Stanfords opens shop in Battersea Power Station and sets up crowdfunder

London bookseller Stanfords is to open a new bookshop inside Battersea Power Station and has launched a crowdfunder to assist with the first year’s operating costs. 

Battersea Bookshop will open to the public on 14th October, coinciding with the launch of the newly renovated Grade II-listed power station. A £120,000 crowdfunder is in place and Stanfords has pledged rewards including signed copies of books and local guided tours to generous contributors. 

The owners of the building approached Stanfords two years ago to represent independent booksellers and open a store in the new retail complex. Though the bookseller is known as a map and travel specialist, Battersea Bookshop will be a general bookshop, with a focus on architecture, London literature and children’s titles.

The shop premises will be in Turbine Hall B and will contain an events space for launches, author talks and exhibitions. There will also be an area in the store to display photos and artefacts from the power station.

Store manager Matthew Stevenson said: “We have an amazing team of booksellers ready and waiting to welcome new customers. At the heart of our store we want to provide a service that truly reflects the ethos of independent bookshops where our staff get to know authors and customers so they can make recommendations and create a sense of community. 

“We will be introducing a Book of the Month and a Children’s Book of the Month as well as other promotions and we look forward to becoming a destination customers feel at home in and want to return to again and again.”

The majority of the costs of the new opening are being covered by the owners of the power station and by Stanfords shareholders. They are also being supported by publishers whose books will be stocked. 

Vivien Godfrey, c.e.o. of Stanfords, said: “Stanfords has been given the opportunity to open a neighbourhood bookshop in the newly renovated Battersea Power Station. With the help of our crowdfunder we need your support to build our bookcases, fill our shop with books and hire great staff. Join Michael Palin, Peter Ackroyd and Levison Wood in supporting our new venture.

“It’s been a rough few years for independent bookshops – we were all hit hard by the pandemic. As bricks and mortar shops with rent, taxes and expert staff, we have expenses that web-only businesses do not have. To be asked to open a store in this iconic London building is such an honour and we would like to bring our years of experience to create something really special in Battersea. We need you to be part of our next chapter and help bring Battersea Bookshop to life.”