72 Upper Ground London SE1 development, Former ITV London Studios design, Mitsubishi South Bank Television Centre site
72 Upper Ground London Development News
7 February 2024
The Secretary of State has approved Mitsubishi Estate London and CO—RE’s redevelopment of the former ITV studios on South Bank.
Design: Make Architects
60-72 Upper Ground London Development News
Joint-statement by Shinichi Kagitomi, CEO of Mitsubishi Estate London and Stephen Black, Director at CO—RE:
“We are delighted to hear that DLUHC has approved our transformational plans for 72 Upper Ground and the South Bank. Through all stages of the planning process there has been strong recognition of the fantastic addition that 72 Upper Ground will make to the South Bank and to London. Local young creative groups, Lambeth Council, the GLA and now DLUHC have all backed our proposals for a high-quality commercial and arts-led development befitting of one of London’s most famous destinations.
72 Upper Ground property development – view along Queen’s Walk at National Theatre:
“72 Upper Ground represents a £700m investment in the UK, creating over 4,000 new jobs, and vital new workspace that prioritises sustainability and wellbeing. Crucially, it will benefit the local community through the London Studios, which will provide 40,000 sq ft net of affordable workspace that is tailored to the needs of Lambeth’s emerging creative industries. This includes new cultural venues that have rehearsal space, gallery and presentation spaces and studios, alongside new public spaces with river facing cafes and restaurants.
View along Queen’s Walk at observation point:
“We understand and respect the responsibilities that come with building a major new development in this prominent part of central London. We are looking forward to working with our cultural neighbours and the wider community to deliver an outstanding building that makes a significant positive contribution to its place.”
Images: Make Architects
View from Queens Walk Gardens:
72 Upper Ground
• The landmark redevelopment of the former ITV studios on London’s iconic South Bank had been granted planning approval by Lambeth Council in March 2022. In August 2022 the GLA confirmed it was content to allow the local planning authority (Lambeth) to determine the case itself. The public inquiry, ordered by DLUHC, was opened on 6 December 2022 and closed on 25 January 2023.
• Developer Mitsubishi Estate and development manager CO—RE’s proposals are to transform the 2.5-acre site into a new commercially-led mixed-use development which prioritises wellbeing and sustainability.
• The development, designed by Make Architects, will create a 25-storey office building connected to two buildings of 14 and 6 storeys.
• Alongside high-quality and affordable workspace, space will be specifically tailored to the needs of Lambeth’s emerging creative industries as well as the addition of new cafes and restaurants, cultural venues and open, green spaces.
• Sustainability is at the forefront of the all-electric, fossil fuel-free scheme, which is targeting net zero carbon in operation along with BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, the highest certification of sustainability.
• The creation of new green spaces will boost biodiversity and reduce CO2 levels. 1,300 cycle parking spaces, with high-quality end-of-trip showers, lockers and changing facilities will encourage active travel to the site.
• The scheme is also targeting the highest WELL certification, Platinum. The wellbeing of office workers is central to the design, extending the workspace outdoors with external terraces and balconies overlooking the Thames to give greater access to fresh air and natural light.
• The development will transform 40% of the site into public realm, opening up a currently closed-off site on the popular South Bank and adding two new public squares, an active ground floor and several public walkways. The design also includes a new public rooftop restaurant and terrace.
View from Upper Ground:
London Studios
• Central to 72 Upper Ground is the London Studios is a multi-level cultural and innovation hub extending across the basement, ground and first floors. This space would provide around 40,000 sq ft net affordable workspace (which is much larger than the existing studios and twice as large as the Young Vic) for the creative industry sector and enable on-site cultural production and consumption.
• Creative organisations will have an unprecedented opportunity to use the space at discounts of up to 90% from open market rents. The most heavily discounted spaces will be ring-fenced for not-for-profit organisations committed to supporting disadvantaged young people in the creative and tech economy.
• The London Studios will provide a range of spaces such as: rehearsal space; gallery and presentation spaces; sound proofed studios; education and training space for non-profit organisations breaking down barriers for young people to enter the creative and tech economy.
• It has been tailored to the needs of emerging creative industries through an on-site residency programme with Lambeth-based organisations including Black Cultural Archives, Iconic Steps and Young Creators UK.
View from Waterloo Bridge:
Mitsubishi Estate London
Mitsubishi Estate London, part of one of the world’s largest property groups, The Mitsubishi Estate Group, bought the site in 2019 with plans to transform the building into a new commercially-led mixed-use development with new affordable workspace and collaboration hub. Mitsubishi Estate London has led on a number of landmark schemes including the redevelopment of Paternoster Square, next to St Paul’s Cathedral. In 2023 it completed 8 Bishopsgate, which has transformed the City of London with a new 50-storey mixed-use project.
View of new public square:
CO—RE
CO—RE are central London development experts who form world-class teams to deliver world-class buildings. CO—RE works with property investors to make the most of their existing assets and discover new opportunities. We bring unparalleled experience and vision to the process, maximising the development opportunity at every stage for every client. Over the past 20 years, CO—RE has advised on over 12.5 million sq ft with an investment value of over £10bn. Current projects include 20 Ropemaker, The Fitzrovia, Stonecutter Court, Lansdowne House and 120 Fleet Street.
View of podium terrace:
The decision letter can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/called-in-decision-former-london-television-centre-60-72-upper-ground-london-ref-3306162-6-february-2024
Previously on e-architect:
9 August 2023
Michael Gove delayed decision on 60-72 Upper Ground
Coin Street Community Builders respond to delay of expected decision from Michael Gove MP on former ITV studio site development
pictures courtesy of Coin Street Community Builders
Coin Street Community Builders has been informed that Michael Gove’s decision on planning permission for the former ITV studios on the South Bank has been delayed until 6 October. Coin Street Community Builders is a prominent campaigner against the proposal for a large, imposing office block to be built on the Upper Ground site.
60-72 Upper Ground Public Inquiry
60-72 Upper Ground Public inquiry – Former London Television Centre Site Redevelopment, South Bank images / information receive from Coin Street Community Builders
Previously on e-architect:
post updated 18 November 2022
SOS Save Our South Bank backs Gove’s move to block unattractive new developments
London Television Centre Site Redevelopment on South Bank News
72 Upper Ground London SE1 Development
Impact of shadowing on local homes – predicted overshadowing of the riverside walkway and Bernie Spain Gardens:
Images extracted from the developer’s 72 Upper Ground planning application: Environmental Statement, July 2021
Click on this image to see the gif – showing before and after views:
picture courtesy of Coin Street Community Builders
Impact of mass on views from local homes – views from Stamford Street (left and middle) and Upper Ground (right) – computer generated images of the proposed development:
extracted from the 72 Upper Ground planning application: Environmental Statement, July 2021
Architects join campaign to protect London’s unique open space
London Television Centre Site Redevelopment on South Bank
picture courtesy of Coin Street Community Builders
London Television Centre Site Redevelopment on South Bank
For further details about this campaign please visit https://coinstreet.org/72-upper-ground
Background to these London South Bank buildings
Location: London Television Centre site, 72 Upper Ground, South Bank, London, England, UK
London South Bank Buildings
Bernie Spain Gardens Transformation, South Bank
Design: West 8 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture
image courtesy of West 8 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture
Bernie Spain Gardens South Bank by West 8
Doon St Tower
Architect: Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands
Doon Street Tower – controversial Southwark skyscraper building design
Oxo Tower Refurbishment
Architects: Lifschutz Davidson Architects (now LDS)
photograph © Nick Weall
Oxo Tower Building
London Building Designs
Contemporary London Architectural Designs
London Architecture Links – chronological list
London Architecture Tours – bespoke UK capital city walks by e-architect
Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Programme
photograph © UK Parliament
Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal
The Nest, Wapping
Architects: Gensler
image from architects
The Nest in East London
Comments / photos for the 60-72 Upper Ground Public inquiry: London SE1, South Bank property development news page welcome