A couple of years ago I visited Battersea Power Station, with the objective of riding on the new part of the Northern Line. Having done that I was somewhat disappointed to find I couldn’t go in the actual power station, because they hadn’t finished the redevelopment.

So, finding myself in London again I retraced my steps on the tube.

Battersea Power Station is one of the largest brick buildings in the world. This art deco wonder was build in two parts. The A station between 1929 and 1935, and the B station between 1937 and 1941 but not finally finished until 1955. It was decommissioned in 1983 and left to decay despite its listed status, until redevelopment work on what was by then a ruin started in 2013.

But wait! What’s this popping out of the north west chimney?

Yes. They’ve installed a lift so naturally I had to have a ride on what is called Lift 109.

After rising to roof height in a normal lift we boarded a glass cabin for a ride up the chimney.

It’s an unusual lift, in that it has a glass roof, and there is no mechanism above the cabin, the usual cables and wheels above a normal lift are missing. Once at the top there are, of course, plenty of wonderful views.

Back down below, they have made an excellent job of retaining the art deco features of the turbine halls whilst adding umpteen shopping opportunities.

Well worth a visit if you’re in the area.