This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on March 18, 2016.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian-owned Battersea Power Station regeneration project in London has clinched its first tenants at the commercial area of the sprawling mixed-development project.  

The tenants range from fine dining to a butcher, baker, florist and The Village Hall, said Sime Darby Property Bhd, which is undertaking the project together with S P Setia Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund.The first new shops, restaurants and cafés are moving into the first phase of the project known as Circus West, said Sime Darby Property.

“Each tenant of the commercial space there has been specially selected taking into account the quality and individuality of the experience they can offer,” it said in a statement yesterday. They include vibrant neighbourhood eatery Pedler Cru, wine shop and bar Vagabond, butcher Allens of Battersea, artisanal bakery and café Flour Power City Bakery, coffee shop The Coffeeworks Project and acclaimed florist Philippa Craddock.

Battersea Power Station Development Co Ltd head of leasing Joanne Skilton said the team had put together a mix of local shops, restaurants, and social amenities, which will not only give Circus West a distinctive neighbourhood feel, but make it a fantastic place for people to visit when it opens. “Perhaps the best example of Team Battersea’s commitment to a local tenant strategy can be seen with The General Store,” she said.

“We were approached by a number of big chains. However, we chose the route of these particular independent and local businesses as they have a proven track record in the area, connecting to the community they serve and creating that all important village feel, which is what people really want.”

The Village Hall, situated in the heart of the Circus West site, will see art performances being staged for the community.

The Battersea project, with an estimated gross development value of £10 billion (RM58 billion), involves the redevelopment of London’s iconic Battersea Power Station.