Sadiq Khan is set to make a decision on whether to approve the MSG Sphere in Stratford, E20, within weeks.
Plans for the 21,500-capacity entertainment venue were approved by the London Legacy Development Corporation last year. The mayor will decide on the project on 20 November.
The Madison Square Garden company started consultations on the venue in 2018.
MSG previously said that if its plans go ahead, it will create a “state-of-the-art music and entertainment venue that will pioneer the next generation of immersive experiences”. Its features include the largest and highest-resolution LED screen in the world.
Those objecting to the proposals include rival AEG, which owns the O2.
Alistair Wood, executive vice president of real estate and development at AEG Europe, said the proposal is “wholly inappropriate”, citing an “enormous depth of opposition to this project locally and London-wide”. He added that the design was “conceived for the heart of Las Vegas and has been transposed onto this suburban east London borough”.
“As we have always maintained, AEG does not oppose competition in the live entertainment industry, and specifically does not oppose another large music venue in London,” he said.
“However, since these proposals first emerged back in 2017, AEG has consistently raised its objections to the unacceptable impact that this proposal will have on the public transport network, the operation of The O2 Arena, and the hundreds of residents who will be even more directly affected.”
View more planning in the Stratford area >>
To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@eg.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @EGPropertyNews
