Plans for a Sphere in London modelled after Sin City were rejected by Sadiq Khan.

Plans for a Sphere in London modelled after Sin City were rejected by Sadiq Khan.

Architectural firm Populous was commissioned by Madison Square Garden Entertainment Company (MSG) to create the Sphere. Featuring LED panels covering its almost 100-meter height and 120-meter breadth, London's MSG Sphere would have replicated its Las Vegas counterpart upon completed.

The planned location, east of the Olympic Park, featured a major auditorium with a capacity of 21,500, a smaller music venue, a nightclub, and a number of other attractions.

Stratford inhabitants' possible exposure to light pollution, the venue's high power usage and the resulting impression of a lack of "green" credentials, and the effect on adjacent historical monuments were the three primary factors that led to Khan's decision.

The possible damage to local homes and the projected influence on human health were also major factors in the rejection. 

The significance of maintaining the Stratford community's identity is highlighted by the refusal, which is in line with the concerns of environmentalists and Green party councillors.

A number of those who were in favour of the decision said that the planned Sphere went against the Olympic ideals of fostering culture, education, and recreation. The rejection highlights how important it is to handle community and environmental concerns in large-scale urban growth while also pursuing ambitious entertainment projects.

After expressing their unhappiness with the decision, MSG dropped hints that they would look into other cities for potential prospects in the event that the London plan doesn't work out. A representative from Sphere Entertainment expressed their disappointment with London's decision, but added that many progressive cities are excited to use this technology. Those will be our primary focus.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove will make the ultimate determination on the MSG Sphere application, even though Khan's decision is still valid.