Question; what’s the connection between Battersea Power Station and a red phone box? Answer: they were both designed by the same architect (Sir Giles Gilbert Scott).

Enough of the trivia, what are Szerelmey doing at this iconic landmark? Well, we were first contacted by Bovis in 2005 to carry out investigatory work along with structural repairs and sample areas of cleaning to the external facades of the wash towers. The cleaning was carried out under the auspices of English Heritage and a number of samples were produced before approval was confirmed.

New ownership of the site took place in 2007 and Szerelmey were contacted by the retained engineers, Buro Happold, to complete a remedial works package which included the investigation and overhaul of the entire drainage system. Further discussion led to the removal of asbestos cement roofing sheets and subsequent replacement in torch-on-felt to make the roof watertight.

Currently Szerelmey are carrying out both permanent and temporary repairs to the largest brick structure in Europe including stitching and pointing. Impact damage to the river wall caused by the coal barges that once fuelled the power station has recently been completed, not to mention the eradication of the troublesome Japanese Knotweed.

Work was delayed between March and August this year (2008) whilst the world waited to see if two amorous peregrine falcons would produce offspring. Regrettably their dalliance was unsuccessful but at least it allowed us all to get back to work. Meanwhile the falcons have relocated elsewhere within the precincts of the power station.

Szerelmey are currently working in association with environmental consultants URS who are keeping a watching brief on the local flora and fauna.

Ultimately the project is planned to be of mixed use incorporating a hotel, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities.