Chelsea co-owner Hansjorg Wyss admits Earl’s Court “would be the best option” as the Blues consider moving away from Stamford Bridge Welcome to bdonline.co.uk. This site uses cookies. Read our policy By 2025-03-19T06:00:00+00:00 For the latest in BD’s Boomers to Zoomers series Mary Richardson went to meet the team of local people helping to shape the Earls Court redevelopment in west London as part of a wider programme of inclusive community engagement now the largest redevelopment scheme in central London Spanning 44 acres on the site of the former exhibition centre the masterplan promises 4,000 new homes – 35% of them affordable – alongside three cultural venues and 20 acres of public realm But ensuring that these new public spaces are genuinely welcoming and inclusive requires more than just good intentions Studio Egret West and Hawkins\Brown are leading the masterplan the Copenhagen-based practice founded by Stig Lennart Andersson outlines a vision for phase one that includes cultural venues and a 4.5-acre urban park.  Enter the public realm inclusivity panel (PRIP) an independent group tasked with shaping the development’s open spaces through ongoing consultation from young people to older residents and those with disabilities the PRIP is playing a long-term role in ensuring that Earls Court’s public realm serves the needs of all who will use it The PRIP is run and facilitated by Dinah Bornat, director at ZCD Architects, who are specialists in child and youth engagement and child-centred housing design. Bornat has written extensively on the subject, and about play, and recently authored the RIBA’s All to Play For: How to Design Child-Friendly Housing The Public Realm Inclusivity Panel on site at Earls Court At Earls Court, ZCD has been commissioned by the Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) to run the panel to gather input from what they term “lesser-heard voices” – to help inform the design of the public spaces The public realm at Earls Court is set to include play areas community hub and a promised 1,000 trees.  Members of the panel were recruited at an early stage in the design process from older-people’s groups with the youngest just 14 when they joined the panel the rest are adults; some are neurodivergent some are older people,” Bornat explains the panel had limited access to concrete plans due to commercial and planning constraints this proved beneficial: “It gave us space and time to build capacity within the group so that when they did actually get to see the designs they understood more about the project and about broader issues within the built environment.” Unsurprisingly for someone who is a play specialist there is a playfulness about the way Bornat runs the sessions Each begins with a talk about some aspect of the development then a related creative activity acts as a prompt for ideas Smaller groups take turns to feed back their creations and ideas then positively critique each others’  contributions “The way we’ve structured the sessions encourages quiet conversations not just the loudest voices,” Bornat says.  A creative session of the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel The group has also gone on visits to look at various parts of the cleared site to identify what they liked and did not like about that scheme designers from the development team are invited to present The PRIP has played a significant role in shaping key aspects of the Earls Court public realm Their input has helped to refine the design to be more inclusive and accessible They advocated for seating along key routes to create comfortable resting points as well as a landscape that stimulates all the senses with suggestions on how to ensure the area feels welcoming at night The panel also highlighted the importance of having both direct and meandering routes to accommodate different mobility needs and they pushed for ramps and lifts to be fully integrated into the design rather than tucked away as an afterthought they emphasised the value of fostering a direct connection with nature ensuring that the space is not just visually appealing but also an immersive The PRIP’s influence extends beyond individual spaces with the panel providing formal feedback on a broad range of design and planning issues making sure that it enhances both safety and atmosphere and on the accessibility of surrounding streets to make movement through the development easier for all Aisgill Garden will be a new public space the size of a football pitch They have also contributed to shaping visitors’ first impressions of the site as well as advising on the retail strategy and estate management to ensure these elements support a vibrant and inclusive public realm Their input has even extended to detailed design-code recommendations helping to embed inclusivity into the project’s fundamental framework the designers have taken these contributions seriously – many of the PRIP’s recommendations have been incorporated into the masterplan demonstrating a commitment to meaningful community engagement The code is something of which the ECDC is particularly proud says: “We believe our design code represents a new standard for large-scale urban development sites.” She highlights its emphasis on both inclusivity and sustainability “It integrates community voices and sustainability principles to ensure we design a development that reflects the values and aspirations of the people who will live cohesive piece of city that people will be proud of.” A member of the Earls Court Public Realm Inclusivity Panel Bornat says: “The design-code process is inherently technical Over two sessions we did a structured review of 65 separate design-code items.” They focused on street furniture as well as the materials used in the public realm A key issue of concern that emerged for the PRIP included safety in areas designated for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists Another issue they took a particular interest in was seating – the amount of seating and for seats that could be transferred into from a wheelchair all except two of 33 suggestions made by PRIP were incorporated into the design code personal safety has emerged as a priority for the group Bornat has gathered their ideas and learning on the topic to form a Safety Toolkit which will help designers working on the development centre public safety as they take forward their designs One controversial aspect of the PRIP scheme has been the fact that those taking part have been paid for the two-hour meetings and for another hour’s “homework” There was a concern that this might bias participants in favour of the development from what BD observed during a visit to the panel members had no problem speaking up about things they didn’t like and voiced their concerns independently and with confidence Bornat defends the payments on the grounds that they were asking for a lot of people’s time adding: “Why shouldn’t people be paid for their time and contribution?” She also believes the payments have been an important factor in establishing a stable team of panel participants It has been about much more than the money It is clear that being part of the group has been a hugely positive experience for those involved told BD: “I’ve enjoyed being treated like an equal and respected for my personal experience This was the first job I had after I became ill so it’s been really nice to know I can still be valuable.” said: “We’re using our lived experience to add value to professionals’ work They hear us and make the changes to make a real-life difference for all the people who’ve got similar disabilities this will improve the quality of life for us.” Members of the Earls Court Public Realm Inclusivity Panel on a site visit to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park She went on to reflect on the wider impact of their contributions It feels like this is the beginning of a new thing and it’s going to make a huge difference in the future.” Her new PRIP buddy Natasha adds: “We’re ambassadors for this process Bornat says: “What’s been incredible is the relationships that have been built within what is a very diverse group allows the conversation to be really rich.” She emphasises how these discussions have fostered a deeper understanding between different generations and experiences “They have open and honest conversations about what it’s like to be a young teenager or an elderly person We’ve been able to talk about gender safety… We’ve been able to talk about mobility.” Members of the Earls Court Public Realm Inclusivity Panel on a site visit to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park “I’ve done 41 sessions now – including the initial recruitment sessions I did with local youth clubs and other groups – which is amazing in terms of getting such a wonderful opportunity to work with people for that length of time this being the biggest development in London.” She also highlights the impact of regular interaction between PRIP members and the development team “Members of the development team come and meet us regularly three-dimensional human beings who they know now – and have in their minds >> Also read: Putting children and young people at the heart of housing design >> Also read: Youth-designed pavilion unveiled in Camden’s HS2 meanwhile garden has changed the way the designers think about inclusivity “It’s no longer just their own lived experience the designers are drawing on as they work Or some theoretical idea about being inclusive And that creates something very different from just thinking which is working on both master-planning and landscape architecture at Earls Court told BD how valuable it had been to get the PRIP’s input at an early stage – even before there was a full brief “It’s been super interesting for me as a designer You like to think that you consider the needs of lots of different people “But it’s very different actually sitting down with a wide range of people and asking them: ‘What do you like in a park?’ or ‘What do you think of in a street?’ And that has been very illuminating and surprising You would think you might have been able to guess what people would say What made the process particularly effective was the way PRIP members debated these ideas among themselves before presenting their views “The PRIP members discussing it between themselves is almost like them doing the figuring out for you – they’re finding the middle ground Then you can use that to inform the design.” Clark was struck by the way trust had developed within the group “The whole panel have got relationships with each other and with us and that has led to a different type of discussion when people feel comfortable and confident Bornat observes: “These guys work their magic on everyone who comes in to visit them We’ve had lots of consultants come to present And each of them has told us that it has been such a good experience – such a good discipline they’ve had to really think about their presentations – to make them clear We’re going to do things differently now’.” social impact and community relations for ECDC states: “The value of the PRIP to us has been profound the panel has enriched our stakeholder engagement and challenged conventional design and planning assumptions.” C Howard Crane’s 1937 art deco exhibition centre hosted concerts by big-name acts from Bowie to Pink Floyd and exhibitions such as the Earls Court Motor Show A distinctive feature of the centre was the 60x30m internal pool hidden under a hydraulic retractable floor Locals recall fondly the days when the centre was in its prime as local pubs and cafés would be filled with goths one week Aerial view of the Earls Court site with boundary outlined in white part of the challenge will be to bridge these memories of old Earls Court with the new ensuring that a sense of community continuity remains woven into the fabric of the emerging neighbourhood The work of the PRIP is part of a wider community-engagement programme that ECDC has embarked upon to win local hearts and minds This includes running a community hub with free classes and events; offering a range of training schemes for young people; and a community fund that gives grants to local organisations It is perhaps not surprising that they are falling over themselves to engage with the community The Earls Court redevelopment has a troubled backstory with lack of local support cited as a key issue in the failure of previous developer Capco’s scheme (but involved knocking down 760 homes in two council estates adjacent to the current site) including 11% new affordable homes The controversial plans were scrapped in 2015 and the West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates were eventually sold back to Hammersmith and Fulham council at cost Now the site is being developed as a joint venture between Delancey and Transport for London through the ECDC which has been at great pains to win over locals Its vision is to “bring the wonder back to Earls Court”; there is a comprehensive community charter; and the firm says it has amended its initial plans in response to feedback from locals adding 20% more open space and reducing development density by 10% straddling as it does two boroughs – the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham – with a slope explains that the communities on either side of the site have historically had little to do with each other The exhibition halls – and Brompton cemetery – have divided the two for decades He says: “One aim of the new public realm is to bring these communities together as well as to serve the residents of the new homes There’s a real need for the new green space too because there’s so little of it in the immediate vicinity.” even if members of the panel don’t end up living in the development they are determined that they and their friends will use its public spaces – and are deadly serious about their role in helping to shape them One could be forgiven for wondering aloud whether this type of inclusive consultation panel might be pragmatically useful to other developers fighting the eternal battle with the forces of nimby Young people are likely to be “on message” when it comes to issues like sustainability and inclusivity after all… And it’s a weakness of the current planning system that the voices of younger people – who will occupy proposed new homes – often go unheard heard while the strident voices of naysayers invested in the status quo have a channel that amplifies their objections all too loudly and clearly Supporting the “lesser-heard” voices to speak up could be a strategically useful investment not to mention a great way to achieve more inclusive placemaking – as well a core group of diverse participants has shown up to the panel consistently learnt and generously shared ideas and the widsom of its  experience with the goal of making the new development a better And it seems certain that the new development will be a more generous welcoming and useable place because of their generosity of spirit The hybrid planning applications for Earls Court were submitted in July 2024 ensuring that community voices remain central as the development progresses >> Also read: The built environment belongs to everyone – so why are young voices so often excluded? >> Also read: A crisis hiding in plain sight: how the UK’s built environment is failing children and young people Building Design has launched a campaign focused on different intergenerational design needs Boomers to Zoomers will in the coming months look at the underlying challenges we face in designing for different generations It aims to highlight the need for architectural solutions that cater to all age groups.The campaign will focus on a range of topics including designing for children and young people intergenerational living and new models for housing later-living and education and skills.Email us at ben.flatman@bdonline.co.uk or use the hashtag #boomerstozoomers BD’s campaign is being guided by an editorial panel drawing on expert advisers from across architecture Click here to find out more Mary Richardson talks to two architects who have made a film about the child-friendly estate where they live to find out what’s so special about its design Forest School Camps required a new hub where volunteers of all ages could meet and work together Mole Architects and Invisible Studio delivered Ben Tosland considers how a new publication sheds light on the layered political cultural and climatic contexts behind Africa’s modernist legacy As SANAA’s Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa prepare to receive the Royal Gold Medal Ben Flatman talks to them about their working relationship the changing nature of construction in Japan and their evolving approach to conflict resolution  As urgent demands for reuse and sustainability transform the priorities of contemporary architecture Mary Richardson explores how conservation architect Donald Insall Associates – long champions of repair and adaptation – is building on its pioneering legacy to meet the needs of a changing world  Site powered by Webvision Cloud Pippin’s is a neighbourhood restaurant serving modern British dishes blending nostalgic flavours with culinary craftsmanship.  Using fresh herbs grown in the garden and trusted British suppliers to curate considered and seasonal menus Liam Newman (ex-Holborn Dining Room and The Ledbury) has created an inviting space where the joy of sharing food is at the heart of what they do Dishes on his launch menu include Hereford beef tartare garden radish and Earl Grey tea and vanilla custard tart Whether it’s basking amongst the blooms over a summer’s day brunch with friends indulging in a classic Sunday Roast or sipping summer spritzers the expansive private garden at Pippin's inspires the kitchen while also providing a tranquil outdoor dining space where guests can enjoy their meal surrounded by greenery; an oasis in the city Pippin's is at Templeton Garden, 1-15 Templeton Pl, London SW5 9NB. Follow them on Instagram @pippinsrestaurant Enjoy an exclusive 50% discount on all food at Pippin’s from 16 April to 15 May 2025, available Wednesday to Sunday. To get the offer book here and quote ‘Pippin’s50’ in the booking notes View on Google maps Subscribe to hear the latest from Hot Dinners Please enable the javascript to submit this form By signing up you agree to our privacy policy About us  |  Contact Us  |  RSS Feed  |  Site directory  |  Privacy policy  |  Log in/out Join 50,000 other Londoners getting exclusive news and restaurant offers from Hot Dinners. Please enable the javascript to submit this form By signing up you agree to our privacy policy See our previous newsletters here Increasing Stamford Bridge’s 40,343 capacity has been a key issue since the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital takeover in 2022 but the difficulty of redeveloping the ground has led the board to look for a new home. It is understood Chelsea have held talks in recent months with various figures who will have a say over the future of the Earl’s Court site. Read moreThe potential multibillion-pound project would not be easy to pull off and is complicated by a proposal from the Earl’s Court Development Company The ECDC wants to build a mixed-use development without a football stadium The formal public consultation for its project is over and a decision on its applications to Hammersmith and Fulham council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council is expected this year Sources have warned it would become more challenging for Chelsea to move to Earl’s Court if the ECDC’s application succeeds and the club were then to make an offer Although a deal would be possible sources have cautioned that the price of land conservatively estimated to be worth at least £500m would rise and there are suggestions Chelsea would find it harder to garner the necessary political support It is believed local politicians would be highly reluctant to back a football stadium over the ECDC’s promise of new homes Chelsea need to navigate the political scene in London One element in their favour is that figures in planning in the capital believe the ECDC’s plans could be too expensive Sources have indicated Chelsea enjoy private political goodwill over Earl’s Court It is felt that a multi-use football stadium would benefit the local economy and there would still be the potential to build affordable housing on the site Chelsea have drawn up plans and ­identified the Lillie Bridge depot as the area on which to build a stadium. The Guardian reported last year that Jason Gannon one of the partners that looks after the Earl’s Court site Todd Boehly has said that any division over the stadium project would probably lead to the end of his partnership with Clearlake it is impossible for there to be any serious engagement with political figures who could influence the outcome until Chelsea make a formal and public declaration of their interest by submitting a bid The lack of movement has caused frustration among some individuals who want Chelsea to move to Earl’s Court and is understood to be partly related to tensions within the club’s ownership have an uneasy relationship and explored buying each other out last year It is unclear when the board last held a meeting over stadium plans A source suggested that plan could meet with opposition from local residents. Clearlake shares the view that any stadium must be capable of hosting international football tournaments, other sports and non-sporting events. A key consideration for Chelsea is ensuring they are not pushed into bidding for land by parties keen to make a sale. Key figures within the club are determined to act prudently and assess every option properly to find the best long-term plan. Free daily newsletterKick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football Read moreThere are hurdles to overcome although there is confidence that Chelsea’s intention not to buy the entire site is not an issue It has been stressed that it would not be difficult for them to find a partner keen to build on a piece of prime real estate in west London Figures familiar with the issue believe Chelsea moving to Earl’s Court is the most realistic solution for the club There is no other site available in west London and redeveloping Stamford Bridge is feasible but challenging not least because the ground is next to a railway line A stand-by-stand rebuild is unattractive and a complete demolition would come with the drawback of Chelsea having to play at a temporary home But Chelsea have not ruled out redeveloping Stamford Bridge and made space for such a project after purchasing a 1.2-acre site next to Stamford Bridge from Stoll Moving home for good would require Chelsea to strike an agreement with Chelsea Pitch Owners which holds the freehold of Stamford Bridge stadium The club will seek the approval of the CPO before bidding for land elsewhere Moving to Earl’s Court would enable Chelsea to remain at Stamford Bridge while the stadium is being built The risk of doing nothing is that Chelsea fall behind their rivals Tottenham and West Ham have moved into bigger stadiums in London Everton are leaving Goodison Park at the end of the season and Manchester United have announced plans to build a 100,000-seat stadium Source: Earls Court Development Company A search on the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea website – one of the two boroughs the site straddles – brings up 341 documents classified as objections to the first major chunk of the £10 billion megaproject This is more than five times the number of documents that are filed under ‘support’ After years of consultation, the Earls Court Development Company submitted an outline application for the Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West-designed masterplan in September. This also included detailed plans for the site’s first buildings One member of the public wrote: ‘It is a massive development that will negatively impact our neighbourhood creating traffic congestion and overload[ing] the local public transport This will strongly impact the quality of our [lives] and the value of our properties.’ Another said: ‘The height of buildings causes irreparable damage to conservation areas in Earl’s Court and Nevern Square … buildings should be limited to no more than eight storeys across the area as a whole to mitigate this harm.’ A separate opponent said: ‘The visual impact of these towering structures would be overwhelming and inappropriate for a residential neighbourhood They are neither required nor desired as they fundamentally alter the historic aesthetic of Earl’s Court.’ And another claimed: ‘This proposal fundamentally disregards the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Local Plan undermines the character of Earl’s Court and places an unsustainable burden on local infrastructure and residents.’ A spokesperson for the Earls Court Development Company said supporting letters currently outweighed objections on the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham website and the role of those responsible for creating the homes and communities on which London depends is to balance the needs of future generations with the needs and aspirations of existing communities We have consistently worked alongside our exceptional team of architects to get that balance right ‘Earls Court is a 16ha largely derelict brownfield site in central London it deserves an ambitious masterplan which will put it back on the map and create a new piece of city the masterplan will deliver 4,000 homes targeting 35 per cent affordable set within 8ha of public realm and open space including an urban park community gardens and landscaped spaces which welcome people into the site and create a dynamic ‘Cultural venues and pop-up spaces will bring the site to life along with jobs and workspace ‘We’ve held a far-reaching programme of engagement’ exhibitions and more through a far-reaching programme of engagement.’ The team said that the plans had changed ‘at each stage of the process’ following consultation including a reduction of height and the removal of one block altogether They added: ‘We understand that concerns have been raised and we continue to listen to the views of those within the community many of whom have expressed their support for the plans will make a strong contribution to addressing housing need and economic growth in London The exciting nature of London has always been its ability to evolve and transform Earls Court will be the next part of the story of London.’ Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West have been contacted for comment Their redevelopment of the former exhibition centre plot earmarks 4,000 homes a trio of cultural venues and 8ha of new public spaces The proposals succeed Terry Farrell’s unrealised vision for the estate’s former developer Capco. In 2019, the company sold the site to its current owner: a joint venture between Delancey Dutch pension fund manager APG and Transport for London the Earls Court Development Company announced it had reworked its initial masterplan for the mainly empty triangular site increasing open space by a fifth and trimming the tallest block to reduce the amount of development by a tenth Among the first stage proposals is a 42-storey landmark skyscraper by Sheppard Robson – the only tower on the site that will be taller than the existing Stone Toms & Partners-designed 1962 Empress State Building Plans also include a student residential building by Serie Architects and affordable housing by dRMM Haworth Tompkins and Maccreanor Lavington are designing homes and a ‘significant cultural offer’ while ACME is working on a workspace hub on a plot off Warwick Road Lille Sidings within ECDC's plans for Earls Court submitted this year Tags BDP’s College of Arts & Society at Coventry University has been named… Lewisham Council has given Turner Works planning permission for a mixed-use regeneration… Wandsworth Council has given Gehry Partners planning permission for two more residential… Southwark Council has approved tp bennett’s plans for a 25-storey student tower… The proposed scheme is well designed and appropriate in scale for this large London is in desperate need of housing and the scheme will reinvigorate an area which has become the London economy needs this type of development I so often find detractors to development do not live in London and lack understanding in relation to the issues which confront residents and businesses alike The scheme should certainly be allowed and Ms Rayner should ensure it goes through Earl’s Court as I first remember it was where Australian travellers found a cheap bed for the night It was also the place to go for beers with unfamiliar labels And at a time when Neighbours was riding high in the TV ratings there was fun to be had eavesdropping on conversations littered with ‘fair dinkum’ and ‘strewth’ There are some troubling details: skyscrapers being built in a largely low-rise Victorian neighbourhood and the way streets at the perimeter of the site will be overlooked and overshadowed  Older generations will remember earlier waves of immigrants There were the Polish soldiers who were resettled there after the second world war and set up shops There were also new arrivals from Commonwealth nations His semi-autobiographical novel The Enigma of Arrival describes a discomfiting stay in a down at heel Earl’s Court guest house in 1950 surrounded by ‘drifters from many countries of Europe and North Africa’ Already a subscriber? 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Log in Plans have been submitted for 4,000 homes at the long-awaited regeneration of Earl’s Court in west London The homes are part of a 40-acre masterplan being developed by property company Delancey, Dutch pension fund APG and Places for London will include around 1,500 new homes for sale The first residents will move into their new homes in 2030 while the rest of the masterplan will be built in phases from 2030 to 2041 The vast scheme spans two local authorities: Kensington and Chelsea Joint planning applications have been submitted to each council It is located on the site of the former Earl’s Court exhibition centres which were built in 1937 and 1991 and then demolished in 2017 by previous owner Capco The giant brownfield site was acquired by Delancey in 2020 after Capco abandoned a regeneration plan that included demolishing two nearby housing estates Delancey sold the West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates back to Hammersmith and Fulham Council after it acquired the site The first phase submitted to planners breaks down into three plots in Hammersmith and Fulham including a 42-storey tower delivering 462 homes and 696 student rooms; and two plots in Kensington and Chelsea delivering 310 homes a seven-storey mansion block and townhouses A total of 35% of the 696 student beds in Hammersmith and Fulham will be classed as affordable Two of the buildings in Hammersmith and Fulham One 16-storey block will contain 120 homes for social rent while the other will contain 64 homes for shared ownership over nine storeys All the homes will be connected to a site-wide ambient heating and cooling network At least 10% will be specifically designed to be suitable for wheelchair users The scheme also features plans for a 4.5-acre park 2.5m sq ft of commercial space and three “cultural venues” The first venue will be delivered in Kensington and Chelsea and a planning decision is expected to be published in summer 2025 chief executive of Earls Court Development Company said: “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.” we are proud of the result and grateful for the support of our partners We believe this project is a beacon of hope for the capital’s future as a leading global city.” director and chief executive of Places for London said: “This new masterplan will bring thousands of new homes to this well-connected part of west London helping revitalise the area by creating a vibrant new place to visit and boosting the local economy “We’re looking forward to working closely with the development team as the masterplan progresses in the coming years.” New to Inside Housing? Click here to register and receive our weekly development and finance round-up straight to your inbox Already have an account? Click here to manage your newsletters The TimesIt is not a secret that London needs more houses Flying into Heathrow across the city reveals that short of bricking over Hyde Park there just is not much space on the site of the old Earls Court Exhibition Centre a decade after the wrecking balls came for the venue that played host to the Rolling Stones Bruce Springsteen and the Royal Tournament with only a pop-up padel court and a small exhibition space for company A proposed £10 billion development on the site is now at the heart of yet another planning row Site of the former west London exhibition centre to include nearly 4,000 homes This has been the case for the near decade since Bombay Bicycle Club played the last ever concert at the venue which opened in 1937 and once played host to artists such as Pink Floyd and David Bowie as well as annual events such as the London boat show when vessels floated in the main hall’s big pool may finally take a step closer to realisation this year when the firm behind the £10bn redevelopment – Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) – hopes to receive planning permission Construction of almost 4,000 new homes – of which 35% would be affordable – as well as three cultural venues shops and restaurants could begin on central London’s largest empty site – spanning about 18 hectares (44 acres) – in 2026 the scale of the project means the build would take place in phases until the early 2040s with the first residents not expected to move in until 2030 An aerial view looking south-west of the Earls Court site and the surrounding area Photograph: ECDC“We want to restart Earls Court as a cultural destination and give people a reason to come here,” says Rebekah Paczek social impact and community relations at ECDC She is standing on what the company calls the “table” the raised concrete strip that once formed the base of exhibition centre two It also covers part of the west London line railway that runs across the site The developer says it wants to “bring back the wonder” to a location once known internationally for its exhibitions and events amid plans to open up a site that was previously only accessible to ticket holders The exhibition centre was demolished by the site’s former owners, the property developer Capco, in 2015. Its controversial redevelopment project was scrapped after widespread local opposition particularly over its plans to knock down two housing estates ECDC, a joint venture between the property developer Delancey, the Dutch pension group APG and Transport for London (TfL), bought the land from Capco for £425m in 2019 The famous facade of the exhibition centre Photograph: Garry Weaser/The GuardianECDC’s first decision was to hand the two estates back to the council says gave reassurance to the residents that “their homes weren’t at risk and also gave us as the developer a clarity that that emotive issue has gone away” The first phase of the project includes 1,500 new homes including housing for students and older people The masterplan envisions visitors entering the site from Earl’s Court underground station through what is described as a “flower amphitheatre” a tiered garden designed to echo the original curved steps leading to the exhibition centre The huge site is not without its engineering challenges and the concrete foundations of former buildings ECDC had already been consulting locals and working on its plans for the site for four years by the time it submitted its detailed plans to the two London boroughs it straddles “What we have set out to do is come forward with not just a masterplan but the detailed designs of the first buildings that we want to start on site as soon as approvals come through It is quite a different model,” Heasman says waving his hands over a model of the planned development “It is quite a different approach in terms of how we go about our business David Bowie performs as Ziggy Stardust at Earls Court exhibition hall in May 1973 Photograph: Ilpo Musto/AlamyECDC says it has engaged significantly more than is standard with the local community including setting up a public realm inclusivity panel (PRIP) a rotating group of 15 residents – half of whom are under 18 people with disabilities and carers – who have shared their views as the masterplan has developed was appointed to reach out to groups of people who were not usually included in a development process Free daily newsletterGet set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning “Their voices were taken into account and their recommendations have been picked up quite formally and in quite a structured way,” Bornat says ECDC’s planning application has once again divided opinion in the local community have been filed on the planning portals of the two councils Of particular concern for some remains the height of the tallest towers, despite ECDC’s previous decision to reduce the height of some buildings The first phase of the redevelopment will include a large park the acting chair of the Earl’s Court Society raised her children in the area and has lived there for almost 30 years and we shouted every time the buildings are too tall,” she says “We just feel it’s going to block out the landscape with more homes planned than in the previous “While we clearly support the redevelopment of Earls Court,” the society writes in a recent post on its website “we’re yet to be convinced that this plan is so much better than the original Capco one ECDC says the “unique site” at Earls Court “can and should make a proud contribution to the London skyline with well-designed tall buildings” a Liberal Democrat councillor for the Earl’s Court ward set up a group of residents to review some of the hundreds of documents submitted by ECDC with the planning application The density of the housing in the redevelopment has attracted concern from some locals Photograph: ECDC“Everybody would like something to happen and would like the homes But these homes must be for those that want to live in them rather than one-week-a-year boltholes,” Wade says Paczek says ECDC will “continue to listen to the views of those in the community” and points out the eight hectares of open space and public realm in the plan She adds that ECDC is working to “mitigate impacts on local infrastructure and the transport network” as part of the planning process The company hopes “Earls Court will be the next part of the story of London”; the next year will show whether some locals are convinced Source:  Earls Court Development Company Richard Waite reports on how the team behind London’s Earls Court regeneration project is embedding climate change shock absorbers into its huge plans ‘Bringing the wonder back to Earls Court’ reads the developer’s strapline for the 20-year plans to create a new neighbourhood on the largely empty 17.4ha former Earls Court Exhibition Centre site in west London The outline masterplan for the Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) has been designed by Hawkins\Brown Studio Egret West and Danish landscape architect SLA and a trio of cultural venues built around swathes of accessible green public space on the site which straddles the boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham The recently submitted hybrid planning application also includes detailed proposals for the plot’s first buildings Haworth Tompkins and Sheppard Robson – the latter behind the scheme’s centrepiece 42-storey skyscraper The developer claims the designs will recapture the site’s one-time spirit of wonder when the giant triangular wasteland was home to vast exhibition halls and hosted events such as Crufts The final parts of the famous 1930s Art Moderne exhibition centre were flattened in 2017 to make way for Terry Farrell’s unrealised proposal for four self-enclosed urban villages But two years later the estate’s then developer sold the site to its current owner: a joint venture between Delancey Dutch pension fund manager APG and Transport for London operating under the ECDC banner finances and sustainability aims have all changed markedly since Farrell’s earlier vision The ECDC team says it wants its £10 billion scheme to look to the future being a ‘good ancestor’ by leaving a positive long-term legacy Its overarching driver is to create ‘a people-centric and planet-conscious development for the 21st and 22nd centuries’ That means building with sustainable materials (‘timber where possible’) reusing existing structures and creating one of the largest energy-loop heating networks in the country It also means designing for a changing UK climate where winters are expected to become warmer and wetter The northern edge of the masterplan as viewed looking eastwards towards central London lengthy heatwaves – like the record-setting hot summer in 2018 – could happen every other year According to scientific journal Nature Sustainability the UK is on course for a 30 per cent increase in uncomfortably hot days climate resilience has been one of the brief’s core strands built into the masterplan since its genesis four years ago A key move has been to give over 60 per cent of the entire site to open spaces – either for people or nature equivalent in area to nine football pitches as well as delivering the first workspaces for clean climate-tech companies and around 1,500 new homes This pivotal public space will be built over the existing ‘deck’ concrete structure spanning the West London Line Linked to this high-level plateau is the Cascades – a stepped parkland with cooling water features The system has a storage capacity for enough water to ensure uninterrupted operation during a 60-day drought It is pioneering a comprehensive ‘water-neutral’ management strategy to maximise water capture and reuse shorter downpours to stop sewer and surface water flooding neighbouring residents’ basements (again) The planting strategy includes climate-resilient species that need less water alongside more than 1,000 new trees – half of which would be semi-mature – doubling the number of trees in the entire Earl’s Court ward The developer has also pledged to ‘set a new benchmark in urban air quality’ aiming to achieve pollutant levels that are at least 10 per cent lower than the borough average Cross-section of the Cascades showing water storage The team has worked hard to create a flow through the long-closed-off site for air The scheme effectively introduces an always-open biodiverse corridor stretching from north to south this means a ‘fox could walk around Earls Court without crossing any major roads’ such as rubbing out plans for some buildings altogether head of design at the ECDC and formerly of Foster + Partners explains: ‘We originally had five buildings proposed around [the existing 1962] Empress State Building We removed the corner block allowing the [other] buildings to breathe more make the public space more generous and most importantly improve the microclimate.’   the design of the façades has been developed ‘to reflect the tension between providing an appropriate level of daylighting within the apartments and minimising solar gains through fenestration’ The team’s sustainability goals were developed so they would be ‘considered ambitious if set in 2050’ and a long road into a uncertain future lies ahead before the Earls Court vision is fully realised The first step will be winning planning approval The new Aisling Gardens overlooked by dRMM-designed housing Earls Court has a high level of resilience embedded into the project to mitigate against future climate change putting the development in a strong position among other major London developments The ECDC has made a very progressive decision when it comes to climate change by giving as much land back to nature as it gives to development This opens the door to climate adaptation methods such as improved biodiversity reducing the urban heat island effect and water retention and absorption in SuDS and rain gardens for flooding resilience of the area This creates a positive natural environment in an urban setting – less concrete Tags By 2024-12-19T09:40:00 Plans to build two towers at the former Earl’s Court exhibition venue have been attacked by local residents Existing Subscriber? LOGIN REGISTER for free access on selected stories and sign up for email alerts Subscribe to Building Design and you will benefit from: By 2024-09-17T10:50:00 Architects working on the plans include Maccreanor Lavington Proposals for a £6bn redevelopment of Earl’s Court which will include 4,000 new homes have passed a major milestone with the submission of a planning application The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) the Dutch pension fund manager APG and Transport for London has lodged a 7.5 million sq ft masterplan for the west London scheme with the local council Your guide to London's culture and transport news and events taking place across the city Published on 30th September 2024 by ianVisits in Architecture Following years of consultations and the collapse of a previous scheme a new masterplan has been submitted for the former Earl’s Court exhibition centre site The Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West designed masterplan is more of an overview of what’s planned but will eventually lead to some 4,000 new homes three new cultural centres and around 8 hectares of new open spaces being created Crucially for existing residents in the area the plan will open up the Earl’s Court site for the first time allowing people to walk through it instead of always having to walk around it the site would consist of a series of blocks of flats rising to the tallest towers in the centre Most would be on an elevated podium surrounded by new street-level passages Around 100 retail and dining outlets would be included along with childcare and a new community hub They expect that about 35% of the homes would be classed as affordable it was explained to me that this aims to avoid the problem that large exhibition centres suffer from — which is very large but also very infrequent use which leaves the surrounding area either empty or overflowing Three more modest sites are expected to be able to offer daytime and evening events spreading the load out and ensuring local businesses don’t experience periods of feast and famine An interesting idea is that one of the original train sheds of the neighbouring Lillie Bridge Depot could be converted into the larger of the three venues preserving some of the site’s railway heritage With the core of the estate needing to be lifted to the same height as the railway deck there will be a large “basement” space at street level that could be used for local delivery hubs and storage although those options are a long way from being finalised at this stage The development is not expected to noticeably change passenger crowding at Earl’s Court tube station but would eventually cause overcrowding problems at West Brompton station and lifts to provide step-free access to the Westbound District line platform The other three platforms already have lifts The first phase would deliver around 1,500 new homes and the first set of public spaces which would sit on an existing large concrete deck built above the National Rail lines that run through the middle of the site The rest of the phases would follow over the next decade with the aim of completing the entire site by 2043 The site sits across a boundary between Hammersmith and Fulham on the west and Kensington and Chelsea on the east so both councils will need to approve the plans You can read all 716 documents (and tens of thousands of pages) before commenting about the plans here AND: There are free site tours each month that take you onto the concrete deck above the railway – details are here This website has been running now for over a decade, and while advertising revenue contributes to funding the website, it doesn't cover the costs. That is why I have set up a facility with DonorBox where you can contribute to the costs of the website and time invested in writing and research for the news articles It's very similar to the way The Guardian and many smaller websites are now seeking to generate an income in the face of rising costs and declining advertising Whether it's a one-off donation or a regular giver every additional support goes a long way to covering the running costs of this website and keeping you regularly topped up doses of Londony news and facts If you like what you read on here, then please support the website here and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" and the latest news published on ianVisits You can unsubscribe at any time from my weekly emails © ianVisits A 63-year-old Parkinson’s sufferer is set to take her landlord to tribunal for the third time in two years after her service charge was hiked again despite the previous rulings in her favour Adriana Schwab said Housing for Women hiked her monthly service charge to £99 without proper explanation and claims many of the services aren’t being provided Housing for Women said it is working with Miss Schwab to resolve the matter “fairly and transparently” a retired accountant who moved from Slovakia to the UK 25 years ago has paused the legal proceedings but will pursue it through a tribunal again if the charges are not reduced in line with the previous rulings she fears she’ll have to survive next winter without heating Miss Schwab said: “It’s nearly £100 more than I used to pay two years ago I am already thinking how I will survive without electricity and ok It increases the symptoms so I have to have heating otherwise I’m trembling Miss Schwab said her service charge jumped from £26 a month in 2021 to at least £61 in 2022 – an increase of 134 per cent Housing for Women sent six different version of her service charge bill varying between £61 and £75 The charge for her basement flat in Philbeach Gardens Earl’s Court dipped in 2023 before rising again by £16 in 2024 and by £25 in 2025 Despite taking the housing association to the property tribunal on two separate occasions she said she is still being charged incorrectly Housing for Women said this year’s service charges are based on last year’s costs It said budgeted costs are reconciled with actual costs six months after the financial year ends and it reimburses any difference to Miss Schwab But the long-time tenant has questioned this She said: “I literally thought the bill was just a mistake They sent a version – a different amount – but still over £60 Miss Schwab claims Housing for Women is now refusing to share the accounts and claim they no longer hold records before 2021 due to a change in accounting systems She claims the housing association began charging residents for Legionella testing but only focused on taps in the utility room She also claimed groundsmen were being paid hundreds of pounds to sweep the building’s small communal garden but had failed to visit for nine months She also said residents were being unfairly charged for fox traps on a monthly basis she claims they apologised and offered to credit her account Miss Schwab was at one point sent six different versions of her service charge bill for 2021/2022 She took Housing for Women to the first-tier property tribunal and won and took them to tribunal a year later for the same reason Kensington and Chelsea councillor for Earl’s Court who has been helping Miss Schwab with her case said housing associations lack accountability and hide behind legal exemptions landlords are required to provide accounts within six months of a request or face criminal charges She said: “They’re actually failing and it’s consistent or have a structured plan for refurbishments or cyclical maintenance over the years There is no way robust enough to be able to sanction them.” A Housing for Women spokesman said: “In respect of the ongoing case with Miss Schwab mediation is scheduled (today) to discuss aligning her 2024/25 service charge with the 2023/24 First Tier Tribunal findings We have received two adverse judgements from the Tribunal we have maintained open communication with Miss Schwab including meeting with her at our head office to review her statements “We remain committed to working with Ms Schwab to resolve her concerns and reach a satisfactory outcome.” Pictured top: Adriana Schwab in her Earl’s Court flat (Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga) The rhythmic thwack of ball on racket punctuates the still night air in London’s Earls Court district It is late and the traffic has died down and from the high vantage point of my hotel room the only sounds are from the padel courts across the street and the occasional soft burble of a car passing through the quietened streets There was a time when a trip to Earls Court meant music concerts and late nights out with the famous Earls Court Exhibition Centre demolished in 2014 the area has undergone a similar gentrification to Glasgow’s Finnieston area a few bars and restaurants line the nearby roads the hotel I am staying at has seen a dramatic transformation in recent years The Mercure and ibis London Earls Court Hotel was recently reopened after a multi-million-pound refurbishment bringing the venue soaring into the 21st Century I have just arrived on the train from Edinburgh and which is just a five-minute walk from the Mercure and ibis A bit of Google map research shows me I am within walking distance of Stamford Bridge football stadium and not much of a stomp along the road from Fulham FC’s Craven Cottage my trip means I have just missed live games at both grounds but I make the jaunt along for a look anyway There are Stamford Bridge tours running almost every day and they are well worth the cost from guided visits around the stadium and players’ dressing room to entry to the adjoining football museum and trophy room – although it’s been a few years since they won anything important (sorry whoever redeveloped the Mercure and ibis London deserves a medal because the hotel massively exceeds expectations it is a towering monolith of a building and looks like any other city hotel the place feels ultra-luxurious and modern soft lighting and little sectioned-off areas for chilling out or grabbing a coffee or a sandwich which you can almost tell were once straightforward hotel rooms but are now beautifully stylish and inviting backlit curved panels along the wall behind a massive bed The storage is cleverly designed to maximise space while keeping the room looking smart and tidy Then there is a giant TV in front of the bed for those who fancy a night of relaxing all high-gloss tile and expensive fittings The whole room looks like a show home for a high-end house builder Earls Court is just 25 minutes by tube from the centre of London allowing you to dart into all the classic tourist spots before nipping back out for a bit of sanity and space at the end of the day after I have spent a good few hours zooming around Westminster I am delighted to arrive back at the Mercure and ibis for dinner Barnaby’s Kitchen & Lounge is in keeping with the rest of the hotel The restaurant area looks like a cross between an exclusive club and a chilled-out living room The food is excellent and rivals any top gastro pub in the surrounding area meaning choosing between staying in the centre or coming back out to Barnaby’s is a no-brainer I am glad to see the restaurant is quiet but once the word is out on how nice the place is Earls Court is just a 20-minute walk to the National History Museum which exhibits a huge number of specimens from various segments of natural history you can also visit the nearby Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museums which are situated on Exhibition Road in South Kensington Classic Double Rooms at Mercure London Earls Court Hotel start at £149 per night (room only). Classic Double Rooms at ibis London Earls Court Hotel start at £109 per night (room only). To book, visit: https://all.accor.com/ Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed Published on 31st October 2024 by ianVisits in Architecture The Earl’s Court TARDIS may have to move under plans being put forward by the council to improve the space outside Earl’s Court tube station Part of the reason for moving the police box is that it’s become a bit of a magnet for anti-social behaviour (urination) in the small gap between the police box and the newspaper kiosk it’s next to Kensington and Chelsea council also wants to clear up a lot of pavement clutter around Earl’s Court tube station They say that moving the TARDIS to the corner of Hogarth Road will make it more prominent and enhance its setting while still keeping it close to the heart of Earl’s Court A consultation on plans to improve the Earl’s Court area is now open The council wants to improve the shopfronts around the tube station Some streets opposite the tube station entrance could also have widened and repaved pavements in some other areas where the council says it wants temporary pavement widening schemes removed it says it will work with TfL to improve their appearance instead There’s also some talk about working with shops to improve decorative lighting at night – getting away (hopefully) from bland garish street lights to something softer and more visually appealing — and that could also include Earl’s Court tube station’s terracotta tiled frontage The consultation is here If it has to move surely the best way would be to have Doctor Who film a scene For example the Doctor enters that police box followed by it disappearing from that location and then stepping out of it in its new location You’d have to weave into the plot a reason why the Doctor left it there for so long then cough..) I trust people understand it’s simply a disused police box and not Holland & Barrett has reopened its refurbished Earls Court store unveiling a modernised space designed to enhance the customer experience features an updated layout and an expanded selection of health and wellness products including the latest food and sports nutrition ranges all qualified to provide tailored wellness advice includes a dedicated Women’s Health Coach to offer specialised support on hormone health customers visiting on 1 and 2 March will have the opportunity to receive wellness gift bags Store Manager Gavriil Gketamesay commented: “The team couldn’t be more excited to serve our new and loyal customers in our transformed store and we’re thrilled to bring a refreshed energy to the community This refurbishment isn’t just about a new look it’s about enhancing the experience for our customers and reinforcing our commitment to health and wellbeing We’re proud to contribute to the vision of empowering 100 million people to live healthier and add quality years to lives We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our beautifully reimagined store!” The refurbishment is part of Holland & Barrett’s broader investment in its retail footprint, which includes refits, relocations, and new store openings The company has allocated approximately £70 million towards upgrading its stores More than 200 stores across the UK have already been renovated or opened with the retailer committing to at least one store refresh per day throughout the current financial year across the UK and Ireland Sustainability has played a key role in the redesign of the Earls Court store Energy-efficient LED lighting has also been installed to reduce consumption and lower carbon emissions As part of the company’s wider sustainability efforts recycled materials from previous store designs have been repurposed to minimise waste The newly refitted store is located at 192 Earls Court Road Check if you already have access from your company or university With a MRW subscription you’ll get access to: The Earls Court Development Company has lodged plans for its 7.5m sq ft masterplan to develop central London’s largest cleared development site The former site of the now demolished Earls Court Exhibition Centres will be transformed into a new £10bn West London neighbourhood of 4,000 homes set within 20 acres of new public open and green space Outline plans also provide for 2.5m sq ft of workspace and three new anchor cultural venues also submitted detailed plans for phase one due to start construction in 2026 Warwick Square site opposite the Earls Court Tube station This will include the first commercial spaces around 1,500 new homes in a mixed of for rent students and later living homes set around Table Park at the heart of the site The first phase will include a landmark 45-storey residential building to put Earls Court on London’s skyline Delancey is bringing forward the 40-acre transformation in a development partnership with Dutch pension fund manager APG and Transport for London’s property company Studio Egret West and Hawkins Brown are the masterplan architects for Earls Court alongside nature-based design studio SLA (Stig Lennart Andersson) as landscape architects They are working alongside Sheppard Robson and nearly half the site will be devoted to green and open public space.” Table Park at the heart of Earls Court proposals said: “Our focus has been on delivering value— environmentally and economically—while keeping the future in mind Though we can’t predict the 22nd century crafting streets and places that will become part of London’s fabric “It is unique for a development of this scale and importance to put spaces first We believe this project is a beacon of hope for the capital’s future as a leading global city.” The ambitious scheme is due to be completed in 2041 Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy London without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. London parks and a new cultural centre in Earl’s Court This sounds like it could be a pretty good thing for the area especially when London desperately needs new housing So why is the proposal getting so many objections More than 400 objections have been sent to the council from locals opposing the development proposed by the Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) Locals were concerned about the proposal of a new cycle lane along Warwick Road – they were worried that a new lane would increase traffic on the already very congested road.  One resident wrote: ‘Buses hardly move in fact people hop off the bus here and walk having to cross the very fast dangerous A road What about ambulances that use this road too I love cycling myself but I strongly object to adding this lane to one of the most contested thoroughfares in London.’ Others were concerned about an increase in the population overwhelming local services and amenities and that building tall towers would restrict daylight and create ‘wind tunnels’ The Kensington Society and London Forum were some of the groups that wrote in opposition of the project.  The scheme also received 157 letters of support with people being in favour of sprucing up the ‘run down’ area and providing new homes amidst the London housing crisis However, out of 4,000 new homes set to be built only 35 percent of them are promised to be affordable.   director of public affairs at ECDC said: ‘Earl’s Court is a 44-acre largely derelict urban brownfield site with three tube stations and an Overground train line If we cannot build the homes London desperately needs here councillor and lead member for planning and public realm said he was ‘very keen’ on the development He said: ‘The planning process is under way and I see it as positive that so many people care about their community and have given their views on the application Many of their objections include positive improvements that could be incorporated and our officers will now fully review the application and all the representations that we had in the consultation.’ The first phase of project is due to begin in 2025 1,300 homes plus shops and cafés.  15 London boroughs are increasing council tax – and thousands of residents will soon have to pay for the first time.  This iconic central London bridge is being restored, with works starting this week.  Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us The Earls Court display at the Goodwood Revival is a car show within a motorsport event Revival celebrates the period of 1948-1966 but when you walk through the doors into Earl’s Court you are teleported to the future where manufacturers display their current wares alongside heritage cars that are more in keeping with the Revival era The first thing you see on entry is the BMW Arcade, the setting complete with games among the German firm’s new and old machinery. The highlight here is the CSL ‘Batmobile’. Next door is the related Mini brand The setting here is Issi’s Launderette the name a nod to the designer of the original Mini One of his miniature masterpieces is sandwiched between two towering Acemans the new electric crossover from the modern era.  Continuing around the outskirts of the show hall is Jaguar while Revival-goers get their glimpse of the ‘future’ with the Silk Cut-liveried XJR-9 and a current Formula E car Completing the outer loop of the exhibition hall is the Alpine stand The foursquare Renault 5-based A290 EV is lined up alongside a dainty rear engined A106 it’s this pairing that perhaps illustrates most starkly the development in performance cars There’s a huge contrast between the skinny-tyred composite bodied classic and the new electric hot hatch Stay in the know with our newsletters that contain all the latest motorsport news By clicking ‘sign up’ you are accepting the terms of Goodwood’s privacy notice. 5,800 bales have been recylced into the biomass energy centre to be used for energy generation Kensington and Chelsea council demand ‘grafitti’ is removed despite hundreds signing petition for it to stay News | London Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice A resident who commissioned a mural of Mary Poppins on a rooftop wall in Earl’s Court as a “picture of hope” has been ordered to take it down Kensington and Chelsea councillors overruled their own planning officers to order Patrick Spens to remove the design saying it had caused “demonstrable harm” to the local conservation area Planning committee chair James Husband said it was “quite clear” the painting had been a breach of planning control while fellow committee member cllr Sam Mackover said it was “unfortunate that things have happened like this” but added enforcement action was necessary Mr Spens can appeal the decision and submit a new planning application to keep the mural in place Council officers originally said the mural had not caused “demonstrable harm” to Earl’s Court Square But the decision was called in by local cllr Hamish Adourian who said the streets and buildings of Kensington and Chelsea were “not a canvass” He told the committee on Tuesday night: “They are not a canvass for graffiti artists the likes of which the council has quite vitally been clamping down on But nor are they a canvass for any other kind of artist “There are many different ways that expressions of joy, of levity – and goodness, those we need – some of those at times can be portrayed and I would encourage anyone interested in public art to take part in the many different initiatives available that do not involve making permanent changes to our conservation areas.” not here.” Earl’s Court Square Residents’ Association chair Chrissie Courtney said the association has been calling for the mural’s removal since February She argued allowing it to remain in place would set an “unmanageable precedent” They feel it should not be allowed in a conservation area and breaches the council’s own policies Mr Spens said he commissioned the mural as a “symbol of hope” following news of the earthquake in Morocco and flood disaster in Libya last year, according to a petition he launched after being asked to remove the painting by Kensington and Chelsea Council The petition has received more than 700 signatures he told councillors a planning application he submitted was not validated because he couldn’t confirm who the owner of the rooftop wall was He said he had always treated the wall as his own and likened the mural to artwork visible through someone’s window Singer JB Gill and Lauren Oakley top Strictly quarter-final scoreboard with 39 Musical lover Tasha Ghouri’s next Strictly dance has ‘very girl pop band’ vibe London's richest borough is prosecuting fewest rogue landlords 10 food brands and destinations to satisfy your Christmas cravings He said: “It’s just a painting of Mary Poppins I’m not trying to cause offence and I apologise if I have caused any trouble.” A report by Kensington and Chelsea planning officers said though the mural constituted a breach of planning rules it had not caused “demonstrable harm” to the local conservation area The report read: “The mural is small in scale it consists only of the share of Mary Poppins on the retained background of the gable rather than an application of paint to the full blank wall “It consists of colours not typically seen in the fabric of the buildings within the conservation area that does not predispose that the development is necessarily harmful It is apparent that the mural has been professionally created the mural does not detract when viewed on the host property as a whole It preserves the character and appearance of the conservation area and does not harm the special architectural or historic interest of the area.” Mr Spens said Kensington and Chelsea Council said they considered the painting to be “harmful graffiti” and gave him two months to apply for planning permission He claims officers said they “strongly indicated that their position will not change” and would likely result in the mural’s removal Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin UK tourists face major travel shake-up as Dubai airport set to close Royals watch historic flypast as huge crowds turns out for VE Day 80th anniversary  Royals watch historic Red Arrows flypast for VE Day 80th anniversary Welcome to housingtoday.co.uk. This site uses cookies. Read our policy Trusted media brand of the Chartered Institute of Housing By 2024-12-09T15:47:00 residents and local organisations have expressed concern about the huge scheme but 135 letters also received from those in favour Around 400 letters objecting to a £10bn plan to deliver 4,000 new homes in Earl’s Court have been submitted to Kensington and Chelsea  and Hammersmith and Fulham Councils Earl’s Court Development Company (ECDC) lodged a hybrid planning application to transform the former site of the Earls Court Exhibition Centre which was demolished a decade ago The triangular 40-acre plot is the capital’s largest cleared Zone 1 development site Already registered? Login here Stay at the forefront of thought leadership with news and analysis from award-winning journalists … or subscribe for full access - Subscribe now 17 Sep 2024 By Plans have been submitted for a major mixed-use development at Earls Court that would become one of the country’s largest regeneration schemes Construction is due to start by the end of 2026 on the multi-billion multi-decade project to redevelop the former Earls Court Exhibition Centre The Earls Court Development Company’s (ECDC’s) masterplan contains 4,000 homes 230,000 square metres of workspace and three new cultural venues across the 700,000 square metre site The plot straddles two London boroughs: Kensington and Chelsea ECDC’s plans are significantly broader than those of the site’s original developer, Capco, which pulled out of the project in 2019 Capco had originally proposed 1,000 homes across a 120,000 square metre site the Earls Court regeneration will join the ranks of the £8bn Brent Cross scheme in west London and the £6bn Meridian Water development in north London as one of the capital’s biggest construction projects after which construction would start in late 2026 The entire masterplan should be completed in 2041 Among the freshly submitted plans are detailed proposals for six buildings making up the development’s first phase to provide 1,500 homes 158 metre-tall residential building will contain 278 dual aspect homes for open-market sale neighbouring a 32-storey student accommodation building with 696 rooms Around 930 square metres of restaurant and cafe space will form part of a 27-storey 108-home building with a 280 square metre nursery at ground level Dutch pension fund manager APG and Places for London – Transport for London’s property company – worked up the plans over four years after acquiring the site in December 2019 Chief executive Rob Heasman said Earls Court would become a “place with personality” He 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.” This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth Who is Harmsworth?… Construction on the redevelopment of Leeds United FC’s Elland Road Stadium could… This story was written with AI assistance from Harmsworth McLaren Construction Midlands… Three people have been arrested as part of a Serious Fraud Office… Bam has apologised for “technical issues” that have delayed the opening of… Hundreds of objections have been filed in a bid to prevent a former West London bank being turned into a 24/7 ‘mega gaming venue’ Kensington and Chelsea council’s planning portal shows pages of submissions against Silvertime Amusements’ application for the vacant Earl’s Court Road site with a separate petition also receiving more than 750 signatures A resident and co-chair of a local group said the proposal would undermine “our community’s goals and aspirations to improve and enhance our high street” All three Earl’s Court ward councillors have also aired concerns about the scheme said another gaming venue would be ‘the wrong business Silvertime is looking to turn the former Lloyds Just over the road from Earl’s Court Underground Station it is only a few doors down from an existing Silvertime casino which would be moved into the new site if the submission is approved Woods Whur wrote: “The owners are hands-on operators and regularly visit each premises and communicate directly with neighbours All of the applicant’s AGCs (Adult Gaming Centres) are staffed by a team of experienced and trained employees.” Woods Whur further claimed the centre would increase local footfall with no unacceptable impact on residents viability and commercial character of this part of Earl’s Court town centre.” Among the listed objections received is one from the Earl’s Court Square Residents’ Association would place a 24-hour gambling site diagonally across from the station entrance and would be against what residents and the council have been trying to do i.e improve the area to make Earl’s Court Road a place that people and their families would feel safe “This is a residential area containing families with young children including tourists with families on their way to and from their hotels.” a stall was organised on Earl’s Court Road raising awareness of the proposal with a paper petition available which people could sign A further demonstration is planned on September 11 Earl’s Court ward councillors Hamish Adourian (Con) Tim Verboven and Linda Wade (both Lib Dem) are all against the scheme Cllr Wade said: “Earl’s Court residents feel that Earl’s Court Road is in decline and a poor cousin to other high streets in Kensington and Chelsea “Our high street is still recovering from the loss of the Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre and for Silvertime to expand would put at risk the improvements and initiatives designed to support change and a create a new identity so that the high street can respond and benefit from the financial uplift from the Earls Court 42-acre site development a resident and co-chair of the Earl’s Court planning and conservation group said: “Introducing a mega gaming venue completely undermines our community’s goals and aspirations to improve and enhance our high street Earl’s Court residents and businesses do not need or want any more gaming outlets We need businesses that serve the community and contribute toward its vibrancy.” The council’s public consultation on the application is to run until September 23 with a target date for a decision listed as October 14 Pictured top (from left to right): Resident Maxine del Torrents Long awaited development will include two towers of 42 and 26 storeys Business Sign up for our email featuring expert insight and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEs London's largest residential redevelopment opportunity is yet to progress Green Street’s global news publications are not provided as an investment advisor nor in the capacity of a fiduciary  Our global organization maintains information barriers to ensure the independence of and distinction between our non-regulated and regulated businesses is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 482269) and a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 06471304 A major development at Earl’s Court will be one step closer to becoming reality next week after two west London councils confirmed they will be validating the plans Hammersmith and Fulham council said it would validate Earl’s Court Development Company’s (ECDC) application for 4,000 new homes and three cultural centres on September 16 while Kensington and Chelsea Council said it would do the same next week which are responsible for granting planning permission stressed validating an application is merely confirming receipt of it and is the first step in the planning process The plans will then be made available on the councils’ planning portals and open to a period of consultation It comes as the ECDC dismissed media reports Chelsea FC was looking to build a multi-use stadium on its west London site and iterated it had no plans to add one to its proposal An ECDC spokesman said: “There is no plan within our plans for Chelsea FC to relocate to the Earls Court site shortly to be registered with both local authorities which prioritises the delivery of thousands of homes and jobs culture and open space through a well-designed and considered masterplan which has evolved over four years of engagement “This will see development commence in 2026 with the first residents and occupiers moving in from 2030 has come under renewed scrutiny after The Guardian claimed the club had held talks over ­leaving the stadium and moving to Earl’s Court to resolve their plans for a bigger arena The publication reported discussions allegedly took place between the club Transport for London (TfL) and real estate developer Delancey had had productive talks with the stakeholders and had identified the Lillie Bridge depot as the area on which to build The publication added the club would need an agreement with Chelsea Pitch Owners which holds the freehold of Stamford Bridge stadium and could block any attempt to move Increasing the capacity from 40,343 is a major priority for the owners and the diffi­culty of redeveloping the ground has led the club to look for a new site in west London But the ECDC says it is not in discussions with Chelsea FC and that the developer is regularly approached by organisations investors and potential occupiers who express an interest in being part of the future of Earls Court Chelsea FC have been contacted for comment work on the Earl’s Court site is expected to start in 2026 ECDC is proposing amenities including three cultural venues The first phase will consist of 1,000 homes ECDC also said it projects the potential redevelopment will add £1.2 billion to the economy and £100 million to the annual spend locally Pictured top: Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge home (Picture: LDRS) The Earl’s Court Development Company has submitted its ‘masterplan’ detailing its vision to deliver a new 4,000-home neighbourhood on the disused West London site While the hybrid proposal has yet to be validated both Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea councils have confirmed its receipt A Kensington and Chelsea spokesman said they are expecting to publish it on their website ‘this week’ The masterplan was first revealed for the 40-acre former Exhibition Centre site by the Earl’s Court Development Company (ECDC) in early 2023 it includes the delivery of 2.5 million square feet of workspace if approval is granted is expected to begin welcoming residents in 2030 A community hub and nursery are also planned as is a landmark 42-storey residential building which will sit on the Hammersmith and Fulham side which is a joint-venture between real estate investment company Delancey Transport for London ’s (TfL) property company is also looking to make the scheme a hub for clean and climate tech At the heart of the masterplan is a new 4.5 acre park with 20 acres of public and green space envisioned for the site overall The ECDC says it is hoping for a planning decision to be issued by the two councils next summer with construction to start on phase one in late 2026 A final completion date for the whole site is given as 2041 said the company understands its responsibility to deliver homes and employment opportunities for the capital with nearly half the site to 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 Delancey and APG purchased the site from Capco in 2019 for a sum of £425m ECDC has since spent more than four years consulting with local residents and developing the scheme director and chief executive of places for London helping revitalise the area by creating a vibrant new place to visit and boosting the local economy.” said: “Though we can’t predict the 22nd century crafting streets and places that will become part of London’s fabric Speculation about Chelsea FC potentially looking to move out of its Stamford Bridge home and build a multi-use stadium in Earl’s Court was reignited last week following an article by the Guardian suggesting talks had been held But an ECDC spokesman said there was ‘no plan’ for Chelsea FC to relocate to the site Pictured top: CGI of proposed green space within the Earl’s Court redevelopment (Picture: ECDC) Home » Blogs » Inside the transformation: David Miguel Marques on Mercure & Ibis London Earls Court’s dual-brand era with Accor Venue correspondent Kristyna O’Connell sits down with hotel director of sales and marketing at Accor David Miguel Marques to talk about his journey through the hotel industry and into ibis London Earls Court Coming from a family rooted in the hospitality industry David Miguel Marques was no stranger to the world of hotels His father dedicated 40 years to the hotel business making it a natural path for Marques to follow starting his own journey at the Marriott Marble Arch in 2009 having joined the food and beverage department there and even co-created a bar menu inspired by the local area with a twist on local middle eastern culture with a colleague Marques then joined the Marriott Voyage Graduate Programme and moved to the London Heathrow Marriott where he spent a year in various F&B management roles working as a conference and banqueting supervisor “I eventually considered moving to rooms division and operations but I was drawn to sales and marketing as I’m quite outgoing and curious.” After gaining experience in a cluster sales role with Heathrow Marriott properties joining a sales office which would manage the sale of all MICE & Group business on behalf of 22 hotels within distinct brands such as JW Marriott he joined The Waldorf Hilton as a sales manager for Corporate expanding his expertise into Consortia and higher end leisure from the US and Canadian leisure markets Following roles in luxury and boutique hotels remaining open primarily for government business and key workers there was always a plan to reposition and refurbish the hotel focusing first on Ibis rooms as it was still branded under Ibis at the time Most of 2022 was spent navigating these early stages addressing operational adjustments post-COVID and planning for the refurbishment efforts were dedicated to finalising designs for the Mercure look transforming the hotel into a blend of old and new Transforming challenges into opportunities the process of becoming dual-branded had its own challenges Marques mentions that one of the biggest challenges with the repositioning was the management of multiple timelines transitioning from one brand to two under one roof “We’ve been focused on growing  our hotel brand perception within Ibis while creating the Mercure experience This involves handling two property management systems we’re essentially managing two hotels of 508 bedrooms Maintaining service while growing business and planning for these changes was complex especially as we stayed operational throughout the refurbishment.” He shares that there were two rewarding aspects of the process: growing the team and seeing members develop from coordinators to department heads which is rare in an industry where people move frequently Knowing that we’ve had a positive impact on their careers is very fulfilling the complexity of this project is something I’m proud of Few hotels undergo a transformation like ours going from one brand to two with such intricate logistics It’s been a unique journey that challenges the norm and I believe many of our team won’t experience another project quite like this in their careers.” Discussing the large multi-million investment which fuelled the repositioning of Ibis and Mercure Marques says: “The investment has been significant and upcoming facilities like a gym and enhancing the meeting offering Our main goal is to expand our meetings and events business to attract more blue-chip clients and larger residential meetings We also aim to retain our leisure partners many of whom have been with us for decades This property is positioned to be a top-tier hotel under the Mercure brand He adds: “We’re positioned well for both MICE and leisure clients guests can choose based on style and price point without compromising on the consistent quality across our experiences and Food & Beverage offerings It’s advantageous for clients to select between a minimalist industrial-style Ibis room or a premium Mercure room while knowing the dining and service experience will be uniform.” Marques says: “We’ve managed to make the hotel feel boutique-like despite its size I’ve often dreaded long waits and queues in large hotels but our designers created a lobby with multiple check-in points Guests don’t feel like one of 508 rooms; they receive that individual touch That’s what I think the designers did best and it’s my favourite space in the hotel.” From starting his first job at Marriott in 2009 in the food and beverage department to becoming the hotels director of sales and marketing for Accor Marques’ journey portrays resilience and strength in leadership As the hotel evolves into a brand-new dual-branded property and the transformation is completed Home » News » Mercure and ibis London Earls Court open as dual-branded property under Accor The ibis London Earls Court Hotel has repositioned as a dual-branded property Following a multi-million-pound refurbishment over the past 2 years the property has opened in a phased approach along with 226 ibis entry level rooms and 144 Mercure rooms 46 additional Mercure rooms will be completed by September this year with project completion due in February 2025.  The property features meeting spaces for up to 1,200 guests making it ideal for conferences and social events is perfect for hosting gala dinners and other evening functions The hotel also offers five smaller rooms suitable for business meetings with capacity up to 50 guests general manager at Mercure and ibis London Earls Court Hotel said: “The multi-million-pound redevelopment underlines our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for all of our guests We are delighted to offer an affordable yet comfortable hotel for visitors to London who can benefit from our excellent location close proximity to some of the city’s most popular attractions COO Managed Hotels (PME) at Accor said: “Mercure and Ibis London Earl’s Court is an exciting new addition to Accor’s extensive UK portfolio in a competitive London location steeped in history The team have worked hard on this extensive renovation project and this property is the perfect representation of what the future holds for two of Accor’s most iconic brands.” 11 Feb 2025 By Already registered? please Log in to continue Try Property Week For Free to finish this article To access this article TRY FOR FREE NOW Don't want full access? 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SIGN IN here to continue Property Week’s 2025 Power of Proptech survey seeks to explore the robustness of this digital infrastructure and how prepared businesses are to meet the technological challenges facing the property sector Published on 10th July 2024 by ianVisits in Architecture, Churn, London Ticket Alert The former Earl’s Court exhibition centre is currently a flattened building site waiting for a large there’s a chance to get a closer look from the sidelines of the site and hear more about what’s being planned — oh and see the expanse of land that’s been cleared revealing parts of the London Underground that’s been hidden from view for decades a concrete structure that looms over the site to hear about their plans This tour will be available on the third Wednesday of most months Note that there isn’t wheelchair access to The Table Tickets are free and available from here there are tours on 21st August and 16th October a short road close to West Brompton station or a short walk from Earl’s Court station I wonder if once the development is eventually complete the closed tube entrance will reopen Watching Secrets of the Underground it appears to be all intact Definitely going to sign up to see this and hopefully see some of the plans for what will be there in future Because then they wont know if two people are turning up Is that where the Empress State Building was I did several IT courses there in the mid/late 70s During the lunch breaks we were allowed to go to the observation lounge on the top floor – superb views across London and of low-flying planes approaching Heathrow The Empress State Building is still there – it’s in the top-right of the photo that Ian posted up The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) responsible for bringing forward the transformation of the former Earls Court Exhibition Centre site is now accepting applications for its 2025 Community Fund the fund will grant a total of £180,000 to social impact projects within the Earls Court Opportunity Area Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to £15,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months Hammersmith & Fulham Giving is overseeing the grants programme with support from the Kensington + Chelsea Foundation organisations must be not-for-profit and operate within the designated opportunity area Eligible projects should focus on promoting health and wellbeing or supporting young people in developing both career-specific and soft skills The Earls Court Community Fund has awarded £720,000 to 37 local organisations since its inception in 2021 In 2024 alone the economic impact of the fund created £237,500 of additional spend in the local area and £4.1 million of social impact through a range of projects There will be a two-stage application process The deadline for the First Stage Application is Wednesday 30th April at midday shortlisted applicants will have a further three-week period to complete the full application Successful organisations will be notified in August 2025 with funding expected to be awarded in September for projects to begin in October To apply for a grant, please complete the First Stage Application form – click here. To find out more and to review the full guidelines – click here Social Impact and Community Relations at The Earls Court Development Company “The Earls Court Community Fund is an impactful way to invest in the people and places that make this area unique we see how local organisations translate their grants into real We look forward to seeing this year’s applications for initiatives that enrich the community through strengthening community ties “We’re delighted to be working to deliver The Earls Court Community Fund for a second year ECDC’s commitment to social impact and funding local organisations that support the community in and around Earls Court is fantastic We know how important funding like this is to charities and community organisations across Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea We’ve worked with ECDC to streamline the process this year to make it simpler for organisations to apply to the fund meaning less time applying and more time carrying out their vital The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) is an Earls Court-based business responsible for the transformation of the c.44-acre site on behalf of the Earls Court Partnership Limited – a joint venture formed in December 2019 between Delancey (on behalf of its client funds) the Dutch pension fund manager APG and Transport for London after four years of discussion and engagement with local communities ECDC submitted the Hybrid Planning Applications (part outline part detailed) to the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea three cultural venues and retail and leisure set within 20 acres of open space and public realm Detailed plans were submitted for the first phase of development which includes a significant proportion of green the first office building and a cultural venue Construction of the first phase is planned to begin in 2026 The Earls Court development will be a place for everyone a new piece of city which acts as a blueprint for future generations With an ambition to be a global exemplar of sustainability it will be a neighbourhood designed for all stages of life bringing homes open space and community uses within a landscape-led development Sign up to get LondonDaily.News delivered to your inbox Travel Daily Media Boost your business & benchmark against your competitors with TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – start your entry here » TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – start your entry here » Don't have an account? 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Login Enter your new password below to complete the reset process the new lifestyle hotel brand from InterGlobe Enterprises marking the brand’s debut in the UK and the fourth opening in Europe in less than a year The property is located in the historic Earl’s Court an area once home to world-renowned writers the hotel exemplifies Miiro’s commitment to setting new standards in hospitality by blending contemporary design with timeless English elegance Templeton Garden features 156 rooms and suites with many offering gorgeous views of the garden that forms the green heart of the hotel while upholding the area’s leafy heritage The hotel’s contemporary interiors have been carefully thought out and created in collaboration with some of the highly acclaimed British designers to create a peaceful sanctuary for guests and locals alike Each space is designed to serve as a calming urban retreat The restaurant and bar at Templeton Garden overlook the hotel’s own garden A specially designed and hand-painted mural by a decorative artist depicts the garden’s plants an art collection selected to complement the neutral interiors and highlight local artists is on display Additional hotel spaces include a comfortable area that welcomes guests as they enter the property The Library —offering a curated collection of works by iconic authors Indian travellers seeking an authentic and enriching London experience will find a unique haven in Templeton Garden The hotel provides a charming and comfortable base for exploring the city’s rich history and vibrant culture The property embodies the spirit of its surroundings and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the true essence of London life CEO of Miiro and Executive Director of Group Strategy and International Hospitality at InterGlobe Enterprises comments: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of Templeton Garden the latest addition to Miiro’s growing collection of characterful boutique hotels across Europe It beautifully embodies our promise to deliver ‘Brilliantly Considered Stays’ that connect guests with the local community With its elegant design and lush garden oasis Templeton Garden is set to become London’s newest local favourite.” presents a characterful collection of individually designed hotels nestled in the heart of Europe’s most vibrant cities Each property thoughtfully embodies the unique culture actively reflecting the local essence to offer guests a truly immersive experience Building on InterGlobe’s established track record of identifying market opportunities and setting new industry benchmarks Miiro curates ‘Brilliantly Considered Stays’ that deeply connect travellers with local culture elevating and redefining the hospitality experience joins the existing Miiro portfolio of hotels in Paris along with new properties opening soon in Vienna InterGlobe has hotel properties in Amsterdam Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Connect with your clients by working with our in-house brand studio using our expertise and media reach to help you create and craft your message in video and podcast Sign up for free newsletters and get more TDM delivered to your inbox and more info about our products and services '+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text+' "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title+" "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text+" The notion of Chelsea moving a mile up the road to Earls Court is at least as old as the (21st Century) notion of Chelsea needing to do something about the future of Stamford Bridge the verse was already abuzz with the possibility: Earls Court was still Earls Court back then before its final major bow at the 2012 Summer Olympics after which then it was knocked down and sold on to property developers then sold on to some other property developers the idea of Chelsea buying (at least part of) the land for a new stadium has been raised None of the property developers have ever envisioned a football stadium as part of their development, and that remains true to this day. (And now also confirmed by the current developers.) But what is also true is that none of the property developers have ever actually gotten to develop any actual properties on the now derelict site which is the worst situation for all involved: the developers Statement from the Earls Court Development Company: "There is no plan within our plans for Chelsea FC to relocate to the Earls Court site which prioritises the delivery of thousands of homes… appropriately enough) if and when the planning permission isn’t granted by being deemed “too expensive” (The site straddles the border between the two councils That’s all very speculative and tenuous at best and that’s before we even get to the other big speculative and tenuous part who own the actual freehold upon which Stamford Bridge sits and also Abramovich himself ran afoul of the CPO when he tried to strongarm us into a sale back in 2010 and that’s only served to galvanize the resolve of the group ever since The CPO may or may not approve a potential move to Earls Court but at the very least it’s going to take a lot of convincing All that said, and beloved and iconic as it may be, the Bridge has gotten old, small (relatively speaking), and far from modern standards in many respects. Something has to be done about it, and fairly soon. Personally, I still mourn the Cathedral of Football that never got realized and hold out hope that those plans could somehow be resurrected.. Chief Sports ReporterPublished: Invalid Date GOVERNMENT cash could ease the way for Chelsea to move from Stamford Bridge to a new site at Earl’s Court Manchester United’s plans to knock down Old Trafford and build a new 100,000-capacity ground as the centrepiece of an entertainment and housing complex have been earmarked for funding from the Government And a similar approach from Whitehall to allow the redevelopment of the current Stamford Bridge for housing could be backed by planning chiefs in Chelsea’s home borough Chelsea have been linked with a move away from their home since 1905 for nearly two decades Plans for a £500m total rebuild for a new 60,000-capacity venue were finally confirmed in 2015 Those plans, though, were scrapped in 2018 after former owner Roman Abramovich had his “golden visa” to stay in the UK scrapped by the then-Government following the Salisbury poisoning attack by Russian agents The latest plans for the redevelopment of the site include 4,000 homes, a shopping centre and a park, with no provision for a football stadium. But the idea of the club moving to Earl's Court could be back on the agenda - with the possibility of Government funding similar to the Man Utd plan. Hammersmith and Fulham Council could then seek to use the 14-acre current stadium site to meet its housing needs and rejuvenate the area. The Chelsea Pitch Owners - the supporter group which owns the freehold of the Stamford Bridge site  - would have to first agree to a move The CPO was given the freehold by former owner Ken Bates after he won his battle with development companies who threatened to bulldoze the club into the ground in the 1990s Provisions of that deal means that the CPO can block the club moving to another site and playing under the name of Chelsea FC without their consent Up in Manchester, United are planning to build a £2billion, 100,000-seater stadium Chancellor Rachel Reeves has revealed that she will champion the regeneration project put forward by Man Utd's stadium task force The project will not only make changes to the Man Utd stadium Red Devils bosses are yet to make a final decision on refurbishing Old Trafford or knocking it down to build a brand-new home. While United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has pushed for a new "Wembley of the north" project It's reported that a final decision will be made before the end of the current season Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ Detectives investigating the alleged rape of a man in Earl’s Court are appealing for the public’s help to identify a man captured on CCTV was riding a bike with a food delivery bag on his back with dark hair and a distinctive large angular nose The victim and the suspect spoke for a few minutes after which it is alleged that the victim was raped He is being supported by specialist officers The suspect left the scene shortly afterwards cycling out of Hesper Mews and turning left into Bramham Gardens Detectives have now released a CCTV image of the man they wish to trace inside a nearby shop and are urging anyone who recognises him to come forward They are also appealing for anyone who lives in Hesper Mews or who was there in the early hours of October 4 to think carefully about whether they might have seen or heard anything unusual Anyone who has CCTV or doorbell cameras and who hasn’t yet spoken to officers is asked to check them to make sure nothing of note has been captured Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or message @MetCC on X Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers Pictured top: The man police want to speak to (Picture: The Met) There is no plan for Chelsea to relocate to a new stadium on the former Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre site according to the company managing a multi-billion pound redevelopment project on the land A media report on Tuesday claimed Chelsea have held talks with real estate developers Delancey who own the 40-acre site in south west London and Transport for London as they explore the possibility of moving the club away from its historic Stamford Bridge home The Earl’s Court Development Company (ECDC) intends to present its masterplan for a mixed use development that would include the construction of 4,000 new homes, extensive retail and office space, three large cultural and performance venues and an urban park to Hammersmith and Fulham council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council next week “There is no plan within our plans for Chelsea FC to relocate to the Earl’s Court site,” ECDC said in a statement “This will see development commence in 2026 with the first residents and occupiers moving in from 2030 The Chelsea ownership crisis: Why Clearlake and Boehly's marriage is at breaking point Should planning permission be granted to ECDC’s proposed development Chelsea’s path to building a new stadium on the Earl’s Court land – the most logical alternative to revamping or rebuilding Stamford Bridge – would become more complicated with no other obvious sites available in London’s crowded southwest corridor led by president and chief operating officer Jason Gannon and have not committed to building a new stadium at Stamford Bridge despite finalising a land deal to purchase the 1.2-acre Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions site adjacent to the ground from Stoll Veterans Housing Charity in November Any deal to purchase the Earl’s Court site from Delancey would be expensive before the costs associated with building a new stadium are factored in A permanent move away from Stamford Bridge must also be approved by a 76 per cent majority of Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) shareholders the supporter group who own the freehold to the land on which the current stadium sits as well as the name ‘Chelsea Football Club’ Chelsea’s attempts to move forward with a firm stadium plan could also be hampered by the breakdown in relations between majority shareholder Clearlake Capital and co-controlling owner Todd Boehly with both sides exploring options to buy out the other (Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images) Todd Boehly is looking into moving Chelsea's home from Stamford Bridge to a new stadium built in Earl's Court Chelsea have received a fresh stadium blow as Todd Boehly has been warned over his £500m plan for a new home at Earl's Court