Battersea developer in talks with worldwide retail brands

Preliminary site works have begun at London's Battersea power station, and the Hong Kong-based developer Parkview International is talking to potential retail occupiers.

The 4 million sq ft (371,600 sq m) mixed-use project will include more than 400,000 sq ft (37,160 sq m) of retail.

A high-level delegation including leasing director Mike Swinney and agents CB Richard Ellis showcased the project at last month's ICSC convention in Las Vegas, and Swinney said the project could attract new brands to the UK.

'We are talking to retailers from the US, Australia, China and others,' he said. The scheme's private ownership enables it to offer flexible leases, making it easier for retailers to trial new formats and pioneer new locations.

The power station will house 250 retail units in two four-level malls in the twin turbine halls, which sit either side of the great central hall. Construction will begin next year, with completion in 2008.