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MSG Sphere esports, concert venue in Stratford gets planning approval

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MSG Sphere London

Designed by Populous, MSG Sphere will feature cutting-edge technologies to offer immersive experiences.

London’s MSG Sphere, a new music, esports and entertainment venue in Stratford, has been approved by planning chiefs from the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC).

The development, which still has to be approved by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, was recommended for planning approval by LLDC earlier this week despite objections from local residents.

LLDC saidĀ the proposals for MSG SphereĀ were acceptable despite more than 1,000 objections from local residents and a petition opposing it signed by more than 2,000 people. The venue is also opposed by AEG, which runs the O2 arena in Greenwich.

Paul Westbury from MSG said the application had gone through a “thorough assessment”. He said the “state-of-the-art venue” would make Stratford a “global destination for music and technology” (via Evening Standard).

He also said the MSG Sphere would boost London’s economy by Ā£2.5bn. In a report, LLDC said the attraction “would provide an attractive visual backdrop for people living, working, enjoying recreational time, visiting and travelling through the metropolitan town centre”.

New state-of-the-art venue in London

msg sphere london

Designed by Populous, MSG Sphere will feature cutting-edge technology to offer immersive experiences. The concert arena wouldĀ seat 17,500 people and hold up to 21,500 guests, making it the largest in the UK.

It will also feature publicly-accessible outdoor spaces, including a nature play space for children, as well as indoor dining and entertainment options.

“We are pleased that the planning committee voted in support of our vision for MSG Sphere,” an MSG Entertainment spokesperson said (via the Guardian).

“Throughout this process we have worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders, and are grateful for their collaboration, which is reflected in our detailed proposal. We now look forward to progressing on to the next steps in the approval process.”

The first MSG Sphere is currently under construction in Las Vegas and scheduled to open in 2023.

Images:Ā MSG Entertainment

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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