A decision on the redevelopment of the former ITV studios on London’s South Bank has been delayed until the end of the year.
The scheme at 60-72 Upper Ground, SE1, was approved by Lambeth Council in March 2022 and by the GLA in August of that year. However, a public enquiry was launched into the scheme after Michael Gove called it in. That inquiry finished in January 2023.
Developer Mitsubishi Estate and development manager Co-Re had expected a decision by Gove to come this week. However, in a letter seen by EG, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has now said “further time is required to consider this case”, adding; “Unfortunately it will not be possible to reach a decision on this application by 6 October”.
The department now expects a decision to be made by 6 December, almost a year after the public enquiry closed.
A spokesperson for 72 Upper Ground 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. The funding is already in place and contractors have been appointed to begin construction as soon as possible.”
The developers plan to transform the 2.5-acre site into a new mixed-use development including a 25-storey office building connected to two buildings of 14 and six storeys, with completion expected in 2026.
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