So I used to live in a flat overlooking the concourse by Stratford station, right next to where this is planned (and has been planned for 5+ years). There's a regular light-up animated billboard on that concourse, and it used to shine right into my living room at night. It wasn't great.
My question is what is this for. In Vegas there are many skyscrapers that would be able to look out over this, they have sporting events with helicopter coverage, people go to see lights. None of this is true for Stratford, even given the sports arena.
This is not a highly established entertainment district where lights are expected, adding more. It's a mostly residential area with two shopping centres, and a sports arena a 15 minute walk down the road.
I'm all for YIMBY when it's going to improve the local area, but Stratford already struggles with the crowds from the sports arena, the Westfield management team hate it as it doesn't bring in business but they have to hire private security for every sports event. There are good pieces of development happening – the new university campuses, the new V&A, the new BBC concert hall, the offices, but this just won't fit the local environment or benefit anyone.
I was in Vegas a few months ago and sightlines to the Sphere are everywhere, whether you're coming in from the airport, in your hotel room, various parts on the strip and while you're flying in/out. Really not sure how they could replicate the success of the Sphere anywhere else.
The Sphere is kinda meant for Vegas because it's an insane conception and perfectly suited for a city like Vegas that's equally insane. IMO the only other place this would work is Dubai.
My question is what is this for. In Vegas there are many skyscrapers that would be able to look out over this, they have sporting events with helicopter coverage, people go to see lights. None of this is true for Stratford, even given the sports arena.
This is not a highly established entertainment district where lights are expected, adding more. It's a mostly residential area with two shopping centres, and a sports arena a 15 minute walk down the road.
I'm all for YIMBY when it's going to improve the local area, but Stratford already struggles with the crowds from the sports arena, the Westfield management team hate it as it doesn't bring in business but they have to hire private security for every sports event. There are good pieces of development happening – the new university campuses, the new V&A, the new BBC concert hall, the offices, but this just won't fit the local environment or benefit anyone.