Las Vegas-style Sphere won’t be coming to London after proposals were rejected

A 300 ft high ‘crystal ball’ proposed to be built in east London has been rejected by Sadiq Khan.

The 21,000-capacity MSG sphere would have been illuminated on the outside and have the highest resolution LED screen on Earth – as well as immersive sound systems to host concerts, shows and sporting events.

But the proposals, similar to another huge venue in Las Vegas, have been rejected by the city’s mayor.

A Mayor of London spokesperson said: ‘London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city.

‘But as part of looking at the planning application for the MSG Sphere, the Mayor has seen independent evidence that shows the current proposals would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents.’

Mr Khan said the venue would cause ‘significant light intrusion resulting in significant harm to the outlook of neighbouring properties, detriment to human health, and significant harm to the general amenity enjoyed by residents of their own homes’.

A Sphere Entertainment spokesperson said: ‘While we are disappointed in London’s decision, there are many forward-thinking cities that are eager to bring this technology to their communities. We will concentrate on those.’

The 4.7-acre site intended for the dome had been bought by MSG after it was left empty following the the 2012 London Olympics.

MSG said thousands of jobs would have been created, had the dome been allowed to be constructed.

Newham Chamber of Commerce chair Lloyd Johnson said: ‘As a global destination, Sphere would attract visitors year-round to Newham, which would benefit our shops, bars, restaurants and hotels – bringing in £50 million a year in revenue for local businesses along with well-paying jobs for residents.

‘We see the Sphere as a great opportunity that would create a direct investment in our area.’

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has the final say on the plans.

Fighting the plans are the campaign group Stop MSG Sphere London and a spokesperson for the group Lindesay Mace previously told the Daily Telegraph: ‘The fact that where we are now, on the permission being granted, is a travesty of justice.

‘The sphere is designed for Vegas, the city of lights. It is not designed for a small site that is surrounded with three blocks of residential properties.’

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