Scheme designed by David Chipperfield
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has asked China to explain why parts of its plans for a new embassy designed by David Chipperfield have been blanked out.
The plans at the former Royal Mint next to London Bridge were resubmitted by the Chinese government early last year but called in by Rayner last October on heritage grounds and to allow the communities secretary to consider whether the scheme was “consistent with the development plan for the area”.
It was then symbolically refused by Tower Hamlets councillors in December in a vote strongly influenced by opposition from the Metropolitan Police Service, which argued that the site’s surrounding streets could not safely contain more than 100 protestors.
According to the BBC, Rayner, who as housing secretary is responsible for overseeing planning matters, asks planning consultants representing the Chinese embassy to explain why drawings of the planned site are blacked out. News about the letter was first reported by PA.
Under Chipperfield’s plans for the site at Royal Mint Court in east London, the grade II*- listed Johnson Smirke Building would be refurbished as the main embassy building to host formal reception spaces and offices.
The grade II-listed Seaman’s Registry would also be refurbished under the scheme with various additions to both buildings, which were carried out as part of the mint’s redevelopment in the 1980s, due to be replaced.
Two linked blocks constructed as part of the 1980s redevelopment, Dexter House and Murray House, would be separated and reconfigured, with Murray House stripped back to its frame to create a new ceramic-clad cultural centre.
A public inquiry into the plans – as part of the call in process – was held in February this year. A decision on the scheme is expected by the middle of next month.
The Chinese embassy has been contacted for comment.
No comments yet