Michael Gove Approves Former ITV HQ Redevelopment 

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09 February 2024

Controversial plans for the redevelopment of the former ITV headquarters on London’s South Bank have been approved by Michael Gove.

The decision follows a long-running saga which includes a public enquiry and objections from local residents and heritage groups.

Mitsubishi Estate, CO—RE and Make Architects will turn 72 Upper Ground into a six-storey mixed use podium, with two office buildings and a rooftop garden. They’ve also included a new creative innovation hub with 40,000ft2 net affordable workspace.

The “Slab”

Coin Street Community Group were part of the initial lobby to pressure the government to order a full public inquiry on the development, raising concerns about the effect on nearby listed buildings such as the National Theatre and IBM Building.

David Hopkins, Director of Community at Coin Street Community Builders responded to the news of the planning approval, calling it “a monstrosity of an office development” that “will change what it feels like to live around and visit the South Bank, robbing natural daylight from local people’s homes and casting the South Bank riverside walk into shadow.”

He added: “It is extremely disappointing that the Secretary of State has decided to approve the Mitsubishi Estate building on 72 Upper Ground, disparagingly known as the “Slab”

“Given the reservations Mr Gove clearly has about this development, particularly the way its design will impact on the iconic skyline of London’s South Bank, it is hard to understand why he has chosen to let it go ahead.

“What’s more, a YouGov poll of adults in Britain commissioned by Coin Street Community Builders last year found that less than 1% of Britons, including less than 1% of Londoners believe offices should be a priority when building on brownfield land. This decision seems to fly in the face of the Secretary of State’s own position that new housing should be built on brownfield sites like this, in cities like London.

“We will work to make sure the wellbeing of our community is considered as this development progresses and continue to fight for the soul of our neighbourhood.”

Picture: an image showing the proposed site. Image Credit: Make Architects

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 09 February 2024

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