Mayor of London rejects MSG Sphere plans
Sadiq Khan has blocked plans for the 21,500-capacity MSG Sphere concert venue in Stratford, E20.
A spokesperson for the mayor of London said: “London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city.
“But as part of looking at the planning application for the MSG Sphere, the mayor has seen independent evidence that shows the current proposals would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents.”
Sadiq Khan has blocked plans for the 21,500-capacity MSG Sphere concert venue in Stratford, E20.
A spokesperson for the mayor of London said: “London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city.
“But as part of looking at the planning application for the MSG Sphere, the mayor has seen independent evidence that shows the current proposals would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents.”
A spokesman for Sphere Entertainment said: “While we are disappointed in London’s decision, there are many forward-thinking cities that are eager to bring this technology to their communities. We will concentrate on those.”
Officers at the Greater London Authority commissioned a review from WSP on the back of the uncertainty about the venue’s impact and scale of objections, many of which related to light intrusion.
WSP found there were “significant errors and omissions in the applicant’s assessment” that suggested the obtrusive lighting/health aspects were not correctly assessed and determined.
WSP concluded that the sphere, in conjunction with other artificial lighting within the proposed development and how it is operated, would likely have “significant adverse effects” on occupiers of nearby residential premises.
In addition, further concerns that were raised included the building’s height, bulk, massing and that it would not be a sustainable building owing to its high energy usage.
The Madison Square Garden company started consulting on plans for the development in 2018. Its proposals were approved by the London Legacy Development Corporation last year.
Parties objecting to the proposals included rival AEG, which owns the O2.
Alistair Wood, executive vice president of real estate and development at AEG Europe, said: “We welcome the mayor of London’s decision to direct refusal of the Sphere’s planning application today.
“We do not oppose competition in the live entertainment industry, and specifically do not oppose another large music venue in London. However, this proposal had fundamental flaws from the beginning. It was the wrong design, in the wrong location, and this was the right call.”
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Photo © Madison Square Garden Entertainment
