South Bank community groups have hit out at “short-sighted” plans to build a “grotesque” series of tower blocks by the Thames in place of the ITV building.
Japanese developer Mitsubishi Estates bought the 24-storey London Studios tower in 2019 and wants to knock it down to build three office blocks with shops and “cultural spaces”. The blocks will be 26, thirteen and six storeys high.
Mitsubishi wants to make the site more open to the public, with open squares and walkways.
But local groups are worried that the plans would affect daylight in nearby houses and the local area more broadly.
Iain Tuckett, from Coin Street Community Builders, said; “The scale, bulk and siting of the proposed development is excessive, overbearing and overly dominant. The impacts on daylight received by adjacent Coin Street housing co-operatives will be severe.
“The riverside walkway and gardens to the north of the proposed development currently enjoy sunshine throughout the lunchtime peak and afternoon but would be cast into shadow by this development. The wanton disregard of the South Bank, one of London’s most popular amenities, is unacceptable and short-sighted!”
Michael Ball from Waterloo Community Development Group, who led the campaign against the failed Garden Bridge, added that the proposals were a “grotesquery on steroids, a swollen deformity for the South Bank.”
Lambeth Council previously gave planning permission for two 31 and 14 storey towers on the site containing 213 homes, but these plans have been sidelined for the office development. The new application was submitted earlier this year.
A spokesperson for the development team, which includes Mitsubishi Estates, said: “72 Upper Ground will give a real boost to the South Bank, bringing new jobs, investment, and cultural spaces to one of London’s most popular destinations. We are confident that this is a scheme that encompasses the very best of the South Bank and complements the existing area.
“The new building will provide high-quality, sustainable workspace, including affordable workspace for creative [small and medium sized businesses], which enhances the wellbeing of all who work there. The whole community will be able to enjoy the new open spaces, public routes, retail uses and arts and cultural offerings that will be unlocked by the proposed redevelopment.”