Plans to construct a Thomas Heatherwick-designed park and events venue jutting out over New York's Hudson River have hit a major bump after a federal court vacated the project's permit.
The United States District Court has modified the permit issued for the construction of Pier 55, making it near impossible for the project to go ahead.
The City Club of New York advocacy group opposed the pier, which is backed by fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg and husband Barry Diller.
Image by Luxigon
The $200 million plans by British designer Thomas Heatherwick comprises an undulating landscape over the water, supported by mushroom-shaped columns. It would be accessed via two decked walkways, connected to the esplanade along the Chelsea shoreline close to 13th Street. On 23 March 2017, the court ruled that the structure would obstruct views across the river and affect marine life.
The non-profit Hudson River Park Trust organisation ? in charge of managing the park ? argued that the venue would provide a much-needed recreation and cultural space, but the judge decided that these activities could easily take place elsewhere.
Image by Luxigon
"We're very happy," City Club president Michael Gruen told The Architect's Newspaper. "It looks like this ruling may be very beneficial for the public in terms of finally being done with a project that would obscure the view of the water and could very well go somewhere else."
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