South Bank locals invited to comment on future of Shell Centre

Last summer the oil company announced it had picked Braeburn Estates, a joint venture between Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar, to redevelop the prime site between the River Thames and Waterloo Station.

The proposals will incorporate the existing Shell tower and a new office building for Shell, with the oil firm expecting to retain a presence on site for the duration of the redevelopment.

The agenda for Thursday's meeting of the South Bank Forum includes an item on the Shell Centre and a public exhibition and workshops will be held next week.

A range of approaches to the development will be discussed which will then form a briefing from the community to the developers to inform a masterplan for the site.

"It's really important that local people have the chance to tell us what they'd like from the Shell Centre site, and we are therefore urging all those who are interested to attend one of these workshops," said a spokesman for Braeburn Estates.

"We hope to establish an open, dynamic and on-going conversation with the South Bank community and all stakeholders, to help shape the plans as they emerge.

"We are well aware that a vibrant and sustainable community is essential to the future of the South Bank and are working with Shell to safeguard the future enjoyment of the area for residents, businesses and the wider London community."

A Shell spokesperson added: "We are pleased that the developers are adopting this positive approach to consultation. Shell is committed to the South Bank and the very real improvements which redevelopment will bring."

The drop-in exhibition and consultation workshops will take place in the former Shell Centre reception on York Road next Wednesday and Thursday. To register your interest in attending one of the workshops, email [email protected]

• www.shellcentredialogue.com