Work has begun on demolishing iconic 1980s building Marco Polo House to make way for new flats, shops and offices.
The postmodernist building in south London, designed by Ian Pollard, was built in 1987 and formerly used as the QVC TV studio.
As of this morning, a large section of the structure had been demolished leaving only the iconic glass atrium which previously housed designer lifts. The demolition work officially began on Monday.
Developers Berkley Homes are creating skyscrapers on the site in Queenstown Road, Battersea, which will incorporate 456 new apartments and 1,200 square metres of commercial space.
It will be renamed Nine Elms Vista, forming part of the regeneration of the area in south London which began with restoring nearby Battersea Power Station.
The building was known for its kitsch marble arches and grey façade, with the press deeming it a “high-tech glass cathedral” when it was first created.
It was first occupied by The Observer and BSKYB, before QVC sold it for £60m to a Russian consortium in 2006.
But the demolition has drawn a mixed response from passers-by, with some devastated to see its destruction while others are happy to see the back of it.
Alex Croston, of Battersea, said: “Good grief, someone’s demolishing Marco Polo House, old ITV digital building by Battersea Power Station. Hallelujah.”
Rowan Moore, architecture critic for The Observer, wrote on Twitter: “Marco Polo House, 80s classic, former home of Observer, is coming down. Quick, list it.”
When the new design was first announced Ian Pollard told the Evening Standard he was not opposed to the new design but said: “Marco was a fun building. It was quite iconic at the time and some people still say it is."
