MSG Entertainment has officially withdrawn its planning application for a Las Vegas-style Sphere venue in Stratford, east London.
The company confirmed the withdrawal in a letter to the Planning Inspectorate. It wrote (via BBC): “After spending millions of pounds acquiring our site in Stratford and collaboratively engaging in a five-year planning process with numerous governmental bodies, including the local planning authority who approved our plans following careful review, we cannot continue to participate in a process that is merely a political football between rival parties.”
Additionally, MSG said it was “extremely disappointing” that London would “not benefit from the Sphere’s groundbreaking technology and the thousands of well-paying jobs it would have created”.
London’s mayor Sadiq Khan rejected plans for a Populous-designed Sphere adjacent to the Olympic park in Stratford in November, citing an “unacceptable negative impact on local residents”.
A Sphere Entertainment spokesperson responded: “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.”
MSG Entertainment has withdrawn its plans despite Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove saying last month that he would use his powers to review the mayor’s decision.
Sphere opened in Las Vegas in late September with a U2 concert. It is the world’s largest spherical structure, boasting an exterior with 580,000 square feet of LED lighting.
“Political football between rival parties”
The state-of-the-art entertainment destination is home to immersive experiences, performances, competitions, and productions by Hollywood directors.
Elsewhere, MSG Entertainment is reportedly planning a Sphere-style music venue for K-pop performances in Hanam, South Korea.
Korea JoongAng Daily reports that Sphere Entertainment hopes to start building the site in 2025. The publication said the building would be 120 metres high, making it the world’s tallest Sphere.
Images courtesy of Sphere Entertainment
