Ambitious plans for London's largest music venue unveiled
by Andrew Manns | 29 Mar 2019
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) has submitted plans to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) for the MSG Sphere – a multi-use entertainment complex slated to become the city's largest music venue.
The 21,500-capacity arena will be situated on a 4.7-acre site in Stratford and play host to a variety of events, such as concerts, conferences, and sporting matches. Its campus will also comprise restaurants, parks, retail areas, a nightclub, and an outdoor gym.
The master plan for the MSG Sphere was drafted by veteran stadium architects Populous, the firm behind Wembley Stadium and, most latterly, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Speaking on the project, Jayne McGivern, MSG's executive vice president of development and construction, said it would become a "premier destination that serves as a long-term investment in the future of Newham, London, and the UK".
"This is an opportunity to take an inaccessible coach park and use it to support thousands of jobs, and billions of pounds of economic benefit," she explained.
When it was first announced in early 2018, the scheme quickly garnered the support of London mayor Sadiq Khan, who called it a vote of confidence in the UK. Khan subsequently met with MSG's president, Andrew Lustgarten, on 18 October.
According to an assessment carried out by Ernst & Young (EY), the building – once open – could generate £2.7bn (US$3.5bn, €3.1bn) for the UK economy.
MSG Sphere London Populous
The massive spherical structure is designed by Populous. Credit: Courtesy of The Madison Square Garden Company
The MSG Sphere is will rise in Stratford in East London. Credit: Courtesy of The Madison Square Garden Company
The entire campus – expected to become a leisure and commercial district – will feature restaurants, a nightclub, parks, and retail areas. Credit: Courtesy of The Madison Square Garden Company
MSG London will be able to accommodate up to 21,500 spectators. Credit: Courtesy of The Madison Square Garden Company
05 Apr 2018
Renderings released for London's state-of-the-art MSG Sphere arena
12 Feb 2018
Madison Square Garden Company reveals dramatic plans for 'the future of live entertainment' in London
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) has submitted plans to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) for the MSG Sphere – a multi-use entertainment complex slated to become the city's largest music venue. The 21,500-capacity arena will be situated on a 4.7-acre site in Stratford and play host to a variety of events, such as concerts, conferences, and sporting matches. Its campus will also comprise restaurants, parks, retail areas, a
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