Planning was welcomed by London Borough of Lambeth, approved by Lambeth Planning Committee, approved by the Mayor of London and supported by many local stakeholders and groups. The public consultation was one of the largest consultations ever carried out, with over 1,000 people and more than 70 organised meetings.
Included in the package of local benefits was a cash injection of £10.3m with funding for health and education amenities and play space.
As part of the process, we made commitments concerning local employment schemes. We funded a Lambeth jobs brokerage to the tune of £1m, together with local apprentices, construction training, and an innovative deal with Lambeth College. We also made funding available for health, education and play space.
The master plan by Squire & Partners respects historic surroundings. Hungerford Car Park, an eyesore for decades, is being landscaped. We will provide £10 million funding for Southbank Centre’s redevelopment and a potential site for a new cultural facility. It also delivers six new or improved routes from Waterloo station to the river and a new public square.