MSG officially withdraws plans for Las Vegas-style sphere in London

Plans to build a Las Vegas-style MSG Sphere in East London have been officially withdrawn after funnelling millions into its development.

It comes just months after London mayor Sadiq Khan rejected plans for the build, saying "current proposals would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents".

The application withdrawal also comes after news of enormous losses at MSG's flagship Las Vegas venue, a reported $98.4 million loss since its opening in September 2023.

In a withdrawal letter seen by Mixmag and submitted in regard to the planning application, Madison Square Garden Entertainment confirmed its official withdrawal from the Planning Inspectorate process.

It also went on to add that “millions” had been spent on acquiring the site in Stratford and rolling out a five-year planning process with local planning authorities and governmental bodies.

Read this next: UK government steps in to prevent MSG Sphere from being scrapped

Sphere Entertainment Co. released a statement yesterday, January 8, stating: “We have informed Mr. Gove that our decision not to move forward with our plans for Sphere in London stands, and we will not be participating in the call-in process.”

It added: “We would like to thank all of those who worked earnestly to bring this project to London. We are committed to continuing to work collaboratively with forward-thinking cities around the world who are serious about bringing this next-generation entertainment experience to their communities.”

In November, levelling-up secretary Michael Gove ordered a six-week pause as he considered calling in the Mayor’s decision to torpedo developments of the Sphere.

Read this next: Developer claims plans for London's MSG Sphere were "hijacked" by Sadiq Khan

It came a week after Sadiq Khan rejected plans to build the enormous venue and siding with locals who have resisted the build along with councillors over concerns about health risks and disruptions caused by the estimated 1,000,000 LED light bulbs and bright advertisements on its exterior, as well as strains on local infrastructure.

Khan blocked plans at his stage 2 decision, the planning stage it moved into in 2022, stating that “independent evidence” showed the proposals would result in “an unacceptable negative impact on local residents”.

The withdrawal letter from MSG Entertainment called the process “a political football between rival parties”, adding that it cannot participate in the process any longer.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter