Anybody watching the Grand Prix from Las Vegas over last weekend can’t have failed to be impressed by the track side LED Sphere event venue. A year ago, it seemed almost certain that a similar venue would be built in London’s Olympic Park. Immediately after the spectacular Las Vegas showing. News was released that the London option has been cancelled by the London Mayor.
Over the last month we have been subjected to a litany of pro-technology support from government. But while support for AI technology has been almost universal, with some caution expressed about the negative impact of AI on employment. Government support for technology in general is far from universal. AI is OK – AV? Not so much!
Background
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has rejected proposals to build a Las Vegas style MSG Sphere in Stratford’s Olympic Park. Once again, local NIMBYs have held sway, and plans for the 21,500-capacity venue have been shelved on the basis of local’s contention that the Sphere said would have “disrupted their lives”.
The mayor justified his decision on the grounds of light pollution, the potential power costs and a lack of “green credentials”. Supporters of the development pointed out the value of “world class and innovative entertainment venues” in the capital and the business opportunities it would create. Some 1,000 local residents opposed the plans to build The Sphere in Olympic Park.
It was estimated to cost a significant £800 million with supporters suggesting it would add billions to the London economy.
The original Sphere, designed by architect Populous, cost $2 billion to build in Las Vegas. Opponents of the London scheme contrasted the Las Vegas site with the relatively busy London site with its retail and sporting venues in the locality. The developers, MSG, countered that the project would create 2,200 jobs in the local vicinity and add an estimated $2billion to the London economy and $50 million in annual revenue for local businesses.
Final decision?
A final decision on the Sphere now rests with the Communities Secretary Michael Gove for a final ruling. We can only hope that his decision to create the biggest deployment in the world gives due weight to the factors which influenced last year’s decision when an application from the Madison Square Garden (MSG) company was approved by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC).
“The 21,500-capacity venue is designed for the next generation of immersive experiences” and would feature the biggest and highest-resolution LED screen in the world, an “infrasound haptic system” of vibrating floors, and “beamforming” audio technology.
“The building’s facade is a spherical LED screen measuring two hectares (five acres). It is expected to glow and be covered with animated adverts for much of the time” reported the Guardian. At the time, the MSG The Sphere’s supporters included the University of East London and the former cabinet minister Matt Hancock. Paul Westbury, from MSG, said the application had gone through a “thorough assessment” and that the venue would help make Stratford a global destination for music and technology. Surely a boom for any capital city?
Bryan Denyer, Editor
