The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) has unanimously approved a Hybrid Planning Application to redevelop the former Earls Court Exhibition Centres.
This ambitious £10 billion masterplan, covering 44 acres, aims to transform the site into a vibrant new neighbourhood with approximately 4,000 homes, 12,000 jobs, and various leisure and cultural venues. The development will feature 20 acres of public realm and green space, emphasising sustainability with a zero-carbon energy network and a zero operational carbon target.
The project, led by the Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) on behalf of the Earls Court Partnership Limited, is a joint venture involving Delancey, APG, and Places for London. The redevelopment will include up to 373,000 sqm of mixed-use floorspace, with residential, hotel, office, retail, and cultural facilities. Detailed proposals for four buildings, ranging from 13 to 42 storeys, will provide 456 homes and 696 student accommodation rooms, alongside flexible retail and community spaces.
Rob Heasman, chief executive of ECDC, stated, “This marks a major milestone, following years of active listening and engagement with local communities and the development of designs that are truly reflective of Earls Court’s heritage as a place that dared to showcase, to entertain and celebrate the spectacular.”
The approval restricts Chelsea FC’s options for a new stadium, as their plans are not included in the proposal. Instead, the focus is on creating a new district in West London, with exceptional connectivity through three Tube stations and several bus routes. The first phase of the project will deliver up to 1,300 homes, public spaces, and the first cultural venue, with enabling works set to begin in 2026.
The development is designed to be inclusive, offering homes for all life stages and piloting innovative housing approaches to meet London’s diverse needs. It will also celebrate the site’s legacy with three world-class cultural venues and various retail, dining, and leisure spaces. Sustainability is a core aspect, with plans to increase biodiversity by 85% and establish a climate-resilient landscape.
Economically, the completed development is expected to generate £3 billion annually for the UK economy and support 23,500 jobs nationwide. The project aligns with the London Growth Plan and Upstream London, aiming to position Earls Court as a hub for climate innovation and urban renewal.
The masterplan has evolved through extensive community engagement, with over 70 per cent of representations supporting the application, ensuring the development reflects local voices and needs.
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