Stratford could be getting a huge new food and arts destination

For several years, it looked as though London could be getting its own version of Las Vegas’ giant planet-shaped music venue The Sphere. The ill-fated plans to build the humungous orb (which would have been as tall as Big Ben) were submitted by the Madison Square Garden Company in 2019 but they were eventually rejected by the Mayor of London in 2023. 

The site that the sphere would have been built on was the old coach park next to Stratford Station and it remains run down and unused. But now, another company has revealed its ambitions to transform the plot into an entertainment destination. 

Stratford Park Ltd has applied for temporary planning permission to turn the coach park into a new food and culture venue. It pitches the proposal as a ‘prelude’ to a permanent redevelopment that’ll aim to create a ‘cultural and artistic identity for the area’. 

Initially, the company want to use the site for a complex with street food stalls, a market, a performance venue, a basketball court, a gallery and a skate park for up to three years. It says that the attractions would be in repurposed shipping containers and graffiti-clad London buses that are already on the site. The designs also include an ‘eco zone’, a ‘mirror pool’, a ‘wellness area’ and a space for outdoor activities. Per the proposals, the area would be open everyday from 10am to 1am. 

Long-term, the vision is to create a permanent redevelopment named Stratford Junction. Plans suggest that may include ‘shared living’ housing aimed at 26-45 year olds, a hotel, education and training facilities, an outdoor square and exhibition spaces, indoor galleries, music and theatre venues and a food market. 

The application was submitted back in March but has only just made publicly available. Newham Council is expected to make a decision by July 4. 

ICYMI: A vast new food hall is coming to one of London’s major train stations. 

Plus: The long-awaited London Museum has finally revealed its opening date. 

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