The government has given the green light to two contentious tower developments on the southern end of Blackfriars Bridge, that will provide both residential and office space to the area.
Secretary of State for communities, Hazel Blears has approved both the Russian-backed Mirax-Beetham tower, and the Israeli-backed 20 Blackfriars road residential and office space development.
The height and size of the developments caused the developments to become the subject of a planning inquiry last September. The mayor of London’s office issued a letter to the inquiry last year describing the proposed residential and office space towers as ‘inappropriate’ for the location.
According to the letter issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Communities Secretary “agrees with the Inspector that the location is one at which a tall building is appropriate in principle” and “agrees that the proposals would help to provide a coherent location for economic clusters of related activities and act as a catalyst for regeneration.”
The Wilkinson Eyre-designed 20 Blackfriars Road scheme will include a 42-storey residential tower, a 23 storey office space tower and several other 7-storey mixed use buildings.
The Mirax-Beetham tower has caused the most controversy with its impact upon the London skyline being the key cause for debate during the inquiry.
Hugh Frost, chairman of Beetham Organization, said: ‘This is a much needed boost to London. The development is a vital part of the regeneration of the South bank of the Thames, creating an iconic landmark and tourist destination, as well as providing jobs and a total transformation for the area.’
Tags: Beetham, Blackfriars, Wilkinson Eyre