Have your Say: Crystal Public Consultation

In summer 2020, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, began the process of consulting Greater London Authority (GLA) staff on plans to relocate City Hall to The Crystal.

As part of this process and subject to the Mayor taking the decision to proceed with the relocation, a planning application is being prepared to change the use of The Crystal to a civic building.

We would like to hear from the local community to get your feedback on the principle of this change of use.

Background

The move to The Crystal, a building owned by the GLA, would result in significant savings, enabling the GLA to safeguard frontline services for Londoners.

Like other local and regional authorities across the country, the GLA is facing financial challenges due to the loss of business rates and council tax income as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. Therefore, it is even more important for the GLA to prioritise spending on crucial front-line services rather than internal running costs.

To enable the potential relocation, the GLA are looking to submit a planning application to Newham Council to formally change the building use.

Listening to the local community

Any move to The Crystal would be an important decision for not only all Londoners, but especially residents and businesses in the Royal Docks and Newham. Therefore, ahead of a formal decision, we would like to hear from local people to understand your views on the change of use.

The Mayor has yet to make a formal decision on whether to relocate City Hall to the Crystal Building. He is expected to announce his decision in the coming weeks.

The planning process would enable any potential move to take place before the end of 2021 – the date at which the ‘break clause’ for the lease at the current building expires.

Regeneration of the Royal Docks

The change of use of The Crystal would create significant spin off benefits including jobs in the local area and spending and investment for local businesses. The move would be an important step to help further accelerate the regeneration of the Royal Docks. Using the building for a prominent public body would not only attract visitors, but also further investment into the area.

As part of the Royal Docks Delivery Plan, the GLA is already contributing to a range of improvements to the local area, from which The Crystal would benefit. These include DLR capacity improvements, cycling improvement works and various improvements to the public realm across the Royal Docks.

When the GLA moved into its current location near Tower Bridge in 2002, it provided a major stimulus for the wider regeneration of the area. The Mayor hopes that any potential move would have a similar impact on regeneration in East London.