A huge redevelopment of the former ITV Studios building on the South Bank has finally got the go-ahead following a High Court battle.
The High Court has ruled in favour of former Housing Secretary Michael Gove’s decision to transform the landmark, where shows such as Good Morning Britain and The Graham Norton Show used to be made before the studios were closed in 2018.
Campaign group Save Our Southbank launched a judicial review against the decision and the case reached the High Court in October.
The group previously argued the redevelopment, which it labelled the Slab, would be “ugly, overbearing and overly dominant for its prominent position on South Bank”.
The High Court ruling now clears the way for developers Mitsubishi Estate London and CO—RE to demolish the 24-storey tower at the site, where Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and The Jonathan Ross Show also used to be made.
The 50-year-old landmark was also known as the South Bank Studios and the LWT Tower and when it was finished in 1974 was the most technologically advanced television centre in Europe.
The building at 72 Upper Ground will be replaced by a 25-storey office building connected to two buildings of 14 and six storeys, including rehearsal space, gallery and presentation spaces and studios, as well as cafes and restaurants facing the Thames.
The proposal first received planning approval from Lambeth Council in March 2022. But it was called in by the Government and a public inquiry opened in December 2022.
In a joint statement by Shinichi Kagitomi Chief Executive of Mitsubishi Estate London and Stephen Black, Director at CO—RE: “We welcome Justice Mould’s judgement.
“At every stage of the planning process, our transformational plans for 72 Upper Ground have had the backing of senior politicians and independent experts including Lambeth Council and its planning officers, the GLA, DLUHC and the planning inspector.
“We are looking forward to delivering an outstanding building that makes a significant positive contribution to the South Bank.”
Following the decision, Michael Ball from Save Our South Bank said: “This judgement is a huge disappointment for anyone who loves the river and South Bank.
“It supports Michael Gove’s wayward approval of a building about which he had great misgivings and acknowledged would harm a string of buildings of national prominence.
“The decision reveals planning protections are flawed and have failed: the site is designated for housing, and could provide over 200 homes, but there is no housing, despite buildings which lend themselves to conversion; the demolition and development will generate huge amounts of carbon, which is completely unnecessary; the Queen’s Walk is not designated for tall buildings but will now get one; and a string of buildings of national prominence will not protected from harm.”
“This will be a devastating decision for the community and we are considering our options carefully,” he added.
