London Bridge City to house Mayor and Assembly
BY FRANCIS JAMES, BANKSIDE PRESS
Minister for London Nick Raynsford has announced London Bridge City, near Tower Bridge, as the home for London's new Mayor and Assembly.
Mr Raynsford was speaking on board the Silver Sturgeon river cruiser as it passed the site. The Minister said: "There will be an outstanding new building designed by one of the world's leading architects, Sir Norman Foster, on a prime London site."
Bishop of Southwark Tom Butler was one of the first to give his reaction to the news: "I am delighted to learn that the office of the new Mayor of London is to be sited south of the Thames. This will emphasise the fact that the south of London is very much part of the regeneration of the whole of London which we hope to see in the new Millennium."
London SE1 website visitors have welcomed the decision, with 88.2% in favour, according to a poll carried out on the site during February.
However, SE1 may not be host to the Mayor and Assembly from the start. In answer to a parliamentary question from Karen Buck MP, Mr Raynsford said: "The new building will not be ready before the Greater London Authority assumes its responsibilities on 3 July 2000. We are currently considering the options for accommodating the Authority in the interim period.
There has been some criticism of the design of the building, which as been likened to an egg and a spaceship. The site has been empty for some years, and this development will fill the gap between Southwark Crown Court and Potters Fields.
Details of the London Bridge Development can be seen in a special exhibition organised by developers CIT Markborough Ltd at 1-7 Shand Street, SE1 2ES (view map) until 31 March, open weekdays 10am-8pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm.
