London's West End Set for Major Transformation: Council Approves £10 Billion Housing Project
The regeneration of Earl's Court, a central London location, has reached a significant milestone with the approval of the first application for a £10 billion housing project. This ambitious plan aims to create a new district with 4,000 homes, workspace, and cultural venues on a 40-acre brownfield site.
The site, previously home to the Earl's Court Exhibition Centres, has been largely unused since their demolition between 2015 and 2017. The first application was unanimously approved by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, with a decision on the second application expected in December, held by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
The project is led by the Earl's Court Development Company (ECDC), a joint venture between real estate investment company Delancey, Dutch pension fund manager APG, and Places for London, the property arm of Transport for London (TfL). Rob Heasman, ECDC's CEO, emphasized the project's potential, stating, 'Earl's Court will be a new district in west London, a centrally located site with exceptional connectivity, delivering new homes, jobs, and public spaces on a grand scale.'
The approved plans include four 42-storey buildings, offering a mix of homes, student rooms, and food, drink, and retail spaces. The development also incorporates housing for older people, community spaces, a cinema, and a live music venue. Notably, 35% of the housing is designated as affordable, slightly below the 50% target set in Hammersmith and Fulham's Local Plan.
Despite some objections regarding the height, density, design, and heritage impact, the project has received widespread support. West Kensington Labour councillor Daryl Brown praised the ECDC's efforts, stating, 'The project represents a major investment in the future of this borough, and I believe the team has worked diligently to ensure long-term value while respecting the community's character, needs, and aspirations.'
The development is projected to be completed by early 2043, pending full approval, and is expected to significantly contribute to London's growth agenda.
