Deputy prime minister John Prescott has given his consent to Meridian Delta’s (MDL) £4bn development plans for the Millennium Dome and Greenwich Peninsula.
The decision not to call in the scheme clears the way for MDL, a joint venture between Lend Lease and Quintain Estates, to put through detailed applications.
Bert Martin, director of MDL, said: “This is clearly excellent news for Greenwich and London.
“The application was submitted in late December 2002 – only six months ago – and already we have had the unanimous approval of the London Borough of Greenwich Planning Board and the green light from both the mayor of London and the government.
“This allows us to move ahead with our discussions on the detailed Section 106 agreements with the London Borough of Greenwich and we hope to have all agreements signed towards the end of the year.”
He added that MDL was in discussion with three housing associations – Moat Housing Group, Ujima Housing Association and London & Quadrant Housing Trust -but that there was no formal arrangement yet.
Last month, London mayor Ken Livingstone gave his approval after MDL had agreed to increase the amount of affordable housing on the site.
The 10,010 home development will now include 41% low-cost housing, up from 35%.
The final proposals also include 6m sq ft of offices, shops and leisure along with a 26,000-seater sports and concert arena inside the Dome.
Meridian Delta will have a 999-year lease on the land and will sublet the Dome for 55 years to US company Anschutz Entertainment Group.
Anschutz promises to turn the Dome into a 26,000-seater arena hosting 150 sporting and entertainment events a year.
References: EGi News 09/07/03
