What’s built in Las Vegas will stay exclusive for now, as London mayor Sadiq Khan has rejected the MSG Sphere London proposal. Here’s the latest.
Khan has directed the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) to refuse a planning application for the MSG Sphere London. In his statements for why the decision was made, Khan cites unacceptable negative impact on residents in Stratford, east London.
“London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city,” a spokesperson for the mayor said. “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 a negative impact on local residents.”
A report suggests the Greater London Authority (GLA) commissioned an expert review by global engineering firm WSP, which identified significant errors and omissions in the applicant’s assessment of impact.
“Officers identified unacceptable harm to hundreds of residents, including in the amenity of at least 33 homes in the New Garden Quarter residential development; 28 homes in the Legacy Tower/Stratford Central; and 177 student rooms in the Unite student accommodation building.” The report indicated that the build for the Sphere raised significant concerns, too.
The development “would result in a bulky, unduly dominant and incongruous form of development, which would fail to respect the character and appearance of this part of the town centre and the site’s wider setting,” the report reads. “In addition, the proposed design concept is highly energy intensive, does not achieve a high sustainability standard, and does not constitute good and sustainable design.”
“While we are disappointed in London’s decision, there are many forward-thinking cities that are eager to bring this technology to their communities,” a MSG spokesperson said when asked for comment. “We will concentrate on those.”