After the opening of the new Sphere venue in Las Vegas, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan has rejected plans for a similar destination beside the Olympic park in Stratford.
On Monday (20 November), Khan decided to block the Populous-designed spherical attraction, citing an “unacceptable negative impact on local residents”.
Khan directed the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) to refuse the planning application for MSG Sphere London due to light pollution, a huge electricity bill, a lack of green credentials, and the impact of the venue on local heritage sites.
“London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city,” said a spokesperson for the mayor (via BBC).
“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 Sphere Entertainment spokesperson 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.”
Greater London Authority (GLA) officers had commissioned an independent expert review by global engineering firm WSP, which it said “identified significant errors and omissions in the applicant’s assessment,” according to City Hall.
Sphere Entertainment “disappointed”
City Hall said: “WSP concluded that the illuminated Sphere, in conjunction with other artificial lighting within the proposed development… would be likely to have significant adverse effects on occupiers of nearby residential premises.”
The LLDC, which approved the plans in March last year, will now wait for Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove‘s final decision.
Sphere opened in Las Vegas in late September with a U2 concert. It is the world’s largest spherical structure. Its exterior features 580,000 square feet of LED lighting.
Images courtesy of Sphere Entertainment
