News International's Wapping plans approved

The news giant drafted in Amanda Levete Architects to draw up the scheme, which originally planned to alter the Grade II listed Rum Warehouse building and the print works to provide 1,740 sq metres of retail and restaurant space, 1,902 sq metres for a museum and office space for 4,300 employees.

However, the council's Strategic Development Committee refused the application, saying that it had concerns over the impact to the listed building and local residents, the failure to meet Greater London Authority guidelines on renewable energy and the insufficient financial contributions.

The applicant later pledged to retain the eastern end of the Rum Warehouse, causing English Heritage to withdraw its objection to the scheme.

It has also moved the proposed restaurant from the south east to the north east corner of the main building to distance it from residents, and agreed to increase the number of photovoltaic panels to improve its renewable energy provision.

News International will also provide an additional £100,000 shuttle bus, "subject to monitoring and demand", including the £70,000 running costs per annum. It will increase the placements for the Diploma in Creative and Media from two to 10 at a cost of £10,000 each, the internships from seven to 15 at a cost of £8,000 each and will add 10 apprenticeships within the creative and media areas at £150,000 for salaries and £30,000 per year for training.

Another £3,000 will go towards travel plan monitoring, £7,000 towards staff cycle training, £10,000 on 10 staff pool bikes and £75,000 towards the upkeep of better leisure and community facilities.

This is in addition to pledges including £50,000 for pedestrian improvements to Dellow Street, £100,000 for traffic calming and other measures in Pennington Street, and £100,000 for works at Shadwell station.