Plans for a proposed 24-storey tower block will not go ahead after public outcry.

The Wimbledon Guardian exclusively revealed plans by the YMCA in September to build a sky scraping 24-storey tower as part of their plans to redevelop their site at the Broadway in Wimbledon.

The YMCA's £15m vision, designed by renowned architect Lord Richard Rogers, was revealed in full at a public consultation in October featuring a collection of eight high rise buildings, the tallest rising to 24-storeys, comprising 100 hostel units and 140 residential flats.

At the centre of the development was an open public plaza with green space, restaurants and cafes and a 'village hall' for exhibitions, leisure activities and concerts.

However the YMCA confirmed this morning it would not be going ahead with the controversial proposals which are now set to be reviewed.

Following the exhibition chief executive of the YMCA London south west, Richard James, said it was clear that the 24-storey height did not have local support and as a result the current plans would not be moving forward.

He said: "We have been consulting with residents for several weeks now and have always been committed to reflecting feedback into the on-going design process.

"The consultation feedback we received has been constructive and we are grateful that people have taken the time to engage with us.

"Local residents have told us they support the YMCA and our work in the community, and there is broad recognition of our need to work with a development partner to secure our long-term future.

"It is, however, clear the 24-storey height of our proposal does not have local support and, as a result, we have taken the decision not to proceed with current plans.

"We recognise the strength of feeling locally and believe it is only right to respond in this way.

"Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners have been instructed to re-consider how else we can achieve a viable solution that ensures a great future for YMCA in Wimbledon in a way that local residents feel able to support."

Residents had already voiced their opposition to the plans setting up a Stop the Tower campagin group while Councillor Stephen Alambritis, leader of the council, publically opposed the plans saying that they were a "no-goer" urging the YMCA to go back to the drawing board.

Councillor Andrew Judge, cabinet member for environment and regeneration, also said he would not support the proposed height of the building while Conservative opposition councillors have also campagined against the tower.

A further public exhibition will be held in the coming months when residents will be consulted on new proposals.

For more information visit ymca-hereforgood.co.uk

 

TODAY'S TOP MERTON STORIES