The £10bn redevelopment of Earls Court aims to construct nearly 4,000 homes and cultural venues. Despite the vision for revitalisation, community concerns over density and building heights persist. The first phase plans include affordable housing and green spaces with hopes to commence construction by 2026, though full completion could take until 2040.
The Earls Court redevelopment project, estimated at £10bn, is seeking planning permission to transform the 18-hectare site, formerly home to the iconic Earls Court exhibition centre. The redevelopment plans include the construction of nearly 4,000 homes—35% designated as affordable—along with cultural venues, office spaces, shops, and restaurants. Although construction could start in 2026, the project’s magnitude means it will occur in phases, with residents not anticipated to move in until 2030.
ECDC aims to rejuvenate the area and create a cultural hub, responding to the previous failed redevelopment by addressing community concerns. The firm is emphasising engagement and transparency, engaging with local representatives through forums and panels, including the novel PRIP. However, opposition remains, particularly concerning the height of new towers and overall density as community members express reservations about the project’s impact on the local landscape.
Earls Court has been largely inactive since the closure of its exhibition centre in 2015. A previous redevelopment plan was halted due to local backlash, leading to the current £10bn project spearheaded by ECDC, formed by Delancey and APG. The proposed changes aim to restore the area’s previous prominence while addressing concerns over housing, environmental considerations, and community impact, all significant in London’s broader housing crisis.
The Earls Court redevelopment represents a significant attempt to revitalise a historic site in west London with a focus on community and affordability. While plans are progressing, community concerns over density, cultural preservation, and infrastructure must be reconciled as the project moves forward. ECDC maintains its commitment to community engagement as it seeks to realise its vision for the area.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com