Tower Bridge plans to ‘go commercial’
THE iconic Tower Bridge could soon sprout advertising hoardings across the River Thames.
THE iconic Tower Bridge could soon sprout advertising hoardings across the River Thames.
The world-famous grade I-listed structure next to the Tower of London could be covered in ‘sponsorship’ ads for three months if plans by the City of London Corporation get the green light.
The neo-Gothic structure built in 1894 is currently under a major repainting programme to be ready by the 2012 Olympics being staged in East London.
Scaffolding is being erected on the bascules for three months so that paint can be stripped and a fresh finish applied.
You may also want to watch:
It won’t disrupt river traffic, although the clearance for large vessels will be reduced.
The City Corporation, which maintains Tower Bridge, has applied to Tower Hamlets Council and Southwark Council for listed building planning consent to display 120ft-long banners on the scaffolding on both sides, looking east down the Thames and west towards the City.
Most Read
- 1 The Queen lends her name to Royal London’s emergency Covid wards
- 2 Death of woman, 75, in Mile End fire could have been avoided
- 3 Police hunt after stabbing in Cable Street: One man hurt
- 4 That's so raven: Everything you need to know about the guardians of the Tower
- 5 Airbnb house party violence leaves police officer with broken finger
- 6 No injuries but 20 rescued as firefighters tackle Limehouse blaze
- 7 Police raid cannabis factory near Liverpool Street station: 2 arrests
- 8 Tribute to 7th Barts Health Trust worker to die of Covid-19
- 9 Driver arrested after police 'drugs patrol' stops car in Whitechapel
- 10 Doctors urge Tower Hamlets mayor to end support for Silvertown Tunnel
Preference goes to Olympic sponsors, the City Surveyor’s department says in its planning application.
But the Corporation denies any intention to use the global icon as “a glorified advertising hoarding.”
+++
Should Tower Bridge have advertising hoardings? What do you think?
