Las Vegas-style MSG Sphere plans for London rejected by Sadiq Khan
Soon after reports that Nevada's counterpart lost nearly $100 million in less than two months, the proposed Stratford 21,500-capacity arena experiences its first major setback
London mayor Sadiq Khan has rejected plans for the controversial MSG Sphere in Stratford.
The light pollution and energy usage brought on by the proposed 21,500-capacity, 90-metre-high domed structure covered in screens "would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents", according to the mayor, via the Guardian.
A new report from City Hall found the east London Sphere would "cause significant light intrusion resulting in significant harm to the outlook of neighbouring properties, detriment to human health, and significant harm to the general amenity enjoyed by residents of their own homes". In addition to the environmental and local health impact, City Hall described the venue's aesthetics as "a bulky, unduly dominant and incongruous form".
Madison Square Garden Entertainment's planning application will move on to Michael Gove MP, the Secretary of State for the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), for the final decision.
This marks the first major setback for MSG Enterntainment's Sphere since submitting plans for what would be the UK's largest concert arena in 2019. At the time, mayor Khan reacted positively to the prospect: "It's great to welcome another world-class venue to the capital, to confirm London's position as a music powerhouse and to boost still further our city's thriving night-time economy."
After a series of planning approvals and progression despite opposition from thousands of Stratford residents, secretary Gove issued a holding directive to pause plans for the Sphere in order to allow the government to give the proposal further scrutiny back in February.
The Stratford MSG Sphere would be similar to the new Las Vegas MSG Sphere, which cost $2.3 billion to build. Reports from earlier this month found the Nevada arena to have lost $98.4 million since opening less than two months ago on 29th September. Its Chief Financial Officer, Gutam Ranji, has stepped down.
