A £700 million redevelopment of the former ITV Studios building on the South Bank has finally got the go ahead after a protracted three year planning row.
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary Michael Gove gave the scheme the green light despite strong opposition from conservation campaigners and some local resident and business groups.
The decision last night clears the way for developers Mitsubishi Estate London and CO—RE to demolish the 24 storey tower where shows such as Good Morning Britain, The Graham Norton Show, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, and The Jonathan Ross Show were made before the studios closed in 2018.
The 50 year old landmark was also knowns as the South Bank Studios and the LWT Tower and at the time of completion in 1974 was the most technologically advanced television centre in Europe.
The building at 72 Upper Ground will be replaced by two new blocks of 26 and 13 storeys with 40,000 sq ft of office and other workspace, new cultural venues including a rehearsal space, gallery and presentation spaces and studios, as well as cafes and restaurants facing the Thames.
The proposal first received planning approval from Lambeth council in March 2022. But it was called in by the Government and a public inquiry opened in December 2022.
In a joint-statement Shinichi Kagitomi CEO of Mitsubishi Estate London and Stephen Black, Director at CO—RE, said: “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.”
But the 20th Century Society said in a tweet: “This gives the go-ahead to a universally derided development, causing irreversible damage to the unique setting, heritage and dynamism of London’s Southbank.”
