Planning Applications Submitted to Transform the Long-Vacant Earls Court Site
9/10/24
The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) has submitted its 7.5 million sq ft masterplan, inviting the world to rediscover the wonder of central London's largest cleared development site.
This long-vacant site will be transformed into a vibrant new neighbourhood featuring approximately 4,000 new homes, set within 20 acres of public open and green space.
The project aims to restore Earls Court's reputation as a hub for innovation and discovery, showcasing clean and climate tech with 2.5 million sq ft of workspace, 12,000 jobs, and three new anchor cultural venues, all supported by a zero-carbon energy network and a commitment to zero operational carbon.
Since acquiring the site, ECDC has spent the last four years collaborating with local communities and business groups to ensure that the future development addresses the needs of both the area and London as a whole. Feedback from consultations has shown strong support for the proposed plans.
The vision for Earls Court is guided by four core "place pillars": celebrating nature and its capacity to connect and revive, showcasing climate and clean innovation, fostering a cultural ecosystem for future talent, and creating an inspiring neighbourhood designed for people at all stages of life.
Detailed plans have also been submitted for Phase One of the development, which is expected to begin in 2026. This phase will include commercial spaces, approximately 1,500 new homes (including rental, sale, and specialist housing for students and seniors), all centred around Table Park at the heart of the site, with shops, bars, restaurants, cultural and community spaces, and other neighbourhood amenities.
ECDC is responsible for the 40-acre site's transformation on behalf of Earls Court Partnership Limited, a joint venture between Delancey (on behalf of its client funds), Dutch pension fund manager APG, and Transport for London's property company, Places for London.
The submission of these planning applications for the former Earls Court Exhibition Centres marks a significant milestone in the journey to redevelop one of London's most iconic locations.
Designed as an exemplar of sustainable development and to establish new standards of excellence in urban design, the masterplan is crafted to meet the needs of both current and future communities, ensuring a better city for generations to come.
Speaking about this milestone, 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, to 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.
"We understand our responsibility to deliver much needed homes and employment opportunities for London, and nearly half the site will be devoted to green and open public space.
"Critical to achieving these aims is creating a place with personality, a place that once again becomes a destination with a broad cultural appeal and fully inclusive to all that come to experience it.
"That place will be Earls Court."