The government has called in plans for the redevelopment of the former ITV studios at 60-72 Upper Ground, SE1, just one week after London mayor Sadiq Khan ruled out stepping in.
The future of the Co-Re and Mitsubishi Estate scheme will now be decided by public inquiry.
Plans to demolish the studios and build a Make Architects-designed, 25-storey leisure and office complex were approved in March by Lambeth Council and later by London’s mayor despite opposition from residents. Campaigners said that the main building, which is both wider and taller than its predecessor, would disrupt the skyline and block light.
Following the mayor’s refusal to halt the build, the decision has been referred to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for review.
In his decision letter, secretary of state Greg Clark said that matters of primary concern in his consideration of the application are “whether or not the proposal is in accordance with the development plan” and the extent to which “the proposed development is consistent with the government policies for conserving and enhancing the historic environment” specifically regarding nearby heritage assets.
In a joint statement, Mitsubishi Estate London and CO—RE said they are “fully committed to delivering this crucial new building for the South Bank” and added that the space “has the support of local young creative groups, planning officers, Lambeth councillors and the Greater London Assembly”.
They said: “We are obviously very disappointed that the start of construction will be delayed with the creation of thousands of jobs postponed.
“The current site is a dormant closed-off tower right in the heart of an otherwise thriving part of the South Bank. It deserves better. We look forward to demonstrating to the planning inspector how our policy-compliant proposals will not just respect the local heritage of the South Bank but enhance and transform the site into an open and welcoming building that prioritises high-quality workspace and the provision of new arts, cultural and green public spaces.
The pair have said the site will “bring investment, over 4,000 new jobs, and new workspace” to the South Bank and “will provide 40,000 sq ft net of affordable space that is tailored to the needs of Lambeth’s emerging creative industries” through London Studios.
The 2.5-acre site is due for completion in 2026 and will centre around London Studios. Creative organisations will have opportunities to use the space at discounts of up to 90% from open-market rents, with the greatest discounts offered to not-for-profit organisations committed to supporting disadvantaged young people in the creative and tech economy.
Plans for the all-electric scheme also include two buildings of 14 and six storeys on the site, connected to the 25-storey office block.
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