LONDON (CelebrityAccess) — Sphere Entertainment, the developer operator of the innovative Sphere live events venue in Las Vegas, announced that have officially withdrawn a proposal to build a sister venue in London.
In a letter to Leanne Palmer, the Executive Officer of the UK’s Planning Inspectorate, MSG’s Richard Constable announced the company’s decision to withdraw the bid, stating that they refused to participate in a “process that is merely a political football between rival parties.”
The decision follows months of debate about the venue, along with pushback from local residents, who objected to the development as a potential source of unwanted noise, traffic, and light pollution.
A study, commissioned by the city, reinforced those concerns, finding that “due to the intensity, nature, and extent of external illumination, 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.”
If completed, the venue would have featured a capacity of 21,500 along with the world’s largest, and highest resolution screens, creating a high-profile concert and event venue in the heart of London, one of the leading live entertainment markets in the UK.
In a statement provided to CelebrityAccess, a rep for MSG said: “We have informed (UK Housing Minister) Mr. Gove that our decision not to move forward with our plans for 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-genera=on entertainment experience to their communities.”
