Greenlight given to London’s South Bank redevelopment

The landmark redevelopment of the former ITV studios on London’s iconic South Bank has been granted planning approval by Lambeth Council. Developer Mitsubishi Estate and development manager CO—RE will transform the 2.5-acre site into a new commercially-led mixed-use development that prioritises wellbeing and sustainability, targeting completion in 2026, in partnership with pioneering landscape architecture practice Grant Associates.

The development, designed by Make Architects, will create a 25-storey office building connected to two buildings of 14 and 6 storeys. Alongside high-quality and affordable workspace, space will be specifically tailored to the needs of Lambeth’s emerging creative industries as well as the addition of new cafes and restaurants, cultural venues and open, green spaces. 

Sustainability is at the forefront of the all-electric, fossil fuel-free scheme, which is targeting net zero carbon in operation along with the BREEAM Outstanding, the highest certification of sustainability. The creation of new green spaces will boost biodiversity and reduce CO2 levels. 1,300 cycle parking spaces, with high-quality end-of-trip showers, lockers and changing facilities will encourage active travel to the site.

The scheme is also targeting the highest WELL certification, Platinum. The well-being of office workers is central to the design, extending the workspace outdoors with external terraces and balconies overlooking the Thames to give greater access to fresh air and natural light.

“At the heart of our landscape approach is an invitation to embrace nature, promoting the idea of having ‘nature all around’. The aim of the proposals is to create a new, vibrant destination with a generous and welcoming public realm that offers improved connectivity. The distinctive proposals optimise planting and wildlife opportunities to increase biodiversity and connect with the wider local green infrastructure.”Andrew Haines, Grant Associates

Images Credit: Make Architects.

About Damian Holmes 3446 Articles
Damian Holmes is the Founder and Editor of World Landscape Architecture (WLA). He is a registered landscape architect (AILA) working in international design practice in Australia. Damian founded WLA in 2007 to provide a website for landscape architects written by landscape architects. Connect on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianholmes/