Michael Gove has delayed ITV studios regeneration project by two months
The Secretary for housing, communities and levelling up has stated he needs more time to make a final call on the controversial plans after public inquiry.
A redevelopment scheme has been proposed for the former ITV studios on London’s South Bank, with the development company Mitsubishi Estate stating they want to demolish the building and replace it will an office block, comprising of 25 storeys and 850,550 sq ft of office space.
However, Michael Gove was due to deliver his verdict on the £700m scheme on 8th August 2023, but instead claimed he needed more time, delaying the judgement by a further two months. The outcome will now be issued on or before 6th October.
Dubbed ‘The Slab’, the scheme has received strong backlash from campaigners over fears it would harm the character of the riverfront site and affect nearby listed buildings and apartments due to its massing. Although, plans were granted planning approval by Lambeth Council in March last year.
Following this, the development was called in by the Secretary of State in August 2022, leading to a public inquiry into the scheme, which was overseen by an independent planning inspector, that opened in December.
A spokesperson for 72 Upper Ground said the funding for the project was already in place and contractors have been appointed to begin construction as soon as possible.
The spokesperson said: ‘We remain fully committed to delivering our transformational plans for 72 Upper Ground.
‘This high quality commercial and arts-led development will strengthen the South Bank, and has the support of local young creative groups, planning officers, Lambeth councillors and the Greater London Authority.’
Image: Mark Stuckey
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