Developer Mitsubishi Estate and development manager Co-re have cleared a significant planning hurdle for a major mixed-use redevelopment of the former ITV studios on London’s South Bank.
Lambeth council gave initial consent for the 2.5-acre site development in March but in May, then housing secretary Michael Gove ordered work to be halted so that he could review the plans by issuing an "Article 31" notice.
That increased property industry concerns that Gove would look to take a particularly active role in deciding on major development. However, he was however sacked by prime minister Boris Johnson in July and recently announced his departure from frontline politics.
The Article 31 notice means the government is considering whether or not to call in the project for review, something that would lead the project to be referred to the Mayor of London before the government made a decision.
Lambeth council has pre-empted some of this by sending the proposals to mayor of London Sadiq Khan for him to review and he has now backed the plans. It is now on the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for a final decision on whether it will be called in.
In a letter dated 22 August, the deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and skills Jules Pipe, acting for the mayor, says he is content for the local planning authority to determine the case.
The development, designed by Make Architects, proposes a 25-storey office building connected to two buildings of 14 and six storeys. Alongside the workspace, which will target Lambeth’s creative industries, there will be cafes and restaurants, cultural venues and green spaces.
Stephen Black, director at Co-re, said in a statement: “Our proposals will transform a dormant, closed-off site on a popular part of the River Thames into an open and welcoming building that prioritises high-quality workspace and the provision of new arts, cultural and green public spaces. It will make a deserving addition to the South Bank.
“We’re very pleased that the GLA and Lambeth Council have both recommended for approval a building that will bring investment, over 4,000 new jobs, and new workspace to one of London’s most famous destinations. Crucially, it will benefit the local community through the London Studios, which will provide 40,000 square feet net of affordable space that is tailored to the needs of Lambeth’s emerging creative industries. This includes new cultural venues that have rehearsal space, gallery and presentation spaces and sound proofed studios, alongside new riverside cafes and restaurants.”
The London Studios is a cultural and innovation hub across the basement, ground and first floors. Creative organisations will be able to use the space at discounts of up to 90% from open market rents. The most heavily discounted spaces will be ring-fenced for not-for-profit organisations committed to supporting disadvantaged young people in the creative and tech economy.