Michael Gove has approved a new £700 million progression on the South Bank, at the former headquarters of ITV.
Lambeth City Council was given the green light for these projects two years ago, but the government has launched an investigation into the proposals due to the site’s important position and potential impact on local heritage.
The Mitsubishi Estate’s plans for new construction between Blackfriars Bridge and Waterloo Bridge also include a cultural centre.
The 1970s block was built for London Weekend Television and later for the headquarters of ITV.
In September 2022, the government ordered an investigation into the proposals, and a planning inspector heard 11 days of testimony in December 2022 and January 2023.
This week, the modernisation secretary, Michael Gove, finally approved the commission drawn up by MAKE Architects. Critics attacked the commission and referred to modernist construction as “the slab. “
Gove concluded that “the publicity of the proposal outweighs the damage to designated heritage properties. “
It is understood that the employment opportunities presented were instrumental in granting approval.
He agreed with the planning inspector’s general conclusion that the permit should be granted, but said he still had some reservations in his comments that accompanied the decision.
The government said: “He (Gove) does not believe that the proposed curtain palette and aesthetic appearance of the building are suitable for what is a very vital and delicate site” and that he “does not agree with the inspector that a hot progression should be delivered”.
Mitsubishi Estate London acquired the product from ITV in 2019 for £145. 6 million.
Shinichi Kagitomi, CEO of Mitsubishi Estate London and Stephen Black, director at CO—RE said in a joint statement: “We are delighted to hear that DLUHC has approved our transformational plans for 72 Upper Ground and the South Bank.
“Through all stages of the planning process there has been strong recognition of the fantastic addition that 72 Upper Ground will make to the South Bank and to London.
“Local arts youth groups, Lambeth Council, GLA and now DLUHC have subsidised our advertising and arts development proposals, worthy of one of London’s most prominent destinations. “
He added: “We understand and respect the day-to-day work that goes into construction as a fundamental new progression in this vital component of central London. We look forward to working with our cultural neighbors and the wider network to create exceptional construction that has a significant positive impact. contribution to its place. “
The development had been opposed by local campaigners including Coin Street Community Builders, owners of the adjacent Gabriel’s Wharf site.
David Hopkins of Coin Street told London SE1: “It is incredibly disappointing that the Secretary of State has to approve the construction of the Mitsubishi Estate at 72 Upper Ground, derogatorily nicknamed ‘Slab’.
“Given Mr Gove’s apparent reservations about this development, namely how its design will affect London’s iconic South Bank skyline, it is difficult to understand why he has decided to pass it on. “
He added, “For the past three years, our network campaign, led by committed residents, volunteers, and allies, has passionately opposed those misplaced allocations due to the vast majority of allocations and the lack of much-needed housing.
“We all care deeply about our neighborhood. This monstrosity of a complex will replace the way it feels to live and scale on the South Bank, removing natural light from residents’ homes and plunging prom into the shadows on the banks of the South Bank River. .
“We will work to ensure the well-being of our artists as this progress moves forward and we continue to fight for the soul of our community. “
The developers said of the projects at their launch: “Designed through Make Architects, 72 Upper Ground will be a ‘new cultural hub for production and performance. ‘The aim is to rebalance the loss of arts jobs in the region following the departure of ITV and the construction of Diversity on the South Bank.
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