12-storey block given green light despite fears it will overshadow station forecourt

Wimbledon locals fear that a new 12-storey office block could plunge the “town’s gateway” into darkness.

The block of nearly 26,000 square feet of office space was given the green light by Merton council’s planning committee last week.

It will see a five-storey office building in St George’s Road knocked down to make way for a modern 12-storey block, more than 50 metres tall.

Objectors to the plans included the Wimbledon Society and Friends of Wimbledon Town Centre, who were concerned about the size of the building and whether there would be demand for office space.

Speaking at a meeting on Thursday, local resident Sara Sharp said: “It drowns existing buildings and protrudes with glass and metal mass from every angle.

“It plunges the station and forecourt area, the town’s gateway area, into shade for much of the day most of the year.  Why would people come, or indeed linger in a dull, dark town?

“We need the area to be more attractive and not give businesses reason to leave or footfall to head out of the town centre to Kingston or up the hill to the village for character, sky and space.”

A supporting letter from Love Wimbledon, the local business improvement district (BID), said pavement widening as part of the plans and removing “anti-social behaviour areas” would be welcomed.

It said: “This is a significant and large development for Wimbledon Town Centre, which will be an imposing building, so it is important that it has a strong design, advanced environmental credentials and exceptional street level engagement.”

The plans for the curved glass building were put forward by Prudential Assurance.

At the same meeting, Joel Hawkins, on behalf of the applicant, said the offices would bring more people to the town centre.

He said: “A scheme of this size and quality is essential to maintain and grow the attractiveness of the office sector in Wimbledon.

“Merton council recognises how vital office workers are to the vitality of Wimbledon and the crucial role this will play in anchoring the St Georges Quarter regeneration.”