The developer behind the London MSG Sphere has withdrawn its planning application, claiming the scheme has become a “political football”.
The 90 metre-high, 120 metre-wide spherical arena, which would have stood near the Olympic Park in east London, has been embroiled in a multi-year planning battle since Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSG) first submitted plans in 2019.
The Planning Inspectorate was due to carry out an inquiry into the proposal after housing and communities secretary Michael Gove called in the application. However, a Planning Inspectorate spokesperson confirmed the case was now closed, with an inquiry scheduled for April cancelled.
The plans had previously been approved by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), but the local planning authority’s decision was overturned by London mayor Sadiq Khan.
MSG executive vice president of government affairs and social impact Richard Constable wrote in a letter to the Planning Inspectorate: “The Sphere is the most technologically and artistically advanced venue in the world. It is not only an economic engine but a creative and artistic catalyst for the community it is located in.
“After spending millions of pounds acquiring our site in Stratford and collaboratively engaging in a five-year planning process with numerous governmental bodies, including the local planning authority who approved our plans following careful review, we cannot continue to participate in a process that is merely a political football between rival parties.
“It is extremely disappointing that Londoners will not benefit from the Sphere’s groundbreaking technology and the thousands of well-paying jobs it would have created.”
The 21,500 capacity arena – nearly as tall as Big Ben – would have been covered in LED panels capable of displaying moving images. The London venue would have looked similar to the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas, which opened in September last year.
In a letter to the LLDC, Khan argued that light from thousands of LEDs covering the exterior would cause “significant harm” to nearby residents. He also cited the project’s poor sustainability credentials and fears about harming the area’s heritage.
MSG said in a statement: “We have informed Mr Gove that our decision not to move forward with our plans for the Sphere in London stands, and we will not be participating in the call-in process.
“We would like to thank all of those who worked earnestly to bring this project to London.
“We are committed to continuing to work collaboratively with forward-thinking cities around the world who are serious about bringing this next-generation entertainment experience to their communities.”