Plans to redevelop the Earls Court and West Kensington Opportunity Area into an new urban district containing 7,500 newhomes have been approved by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC).
The £8bn scheme for the site which sits across two boroughs was approved by Hammersmith & Fulham Council in September.
Property owners Capital & Counties will proceed with plans to demolish the old exhibition halls and welcomed the decision made last night (22 November) by RBKC council’s planning committee.
The Earls Court and West Kensington Opportunity Area (ECOA) will be created under Sir Terry Farrell’s masterplan concept of ‘Four Urban Villages and a 21st Century High Street’ and is inspired by the best of London including garden squares, mansion blocks and open space. Twelve thousand new jobs are promised by the project.
Ian Hawksworth, Chief Executive of Capco, said he was “delighted” the Earls Court Masterplan had been approved by both RBKC and LHBF.
“The project has real momentum and we look forward to working with the local authorities to deliver Sir Terry’s vision for a new urban quarter in this exciting part of London,” he said.
The Section 106 agreement, which provides for significant investment in improvements in the area including transport, employment and training, is being finalised with the local authorities. The Greater London Authority is also considering its Stage 2 report on the Masterplan which is anticipated in the coming weeks.
RBKC officials said the plan complied with the London Plan and “provides appropriate and proportionate measures to mitigate the impact of the loss of the exhibition centre on business and employment”.
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