Sadik Khan Rejects Vegas’s Giant Sphere Plan for Stratford
Sphere plan for Stratford London (Source Property Inside London)
London mayor, Sadik Khan, rejects planning application to build Vegas 90-metre-high Sphere in London.
In 2018, Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSG), owners of the Sphere, applied to build the 21,5000-capacity music venue in Stratford East London.
The venue was estimated to cost £800 million, with supporters suggesting it would add billions to the economy.
However, after months of controversy, Khan ruled that the venue would “result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents.”
He cited concerns about light pollution, electricity bills and the lack of “green credentials” when explaining his rejection.
In a report, City Hall said the “intensity of the external illumination would cause significant light intrusion, resulting in harm to the outlook of neighbouring properties, human health, and amenity enjoyed by residents of their own homes.”
According to a report by the mayor’s planners, 61 homes and 177 student accommodations would have been affected.
“Disappointed” MSG
Nate Higgins, local councillor, who was against the Sphere is delighted with the refusal.
He stated, “Residents will not have to put up with blackout blinds, and the Stratford station would not become overwhelmed. London’s cultural venues are incredibly important, but this application was always inappropriate for the site.”
“The 25-year-old advertising consent the applicants demanded shows they were not interested in contributing to our Capital’s culture scene but bombarding the residents of Stratford with endless advertising.”
The Sphere, designed by Populous, opened in Las Vagas earlier this year with an exterior featuring 580,000 sq ft of LED displays.
A spokesperson for Khan 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 proposal would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents.”
MSG was “disappointed” with the decision and added, “There are many forward-thinking cities that are eager to bring this technology to their communities. We will concentrate on those.”
They are planning Spheres in other countries, with talks of one in Hanan in South Korea.
Luckily, it’s not over for London.
The final decision rests with the Communities Secretary, Michael Gove, to make the final decision.
