London’s mayor Ken Livingstone has given Irvine Sellar’s London Bridge Tower (pictured) the thumbs up, one day after Stephen Byers put the plans on ice.
Livingstone, a long time supporter of the 66-storey spire, said that the tower would be “a great addition to London”.
He added that Renzo Piano’s design was of the highest quality, and that the tower’s location – “above a major transport interchange within a cluster of tall buildings” – was perfect.
He said the 1,000 ft (93 sq m) scheme, the tallest tower in Europe, would “lead the way” in delivering regeneration to the area and improving local transport.
Byers issued an article 14 holding order yesterday to allow his office more time to decide whether or not the tower should be called in.
However, Livingstone is adamant that Byers should leave the scheme alone. He said: “I hope the Government will give the go ahead to the development which both the local authority and I believe will be a great addition to London.”
When plans for Arsenal’s new stadium were issued with an article 14, Livingstone said that there was no reason for central government to intervene in any scheme which has been given the go-ahead by both the mayor and the local authority.
EGi News 28/03/02
