Anschutz lodges plans for second phase of 02 arena

  Anschutz Entertainment Group is in talks with Transport for London aimed at unlocking a 250,000 sq ft second phase of leisure development at the O2 centre in Greenwich, SE10.   The US entertainment giant has lodged an outline application with Greenwich council and London mayor Boris Johnson for the development of the extra space within the existing structure.   The RTKL-designed plans focus on the north-west corner of the iconic building, formerly the Millennium Dome, and comprise two-storey structures, including around 55,000 sq ft of restaurants and 195,000 sq ft of leisure, sports and entertainment uses.   The scheme is likely to include a bowling alley, a club venue, a theatre, and a virtual reality ride.   Greenwich council and Johnson have indicated they will back the outline plans on condition that outstanding negotiations on transport improvements are resolved with TfL.   TfL is calling for a formal section 106 unilateral undertaking to be signed confirming Anschutz’s commitment to investment in the proposed Thames Clippers service and taxi-rank marshalling.   paul.norman@rbi.co.uk