‘Biggest thing in the area since the Plague’: Goodsyard consultation opens

Skyscrapers: An artist’s impression of the towers planned for the Bishopsgate goods yard site.

Campaigners are urging residents to contribute to a public consultation on the Bishopsgate Goodsyard development, calling it ‘the biggest thing to happen in the area since the Plague’.

Property developers Hammerson and Ballymore propose to turn the Goodsyard site which includes the historic Braithwaite Viaduct – one of the oldest railway structures in the world – into flats, offices and a public park.

The proposed scheme, worth £800 million, also includes four residential towers, two of which would reach 48 storeys. A 13 storey commercial block is also planned for the current Boxpark site.

However the More Light More Power campaign, which comprises of ten local planning and community groups, object to the the ‘Hong Kong style’ towers.

The campaigners are urging local businesses and residents to “get involved” in the consultation process which is open until November 10.

David Donogue, a spokesperson for More Light More Power said: “This consultation, run by the boroughs, provides the last chance for local people to make representations on the housing mix and social issues.

“Selling flats at millions of pounds as proposed will worsen these conditions. Additionally our campaign focuses on the poor design of the scheme. It is massively too tall, casting a shadow over the whole area, particularly the public park.

“It does not provide for flexible commercial space so vital for future ways of working. We believe that only by engaging in detail with the councils and the developers will the community secure the necessary improvements to the scheme.”

Managing Director of Ballymore UK John Mulryan has said: “You don’t get a chance to open up such a large slice of London for public use very often, so we are keen to make this a flagship development.

“Londoners will get the chance to enjoy this important part of the capital’s heritage after years hidden from view. We want to create a great place to live, work and visit.”

The planning application can be accessed here.