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Malaysia’s Link to a London Landmark

It took more than four hours of queuing and one failed attempt, but I managed to see the iconic Battersea Power Station in London before its £8 billion redevelopment.

It opened on Saturday and Sunday to the public as part of the Open House London weekend, where people get to catch a glimpse of the city's famous landmarks and significant architectural buildings.

After two hours of waiting on Saturday, only to be told the gates had closed, I made sure I was in the Sunday queue at 7.30am, way ahead of the scheduled 11am opening. But just why would I, and thousands of others, suffer hours of waiting to see a derelict building?

Here are some facts on the building, and why even Malaysians can appreciate this exciting redevelopment in London.

What is it?

The Art Deco power station served London with electricity for half a century before it was decommissioned in 1983. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who also designed Britain's classic red telephone box, it was granted with the Grade II status on UK's statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historical interest. Its imposing structure and much loved four brick chimneys have been a familiar sight to Londoners over the decades. It is the largest brick building in Europe.

Where is it?

It is situated on the banks of the River Thames in south-west London, one of the best-known sights along the river.

Why was the Open House viewing special?

This is only the second time the public has been allowed to see the site since it was decommissioned. For decades it remained idle. Plans to regenerate the area while maintaining the landmark's heritage - a great challenge, with great costs - saw failed attempts and the site going from owner to owner. Last year Chelsea Football Club was still fighting to turn it into its new home. A Malaysian consortium - SP Setia Berhad, Sime Darby and the Employees Provident Fund - bought the site in September last year for £400 million. This weekend was the last chance people had to see the power station in its original form before the 40-acre site is turned into a mammoth redevelopment of homes, offices, shops, community facilities and a park.

Caption: The heart of the power station - the central Boiler House.

Caption: These murals, although rather fetching, have no historical value - they are more modern additions, left over from when the location was used as a film set.

When will the redevelopment be completed?

It is scheduled for completion in 2019. Earlier this year the first phase of the development - £850 worth of apartments to be completed by 2016 - were snapped up so fast it was believed to be the fastest selling property development on record in London. Meanwhile, restoration work on the power station, which includes strengthening its inner steel structure and replacing its crumbling iconic chimneys with identical new ones, will commence soon. The first chimney is expected to be dismantled in February 2014.

Caption: The huge Turbine Hall B is about the size of Tate Modern, the other transformed power station along the Thames.

How is this significant to the British, and to Malaysians?

Londoners have been waiting for the Battersea Power Station to come to life for a while, and the redevelopment means that the site - London's last major waterfront regeneration - will have cultural, historical, commercial and community value for the city. On the Malaysian side of things, it was a major coup to win the redevelopment bid. The £8 billion project is a huge investment and will see the consortium, specifically developers SP Setia, flexing its muscles to bring its development philosophy of 'Live Learn Work Play' to the global arena. Will the consortium succeed where others have failed? So far the company is on track to achieving its property sales target of RM5.5 billion for this year.

Caption: There were guides and even senior staff from the Battersea Power Station Development Company on hand to explain many aspects of the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station.

Caption: It was a chance for visitors to photograph the power station from up close, even if it meant trying to capture it with some purple flowers.

Caption: On Saturday alone, 18,000 visitors got in to see the Battersea Power Station. Visitors from all ages and countries braved incredibly long queues, proving the landmark's reputation and attraction.

Was it worth all the fuss? There was no question that it was amazing to see the imposing structure in all its dilapidated state - the design of the building was as awe inspiring as some of New York skyscrapers. I was a little disappointed that we did not get to see its beautiful control rooms, where the Art Deco fittings really shine. But it was a treat to be able to look up from the heart of the immense structure, and see the famous four chimneys before they make way for new ones.

I felt that the Open House event was significant and special for many reasons, and as a Malaysian, it was interesting to note that most of the questions from Londoners and British visitors had nothing to do with Malaysia and everything to do with how the space would be preserved for the public. It would seem they don't care who does it, as long as it is done well. "Where will the new tube station be?", asked one visitor. "What will happen to the chimneys?" "Will the rooftops (of the apartments) be communal?" "It won't be just a huge shopping centre right? Will we be able to come into the space?"

Battersea Power Station Development Company chief financial officer Simon Murphy patiently answered questions for hours, assuring one visitor that: "This isn't some gated compound, it will be for everybody." He spoke about the redevelopment being about making the area a special place for everyone, while ensuring the historical value of the power station remained intact. Visitors seemed happy with all the explanation, information and ideas for the regeneration; indeed many said they were pleased with the overall redevelopment of the site as a cultural and commercial hub in line with the regeneration across Vauxhall and Nine Elms.

On a personal note, as a fan of urban regeneration projects that place great emphasis on historical, cultural and community elements, the Battersea Power Station redevelopment is a hopeful inspiration. Londoners are extremely protective of their historical structures and spaces. If Malaysia gains experience from how a redevelopment project should be run with heritage in mind here, perhaps the powers that be will understand how important it is for us to do the same back home.