Earls Court Village plans get green light from councils
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) have approved the first detailed proposals for parts of the new Earls Court. This follows receipt of outline planning permission for the Earls Court masterplan from both boroughs in November 2013. It also follows the formal agreement of a joint venture with Transport for London to bring forward the first phases of the Earls Court masterplan.
The proposals cover an area of 16 acres. There will be 1,200 new homes and the first phase of the area’s new High Street will have retail, dining, leisure, culture and community facilities. A new landscape and public park, designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Andy Sturgeon, features restaurants and cafes.
Capco’s detailed planning application for a change of use for the Empress State Building from commercial to residential was also approved by LBHF on 3 April. The building will now be integrated into the Earls Court masterplan. The new scheme proposes the creation of 340 new homes as well as improvements to the facade of the existing building.
Capco investment director Gary Yardley commented: “We are delighted that our detailed proposals for Earls Court have been approved by RBKC and LBHF.
“The project has real momentum and this decision signals another major milestone in delivering the vision for Earls Court. As well as creating a vibrant new part of London, the plans will act as an enormous boost to the economy, creating thousands of new homes and jobs and signalling an £8bn investment in the local area.”
Demolition of the venue’s exhibition halls is expected to start next year, with building work phased over 15 years.