Riverside Radio’s Breakfast presenters got a taste of the new tube station at Battersea Power Station as they broadcast LIVE from the launch event attended by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, Leader of Wandsworth Council Ravi Govindia and Battersea MP Marsha De Cordova.

Josh and Grace set up our makeshift studio at the glorious Duchess Belle Pub which is opposite the new tube station and were joined by news reader Tom who was reporting from the entrance and inside the station as the Battersea Power Station Community Choir welcomed the first passengers and dignitaries to open the event.

Tom spoke to proud first passenger Peter Torre who came from Mill Hill East at one minute to 6 in the morning. He said

“I am very impressed with the station. They’ve obviously built it with extra capacity, thinking ahead for the future and its a good turnout this morning. Theres all these festivities going on, and the weathers good as well.”

Josh spoke to Wandsworth Councillor Rhodri Morgan, the cabinet member for Economic Development and Skills who said  “Its an amazing day. This project started over 10 years ago now and the tube station has been built over the last 6 years and its superb to see the development coming together”

On Riverside Reports MP for Battersea Marsha De Cordova said

“The key thing for me is this will create jobs and TfL are estimating this will support up to 25,000 new jobs. I’m also incredibly proud these stations will be step free which makes them completely accessible and inclusive  for everyone.”

Although the Labour MP is still not happy with the level of affordable homes in the Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station developments, she said

“Whilst its great to see new homes, I want to see more homes which are actually affordable to the people of Battersea and more importantly homes available for social rent and unfortunately we are not seeing much of that. One of the things we don’t want is to drive away or drive out certain communities. We want to create mixed communities and some of the developments have very little and in some cases no affordable homes.”

"I would encourage people to use the line, to come and visit Battersea. I’m really pleased and I think everyone has positive things to say when it comes to transport links opening up in the area.”

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