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If you’re a Wandsworth resident, you’ll probably be familiar with the iconic Wandsworth ‘pretzel’. Just like Catford’s fibre-glass feline sculpture and Crystal Palace Park’s anatomically incorrect dinosaurs, the twin-ring structure, officially called the ‘Digi Bridge’, has become part of the local landscape since it was first installed in 1995 as a place for digital advertising boards.
However, the local landmark, which sits above an underpass made famous after being featured in Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 film A Clockwork Orange, is at risk of being torn down and replaced with a new structure if plans are to go ahead.
Advertising specialists Wildstone Estates acquired the structure last year under a long lease with Transport for London (TfL). Under new plans, the company is seeking to replace the boards with a new 25-metre-tall latticed timber structure, which will have a tree-like feel, according to reports in the Standard.
The new structure will feature four advertising boards, slightly bigger than the original, to increase revenue opportunities, and is being designed by architects Tate + Co. According to documents submitted to the council earlier this year and seen by the Standard, the structure will also offer a birdbox and a bee hotel.
However, the plans haven’t been popular with some local residents. At present, 62 formal objections have been submitted to Wandsworth Council about the new plans. TfL has also submitted concerns about the suitability of the plans.
According to Wildstone Estates Ltd, however, the new structure will create ‘a sculptural, nature-inspired landmark that enhances its surroundings’.
Councillor Robert Morritt, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: ‘This is a live planning application which will be considered through the planning process, and it would not be appropriate for the council to comment on its merits at this stage.
‘I want residents to know that there is a formal process for making their views known. I would encourage anyone with an opinion on the proposal to take part so those views can be properly considered.’
In other news: London now has more cycle lanes than tube lines.
Plus, the UK’s biggest Harry Potter store is opening in London – and the opening date has been revealed.
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