Plans in for £10bn Earls Court development
The Earls Court Development Company has submitted its 7.5m sq ft masterplan for the former Earls Court Exhibition Centre for planning approval.
If signed off by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council, the long-empty site will be transformed with 4,000 new homes set in 20 acres of public open and green space, as well as 2.5m sq ft of workspace and three new anchor cultural venues.
Detailed plans have also been submitted for the first buildings in Phase One of the development, with construction set to begin in 2026. This will include the first commercial spaces, and 1,500 homes including those for rent, for sale and specialist housing for students and later living.
The Earls Court Development Company has submitted its 7.5m sq ft masterplan for the former Earls Court Exhibition Centre for planning approval.
If signed off by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council, the long-empty site will be transformed with 4,000 new homes set in 20 acres of public open and green space, as well as 2.5m sq ft of workspace and three new anchor cultural venues.
Detailed plans have also been submitted for the first buildings in Phase One of the development, with construction set to begin in 2026. This will include the first commercial spaces, and 1,500 homes including those for rent, for sale and specialist housing for students and later living.
The Earls Court Development Company is overseeing the scheme on behalf of a joint venture between Delancey and Transport for London, which bought the 40-acre site from CapCo in 2019.
Rob Heasman, chief executive of ECDC, said: “We have listened to the wealth of stories and taken huge inspiration from Earls Court’s heritage as a place that dared to showcase, entertain and celebrate the spectacular. A place that was so clearly cherished for being bold and brave, welcoming people from across the globe.
“Our plans retain that innovative spirit that embraces future thinking – an approach we believe has become more important now than ever before, an approach that continues to drive us to create a global exemplar of sustainability.”
Jamie Ritblat, founder and chairman of Delancey, said: “We designed this project for people and the community, creating spaces that benefit users and occupiers, and the wider corporate market. Our focus has been on delivering value – environmentally, emotionally and economically – while keeping the future in mind. Though we can’t predict the 22nd century, we have aimed to build with longevity, crafting streets and places that will become part of London’s fabric.
“It is unique for a development of this scale and importance to put spaces first and buildings second. Despite economic challenges, we are proud of the result and grateful for the support of our partners. We believe this project is a beacon of hope for the capital’s future as a leading global city.”
Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of public-private partnership Opportunity London, added: “It is a bold ambition to ‘bring the wonder back to Earls Court’, and absolutely needed. Earls Court is a name known across the world, and I am thrilled to see such a strong commercial offer, focused on clean and climate tech businesses, alongside the homes, cultural venues and community facilities.”
Images © Earls Court Development Corporation
