An “iconic” South London landmark above an underpass which featured in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange could be replaced.
The big circular advertising structure at the centre of Wandsworth Roundabout has become a local landmark since its installation in 1995, but it could be replaced with a timber tree-inspired structure under plans submitted to Wandsworth Council.
The new roughly 25-metre-tall structure would have four advertising boards, like the original, which would be slightly bigger.
Advertising specialists Wildstone Estates put forward the plans in a bid to increase revenue generation at the site, after acquiring the structure last year under a long lease with Transport for London (TfL). The firm designed the proposals with architects Tate + Co.
But residents have criticised the plans across 86 objections so far on the council’s website, claiming the new structure would be an “eyesore” and waste taxpayers’ money.
One resident wrote: “It’s extremely ugly and unneeded in the area. Another eyesore in Wandsworth for no good reason. What a waste of money.”
Another said: “I strongly object to the new structure. The current one is iconic, it has been perfectly and recently improved with the dark paint. It is clean and simple. The new design is garish, will not age well design or materials wise, and also a complete waste of money.”
A third commented: “In my view, this structure will be an unnecessary eyesore and represents money that could be much better spent on improvements that genuinely benefit local residents.”
An underpass beneath the roundabout was featured at the start of Kubrick’s 1971 film A Clockwork Orange.
Planning documents said: “The redesign of Wandsworth Roundabout is an opportunity to rethink a vital layer of London’s advertising infrastructure, and redefine how such structures can enrich their surroundings.
“The proposals seek to reuse the existing foundations, with there being no significant increase in scale and the screen sizes remaining as existing.”
The documents added: “The proposals present the opportunity to refresh the site with a high-quality creative design that reflects the iconic location and showcases new investment in the area.”
Wildstone and Tate + Co have been contacted for comment.
The council will decide on the plans in due course.
