Communities secretary Michael Gove has approved the highly controversial ITV Studios redevelopment on South Bank, two years after work was due to start
Following a public enquiry, Gove has approved CO-RE and Mitsubishi Estate’s £700m scheme proposed nearly two years ago.
The project, set to be delivered by Lendlease, will replace the former 24-storey tower with a 26-storey staggered office building.
Project Vista will provide 900,000 sq ft of offices, cafes, restaurants, cultural venues and green spaces.
The ITV Studios redevelopment has sparked controversy
The ITV Studios redevelopment has sparked controversy amongst locals and campaigners due to its close proximity to listed neighbours on the South Bank.
This includes the grade II-listed National Theatre and the grade II-listed IBM Building.
The scheme was approved by Lambeth council and the mayor of London in 2022 before being called in by Greg Clark, the ex communities secretary.
The decision on the outcome of the scheme was originally expected last August.
Gove is said to have concluded that “the public benefits of the proposal do outweigh the harm to designated heritage assets”.
The development will help to drive investment to Lambeth and the South Bank
Designed by Make Architects, 72 Upper Ground will be a ‘new cultural centre for production and performance’.
The site aims to rebalance the loss of creative employment in the area following the departure of ITV and increase diversity in the South Bank.
The redevelopment will provide over 4,000 new jobs
In a joint statement, Stephen Black, director at CO-RE, and Shinichi Kagitomi, CEO of Mitsubishi Estate London said: “72 Upper Ground represents a £700m investment in the UK, creating over 4,000 new jobs, and vital new workspace that prioritises sustainability and wellbeing.”
“We understand and respect the responsibilities that come with building a major new development in this prominent part of central London.
“We are looking forward to working with our cultural neighbours and the wider community to deliver an outstanding building that makes a significant positive contribution to its place.”
