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Introduction

Located on London’s South Bank, 72 Upper Ground is a transformative project set to revitalise a derelict site with a mix of state-of-the-art workspaces, restaurants, gardens, and a new cultural centre. At its core lies the London Studios, a 40,000ft² creative hub providing affordable studios and performance spaces for grassroots artists.

The development focuses on diversifying the area’s cultural offerings, addressing loss of creative employment caused by ITV’s departure. With permeable public realm and emphasis on inclusivity, 72 Upper Ground is poised to drive post-pandemic recovery, foster community engagement, and deliver significant long-term benefits for Lambeth and the South Bank.

Challenges

The project faced significant hurdles following the refusal of its initial planning application. Concerns from local residents and Lambeth Council centred on the scale of the development, its impact on public access, and its ability to provide meaningful community benefits. These challenges posed a substantial barrier to gaining consensus and meeting the expectations of Mitsubishi Estates, the project’s key investors.

Rebuilding trust with stakeholders required demonstrating that the development could balance world-class workspaces and cultural amenities with accessible public spaces. Addressing these concerns was critical to showing how the scheme would enhance the area’s vibrancy without compromising its character.

Furthermore, the project needed to effectively communicate the broader economic and cultural benefits of the London Studios while showcasing the extensive public realm improvements. Achieving alignment among stakeholders required a clear, engaging strategy that addressed pain points and rebuilt confidence in the project’s vision.

Solutions

Cityscape Digital developed a bespoke engagement platform to support the appeal process for 72 Upper Ground. The platform featured 21 high-quality 360° views of the proposed development, offering immersive and transparent visuals that addressed key stakeholder concerns.

These 360° views highlighted the transformation of the site into a vibrant public space, showcasing improvements such as gardens, cultural venues, and accessible pathways. By focusing on the project’s ability to foster inclusivity and community engagement, the platform aligned with Lambeth Council’s and local residents’ expectations.

Additionally, the platform demonstrated the economic and cultural impact of the London Studios, illustrating its role in nurturing local talent and diversifying the area’s cultural scene. This innovative approach provided stakeholders with clarity and confidence in the development’s vision, ensuring meaningful collaboration and advancing the project toward approval.

Results

Cityscape’s innovative approach played a key role in securing planning approval for 72 Upper Ground. The bespoke engagement platform successfully addressed concerns about scale, accessibility, and community benefits, rebuilding trust among Lambeth Council, local residents, and Mitsubishi Estates.

The immersive 360° visuals showcased the extensive public realm improvements, including gardens and community spaces, while emphasising the economic and cultural benefits of the London Studios. By providing transparency and fostering collaboration, the platform enabled stakeholders to fully engage with the project’s vision, leading to a successful appeal.

The development is now poised to become a landmark destination on the South Bank, blending state-of-the-art workspaces with cultural innovation and inclusive public spaces. This outcome underscores the value of Cityscape’s technology-driven approach in transforming challenging planning processes into opportunities for success.

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