising the number of lorries needed to deliver material to site, reducing site congestion and lowering the carbon footprint.
The seven-stage transformation of Battersea Power Station will turn the Grade II-listed structure from a dormant shell into a thriving community. When completed in 2025, the area’s riverside will be opened to the public for the first time.
Jo Evans, Managing Director, Building Systems UK at Tata Steel, said: “The team at Shotton is proud to have developed the quality steel that has played a role in bringing one of London’s most iconic buildings back to life. We collaborated closely with William Hare, steelworks contractor, to provide guidance on the type of flooring needed, detailed technical information and ultimately, our ComFlor product. Our ability to offer support and thorough advice for such a complex package helped us win the contract – our customers know they can count on us for quality at every stage of a project.”
Battersea Power Station stands on the south bank of the River Thames and is known for its four chimneys and art deco design. A former coal-fired power station, Battersea closed in 1983 and remained empty until renovations began in 2013. It will ultimately become a modern mixed-use development including residential homes, a new tube station, office and retail space, a library, a medical centre, a concert venue for 2,000 people, and 100 new retail, food and drink units.
Source and Photo: Tata Steel in Europe