MSG withdraws plans to build new venue in London
Plans to build an MSG Sphere in London, similar to the recently opened venue in Las Vegas, have officially been withdrawn by planners.
Although the project has been in the works for many years, with Sphere Entertainment purchasing a 4.7-acre site in Stratford, East London, London mayor Sadiq Khan rejected plans in November. The Labour politician claimed the MSG Sphere would cause “significant light intrusion resulting in significant harm to the outlook of neighbouring properties, detriment to human health, and significant harm to the general amenity enjoyed by residents of their own homes.”
Khan also described the planned venue as “bulky” and “unduly dominant”, which he believes would not “constitute good and sustainable design” for London.
Following Khan’s dismissal, the housing secretary, Michael Gove, staged an intervention and called for a review into the decision. However, Sphere Entertainment have now confirmed they have informed Gove they have no plans to progress with the 300ft-tall building.
In a statement, Sphere Entertainment said: “We have informed Mr. Gove that our decision not to move forward with our plans for Sphere in London stands, and we will not be participating in the call-in process.”
“We would like to thank all of those who worked earnestly to bring this project to London. We are committed to continuing to work collaboratively with forward-thinking cities around the world who are serious about bringing this next-generation entertainment experience to their communities,” they continued.
Furthermore, they said in a letter to the Planning Inspectorate: “On behalf of both Stratford Garden Development Limited and Sphere Entertainment, I write to confirm that we are officially withdrawing our application from the Planning Inspectorate process.”
Sphere Entertainment added: “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.”
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