On 6th February 2024 our redevelopment proposal for the former ITV headquarters on London’s South Bank was granted planning permission by the Secretary of State for the DLUHC.
Lambeth Council previously resolved to grant permission in March 2022 and the GLA approved that resolution in August 2022.
We’re working with developer Mitsubishi Estate and development manager CO—RE to transform the 2.5-acre site into a new workplace and culture mixed-use development which prioritises wellbeing and sustainability, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and WELL Platinum.
A 6-storey mixed use podium supports two office buildings and a generous rooftop garden. The south office building rises to 26 storeys and steps down to the riverfront office building of 13 storeys. The layered, sculptural form maximises the opportunity for outdoor terraces throughout the development and echoes the distinctive, modernist architecture of the area.
72 Upper Ground will deliver a dynamic mix of uses including state-of-the-art workspace with restaurants, gardens, and a new cultural centre for production and performance to regenerate this closed-off, abandoned site on London’s South Bank.
Public realm is substantially increased and will include two new public squares, an active ground floor and several public walkways linking Upper Ground and the Queen’s Walk to welcome visitors and reconnect with the local community. The design also includes a new public rooftop restaurant and terrace.
Central to the proposals is the London Studios, a multi-level cultural and innovation hub extending across the three floors, providing 40,000ft2 net affordable space for the creative industry sector. 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, a range of spaces will be provided at affordable rates, such as rehearsal space; gallery and presentation spaces; soundproofed studios; and education and training space for non-profit organisations breaking down barriers for young people to enter the creative and tech economy.
Frank Filskow, lead architect at Make Architects said: “We are so pleased that 72 Upper Ground has been approved by the Secretary of State for the DLUHC. The development will be a fantastic addition to the character of the South Bank.
“Our design marries the sensitive architectural narrative of the area with modern market requirements. We’ve picked up on the horizontal layers of our modernist neighbours, echoing their sculptural form while ensuring that wellbeing, daylight and natural ventilation is a priority for the new tenants. The two buildings will bring extensive amenity in the form of a high-quality commercial and arts-led development and give back 40% of the site to create new biodiverse public spaces, including a new route to the riverfront, and two new garden squares.”
Shinichi Kagitomi CEO of Mitsubishi Estate London and Stephen Black, Director at CO—RE said:
“72 Upper Ground represents a £700m investment in the UK, creating over 4,000 new jobs and vital new workspace in Lambeth. Crucially, it will benefit the local community through the London Studios, which will provide 40,000ft2 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.
“We understand and respect the responsibilities that come with being a major investor and developer in London. We see ourselves as an integral part of London’s community, with the aim to make this global city a better place to work, live and enjoy. We are looking forward to working with our cultural neighbours and the community to deliver on that ambition.”
