The company strikes when London’s mayor rejects a plan for a Las Vegas-style giant ball
After months of controversy, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has rejected proposals to build a Las Vegas-style MSG Sphere in Stratford.
The venue would have had a capacity for 21,500 people and would have been opposite the train station, close to other concert venues that locals said had disrupted their lives.
Mayor Khan cited concerns about light pollution, electricity bills and lack of “green credentials” for his decision.
A spokesman for the mayor said: “London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious and innovative entertainment venues in our city.”
Residents were offered blinds to keep out light pollution
(AFP via Getty Images)
“But as part of the review of the planning application for the MSG Sphere, the Mayor has seen independent evidence showing that the current proposals would result in unacceptable negative impacts on local residents.”
Some residents said The Independent They had vowed to leave if the sphere was built, while others said it would be good for local business. It was expected that the construction would be covered with animated commercials illuminated by LED panels for the next 25 years.
Over 1,000 residents opposed plans to build The Sphere in their area, saying it would have significantly disrupted their lives.
It was estimated that the cost would be a significant £800 million, with supporters suggesting it would bring billions to the London economy.
The Sphere, designed by architect Populous, cost $2 billion to build in the Las Vegas desert, where U2 performed to critical acclaim in October.
The Independent visited the site of plans to build the London MSG Sphere in Stratford
(Maira Butt)
But critics complained that the desert was very different from the crowded metropolis of London, where West Ham’s football stadium, concert halls, railway and tube stations were all within a relatively small radius.
A spokesperson for MSG said The Independent in October that the project would bring 2,200 jobs to Stratford, bringing an estimated $2 billion to the London economy and $50 million in annual revenue for local residents.
Newham, the London borough that includes Stratford, is one of the most deprived boroughs in the country. 36 percent of its residents live in poverty
They said at the time: “We are committed to bringing Sphere to London and delivering its many cultural and economic benefits, including creating thousands of jobs and generating billions of pounds for the local, London and UK economies.”
However, a spokesman for Sphere Entertainment criticized the mayor’s latest decision, saying on Monday: “While we are disappointed with London’s decision, there are many forward-thinking cities that are keen to bring this technology to their communities. “That will be our focus. “
The final decision now rests with Communities Secretary Michael Gove.
Mr Gove had temporarily halted progress on the building, temporarily preventing both the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) and the Mayor of London from signing off on proposals.
