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Organisations campaigning against Mitsubishi’s proposals for 72 Upper Ground (formerly the headquarters of ITV and the London Television Centre) have welcomed the Secretary of State’s decision to refuse an application to demolish the Marks & Spencer building in Oxford Street.
Michael Gove’s decision, published today, states: “He does not consider that the applicant has demonstrated that refurbishment would not be deliverable or viable and nor has the applicant satisfied the Secretary of State that options for retaining the buildings have been fully explored, or that there is a compelling justification for demolition and rebuilding.”
Michael Gove has announced that he will take his decision on Mitsubishi’s 72 Upper Ground proposals “on or before 8 August”. Mitsubishi proposes the demolition of all buildings on the South Bank site, including the ITV tower, and their replacement by a massive office development described in the national press as “an aggressive behemoth”, “a grotesque monstrosity”, “a brute of a building”, “the slab” and “a forthcoming monster”.
Campaigners, including local MP Florence Eshalomi, have called for any scheme on this ‘brownfield’ South Bank site to include a substantial number of new homes. Cross-examined at the public inquiry as to why the ITV tower could not be refurbished for flats, Mitsubishi’s architect readily admitted that it could be “but my brief was for grade A offices”.
The Mitsubishi scheme will also rob adjacent housing of daylight, cast its shadow on the South Bank riverside walkway and Bernie Spain Gardens, and destroy views of the riverside and heritage buildings.
