ODA backs down over media centre

In November, Building revealed that the ODA was considering making the £385m centre, originally planned to become a centre for hi-tech media employing 9,000 people, a temporary venue with a life of under two years.

Sources close to the process now say the ODA has backed down from the move, despite pressure to cut construction costs. However, the original scheme, by regeneration developer Igloo and Carillion, has not been reinstated. Instead, a new scheme is being worked up at a lower specification.

A London source said: “We’re now looking at something lasting 20-25 years. It’s a major advance, but design and cost issues still have to be worked through.”