Boris raps Rupert's knuckles over green issues

1 July 2009

London mayor Boris Johnson has taken to task media tycoon Rupert Murdoch over his not-so-green plans for “Fortress Wapping” HQ in the capital’s docklands.

Johnson wants an overhaul to make the site, which houses four national newspapers, more eco-friendly, writes the London Evening Standard.

Boris said he wants to see more solar panels installed and more trees planted.

The revamp includes 271 car parking spaces that Johnson has called “excessive”. Instead, he wants to see Murdoch design in more pedestrian pathways and a cycle docking station.

Murdoch's son James, who is in charge of the family's News International, has said he wants to make the group “carbon neutral”. Plans include a 20 per cent reduction in electricity use and more use of natural light.

News International submitted the plans to Tower Hamlets council in April. The proposal for the 20-acre headquarters, which earned its nickname for its tight security, is to create a “campus-style office building”, with shops, restaurants, and a museum.

Tower Hamlets awaits changes to the plans before making a decision.

City Hall has also criticised the lack of public transport for the 4,300 employees at the site.