Statement of Community Involvement

LCA/ECDC EC.PA.23 July 2024

We are creating a place the world will watch with wonder, on London’s iconic site of human ingenuity.

rough our masterplan, we will reimagine the very fabric of living, working and urban wellbeing for London and future spaces.

Attracting the world’s most inventive, imaginative and extraordinary minds. at place is Earls Court.

Our four place pillars underpin our vision and set the ambitions for the place we want to create.

Nature

A celebration of nature and its ability to connect and revive.

Innovation

A showcase for climate and clean innovation and skills.

Culture

A cultural ecosystem for the future of talent.

Neighbourhood

An inspiring neighbourhood designed for all stages of life.

Foreword

After four years of deep consideration and collaboration with stakeholders and local people, The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) is delighted to present the ambitious future plans for this iconic Site.

We formed in 2021 during the lockdown imposed by the first global pandemic in a century, an era which was both disruptive and formative, demanding that we reflect and reassess how we will be living in the future. There could be no more engaging mission for a team specifically assembled to design a place fit for the 22nd century.

As a team, ECDC shares a passion for transformational inner-city projects, and collectively have wide-ranging experiences from diverse international projects. Together, we are driven to fulfil the opportunities of this complex strategic Site for London and rightfully put Earls Court as a place back on the global map.

Our intent from the very beginning, was to take a different approach to community involvement in shaping design. Setting up as a local business and being right next to Site everyday, working closely with both local authorities, the Mayor's office, local businesses and our neighbours has been fundamental in shaping our plans for the Site, which we believe are more relevant and exciting for it.

We have listened and taken huge inspiration from Earls Court's heritage, as a place that dared – to showcase, to entertain and celebrate the spectacular.

A place that was so clearly cherished for being bold and brave, welcoming people from across the globe.

Our plans retain that innovative spirit that embraces future thinking – an approach we believe has become more important now than ever before. An approach that continues to drive us to create a global exemplar of sustainability.

We understand our responsibility to deliver much needed homes and employment opportunities for London. 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 is fully inclusive to all that come to experience it.

The masterplan has been created to prioritise urban wellbeing and includes a network of Exhibition Gardens that will be open and accessible for everyone to enjoy. We're creating a pedestrian-first environment alive with daytime and evening active uses. This generosity of open space is evident at key arrival points as well as the unique Table Park and Lillie Sidings.

Our commitment to create a better piece of city has been evidenced over the last three years as we have welcomed over 500,000 people back onto Site to enjoy a programme of events that nod to the past and point to the future of Earls Court.

ECDC began with a mantra 'to make haste slowly' and ensure we took the time to both listen and appreciate the world of Earls Court, which helped to establish the early vision to bring the wonder back to Earls Court.

Now, after over four years of consideration, we are proud to present our hybrid planning submission to the authorities for determination – a key milestone to enable the future of Earls Court as a place, once again, to discover wonder.

Rob Heasman CEO

The Earls Court Development Company

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Introduction

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

5.0 Consultees – Who We Have Spoken to

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

7.0 Developing the Vision

8.0 Framework Principles

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

11.0 Character Areas

12.0 Detailed Buildings

13.0 Design Code

14.0 P ublic Realm Inclusivity Panel

15.0 Conclusion Appendices

1.0 Executive Summary

1.0 Executive Summary

Executive Summary

This Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) has been prepared by LCA in partnership with The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC). It is submitted as part of two Hybrid Planning Applications, one submitted to the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (‘LBHF’) and one submitted to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (‘RBKC’).

The Hybrid Applications have been submitted on behalf of the Earls Court Partnership Limited (‘ECPL’), (‘The Applicant’). Together the RBKC and LBHF Proposed Developments form the Earls Court Development which comprises the redevelopment of the Site.

As a locally based business, ECDC has been consulting with the local community in and around Earls Court on the vision and plans for the redevelopment of the former Exhibition Centres Site for the last four years. This consultation process is part of a much broader commitment to deliver genuine long-lasting community benefit. On the following page we summarise our engagement activities.

Seeking to establish best practice in consultation and genuine pre-application engagement, ECDC has put in place a broad and deep process, which focuses on providing

genuine opportunities for dialogue and input. An important part of developing a successful masterplan engagement is the broader community outreach and engagement, which establishes critical relationships, helps build trust and ensures a recognisable face to ECDC.

The process has involved a variety of initiatives including establishing a Community Hub hosting a range of events, services and activities; the Earls Court Community Fund which has provided 60 cash grants to 32 organisations since 2021; and an extensive programme of work with schools, youth groups and young people. More information on these activities and initiatives can be found in the supporting Social Value and Economic Impact Report (Appendix 9). The ECDC team has also regularly volunteered in the local community, building strong personal relationships and engaging with charities and community groups to ensure their voices have been heard.

This engagement and consultation has directly informed the the design evolution of the proposals and the table on the right summarises the key metrics of our engagement over the last four years.

Since 2020 the project has:

Ensured a visible presence that allows us to welcome consultees in an environment close to their homes and places of work

Visited 3,353 addresses during door knocking activities, resulting in face-to-face conversations with 814 households

Hosted 1,917 visitors at ECDC exhibitions, including at Conversation Corner, held over a total of 116 exhibition days

Received 2,707 Commonplace survey contributions (including hard copies) from 1,518 unique respondents

Mailed out 10 newsletters and 19 flyers – from 2023 to a mailing lists consisting of up to 63,673 addresses

Involved 12 local schools and 722 local children and young people in design workshops

Held 50+ tours with local people and other key stakeholders

Sent regular email updates to over 2,500 community and political stakeholders, including members of the public who have engaged with the consultation and requested regular updates

Received 160,416 unique visitors to the ECDC website, where a summary of all consultation materials and findings are displayed

Welcomed 532 attendees to 27 community masterplan and area-based workshops with the Design Team to understand their views and give local people the opportunity to shape development of the masterplan

Held 25 meetings of the project’s dedicated Public Realm Inclusivity Panel (PRIP) and the associated Safety Panel. The 22 different people who have served as members of the PRIP have dedicated over 800 hours of their time to meetings and research as part of the Panel, with the ECDC team and Design Team spending 198 hours with the Panel members

1.0 Executive Summary

Masterplan Changes in Response to Engagement

Vision established with the community

Over the first two years, ECDC asked local people what they valued about the history and existing character of Earls Court and what they wanted to see in the future redevelopment of the Site. This shaped the vision to 'bring the wonder back' and the four priorities for the Site.

Creating new walkable connections

The community fed back that the Exhibition Centres had been a barrier to movement, and they wanted more connections across the Site, particularly east-west between West Kensington and Earl's Court Station. In response, the masterplan evolved to incorporate better connectivity, even across the challenging level changes brought about by existing infrastructure.

More open space

A key theme throughout all phases of consultation has been people's desire for more publicly accessible green open space. As a result, the Design Team has progressively increased the amount of open space provision, including enlarging the central open space and extending green connections.

Changes to massing and number of tall buildings

In response to engagement feedback, the total amount of development was reduced by 10%. This included the removal of one of the taller buildings as well as reducing three others to be of similar height to the Empress State Building, and changes to the tops of the tallest buildings to improve the elegance of the design.

Inclusion of cultural venues and employment spaces

Local people's recollections of the Exhibition Centres and what 'wonder' meant to them directly informed the incorporation of indoor and outdoor cultural and event spaces within the proposals, as well as more employment space and opportunities, which were not a major feature of the previously consented scheme.

An inclusive public realm for everyone

The Public Realm Inclusivity Panel (PRIP) has acted as a co-design partner and critical friend to the Design Team over the last two years, from inputting into the first design briefs for Aisgill Gardens and Warwick Square to advising on the detail of specific design coding for the public realm, ensuring an inclusive approach.

Stepping buildings down towards the edges

Feedback from consultation workshops influenced the evolution of the Proposed Development's massing, reducing and stepping down the massing of buildings to the Site's sensitive edges, and the development of specific design codes to manage edge conditions.

Re-use of existing structures and recognising heritage and local typologies

Consultation has confirmed support for the principle of retaining historic structures including the Train Shed, the Table deck and the character of Empress Place, as well as the design heritage associated with the former Exhibition Centres, re-interpreted in a contemporary way. Feedback also requested the use of local typologies such as crescents

and mansion blocks and this has been reflected in the final Phase 1 building designs and the Design Code.

We heard that local people wanted to see the use of robust, timeless materials and so the design proposals include the use of brick, stone, glazed ceramics and wood wherever possible.

Neighbourhoods and facilities for all stages of life

Local people asked for a range of housing types, including the provision of affordable homes, and for community facilities. Survey responses on Ground Floor uses have directly influenced the brief for the new Community Hub to include a cafe and flexible spaces for fitness and education uses, and the Retail Strategy for the Proposed Development to include spaces that could be used as a gym or cinema.

When surveyed about the key changes ECDC had made to the revised masterplan issued in November 2023, 76% of people who responded were either happy or satisfied with the proposals (results detailed in Section 6.6 of this SCI).

2.0 Introduction

2.0 Introduction

The Applicant

The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) is responsible for driving the transformation of the c. 18-hectare former Earls Court Exhibition Centres Site on behalf of the Earls Court Partnership Limited (ECPL).

ECPL, the Applicant, is a joint venture between Delancey (on behalf of its client funds) and the Dutch pension fund manager, APG and Transport for London (TfL) that was formed in December 2019.

Based on Site at Empress Place since late 2020, ECDC is a proud local business responsible for driving the transformation of the former Earls Court Exhibition Centres Site, Central London’s largest cleared development opportunity.

ECDC led the consultation and engagement process set out in this document. The SCI has been prepared by LCA on behalf of ECDC, with input from Kanda Consulting, ZCD Architects and the wider team of architects and landscape designers.

The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) team

2.0 Introduction

The Site

The Site occupies an area of approximately 18 hectares (179,956 sq m) and is located in both the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), in West London. The Site area associated with the RBKC Hybrid Planning Application is approximately 8 hectares (78,561 sq m) and the Site area associated with the LBHF Hybrid Planning Application is approximately 10 hectares (101,395 sq m).

The LBHF and RBKC administrative boundary bisects the Site along a northwest-southeast axis from Lillie Road to West Cromwell Road.

The RBKC Site is bound to the north by West Cromwell Road, to the east by Warwick Road, Philbeach Gardens (including 1 Cluny Mews) and Eardley Crescent, to the south by Lillie Road and Old Brompton Road and to the east by the West London Railway Line (WLL), and 1 Cluny Mews.

The LBHF Site is bound to the west by North End Road, Beaumont Avenue, the former Gibbs Green School, properties fronting Gibbs Green Close, and properties fronting Dieppe Close, to the north by West Cromwell Road, to the east by the West London Railway Line (WLL), to the south by Lillie Road and to the southeast by land comprising the Empress State Building and Aisgill Avenue.

Aerial view of the Earls Court SIte

2.0 Introduction

Site Development History

As set out in the Planning Statement that forms part of this application, the former Earls Court Exhibition Centres Site has an extensive planning history. In 2013, plans to redevelop the Earls Court Site formed part of a consented Outline Planning Application with associated approvals for Reserved Matters Applications (RMAs) by Capital and Counties (Capco). As part of the previous planning consent, the Exhibition Centres were demolished in 2015, but nothing was built out on the Site.

The scheme proposed by Capital and Counties (Capco) covered a larger area, almost twice the size of this Hybrid Planning Application, and included the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates to the west of the Site within Hammersmith and Fulham. The previous scheme involved the redevelopment of these Estates with a largely residential-led proposal, a significant amount of car parking, and only a small quantum of affordable housing which would have been located outside the main development Site. There was significant local opposition to elements of the scheme, and although the proposal was consented the scheme was not progressed. In 2019, Capco sold their interests in the Earls Court Site.

Following the change of Site ownership in 2019, a decision was made to hand the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates back to LBHF. This marked a fresh approach to a masterplan for the Site based on working with new priorities from the local authorities, local communities and broader stakeholders.

Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West were appointed as joint architects to start the process of developing a new masterplan for the Site. From 2020, a new team was formed, including establishment of The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) and assembly of a range of professionals with extensive experience of major scale redevelopment, urban design, community engagement and consultation.

An early objective of ECDC was to ensure the new scheme was developed in collaboration with local people. Embedding the concept of genuine consultation and co-production was a central theme for the company, our architects and consultants. This Statement sets out the range of activities and initiatives that were carried out.

Project and engagement timeline

December 2019

Purchase of the Site from the previous owner, Capco.

Developing the vision

Winter 2021

Engagement on our vision to bring the wonder back’ to Earls Court. (Phase 4)

2020

Establishment of The Earls Court Development Company.

Listening and understanding local priorities

Spring/Summer 2020

The first of eight engagement and consultation phases began, focused on building a rich picture of the Site and its history. This included an open day event in March 2020, the first Commonplace survey, stakeholder interviews and market research questionnaires. As this partially took place during Covid-19 restrictions, online and open air methods were used. (Phase 1)

Autumn 2021

Stakeholder tours that informed the development of the emerging guiding principles for the Site. (Phase 3)

Winter 2021

Series of walks and workshops with local groups involving young people, older people and those with disabilities.

Consultation on the draft

Illustrative Masterplan

February 2023

Draft released for consultation. (Phase 7)

Summer 2023

Continuing PRIP and community masterplan workshops.

Illustrative Masterplan update and consultation on Character Areas and Phase 1 buildings

Spring 2022

Summer 2021

Three family fun days with a range of activities took place, both on and off the Site. Members of the project team were on hand to provide information and encourage attendees to provide feedback via a survey. (Phase 2)

Consultation on framework principles

Community masterplan workshops begin.

September 2022

June 2022

Launch of the first public consultation on the initial Framework layout; masterplanning workshops for local residents and businesses. (Phase 5)

Conversation Corner reopened to update people on feedback received to date. (Phase 6)

November 2023

Updated Illustrative Masterplan and Detailed buildings proposals presented for consultation. (Phase 8)

March 2024

Updated exhibition of Detailed proposals for Phase 1 buildings and the Design Codes, and series of near-neighbour workshops.

2022

Public Realm Inclusivity Panel (PRIP) formally launched.

April/May 2024

Community masterplan workshop on transport and movement and near neighbour workshops.

July 2024 Hybrid Planning Application submitted.

2.0 Introduction

Structure

This Statement of Community Involvement sets out:

- Methodology:

The various methods, both formal and informal, used to consult and obtain feedback on the designs

- Community consultees: Who has been consulted and when

- Wider outreach and impact:

The wider community outreach activities carried out by ECDC that have been used to develop positive relationships locally and generate wider social value

- Consultation activities by phase: Eight key phases of engagement including key design responses

- Conclusion: Summary of the key changes to the Proposed Development arising from community involvement

- Appendices: Including consultation and promotional materials

Hoarding on Old Brompton Road featuring artwork co-created by the Earls Court Youth Club and Global Street Art

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

This section sets out the methodology for consultation that took place in phases, within a regular programme of ongoing community engagement activity. ECDC, with its consultant partners, conducted a wide ranging, innovative and comprehensive consultation that was both deep and broad, to ensure that maximum opportunity was provided for people to feed into the developing design proposals.

The public consultation to date has spanned more than four years, two of which were during the Covid-19 pandemic. Social distancing constraints encouraged the team to diversify engagement methods, using digital engagement such as webinars and online surveys as well as greater use of outdoor events such as family fun days.

The holding of collaborative community workshops which embraced the principles of co-design and participation has driven the design approach. The depth of involvement has been aided by the extensive programme of community outreach and investment undertaken.

The establishment of a Public Realm Inclusivity Panel has seen its members interrogate, critique and refine the design principles to ensure an inclusive and accessible approach to landscape and buildings. Taken together, these innovative approaches to engagement have resulted at each stage in improved proposals, culminating in a Planning Application that has genuinely been shaped by local people.

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Agreed Approach with Local Authorities

Given the scale of the proposals and the added complexity of the Site spanning two local authorities, LBHF and RBKC, close collaboration with the officers has been an important part of the process from the outset.

The engagement undertaken throughout the consultation process has exceeded guidance on community engagement in both Local Authorities, namely LBHF's revised Statement of Community Involvement (2015) and RBKC's amended Statement of Community Involvement (2020). Representations were also made to RBKC's Development Forum and LBHF's Design Review Panel, as well as other methods.

Before and during each phase of engagement, the methodology and approach were shared with officers in both boroughs for approval. The venues and events were selected to give equal weighting in each borough as far as possible. Regular consultation and feedback meetings were held with officers to update on engagement activity, and feedback reports were distributed with borough-specific insight highlighted.

Local ward councillors were regularly engaged through meetings and briefings, and both councillors and officers were invited to attend all community workshops and meetings as observers.

The Site viewed from the north-west. The dashed line down the middle indicates the boundary between RBKC and LBHF.

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Stakeholder Meetings

Throughout the duration of the consultation to date, meetings have been taking place with a wide range of local, regional and national stakeholders.

These meetings took place in a variety of ways, some as briefing meetings, others as tours, local walk and talks, or ECDC participation in society meetings, AGM or open days.

ECDC continued to meet with the key local amenity and resident groups on a regular basis. Feedback from meetings was then passed back to the Design Team, with issues raised also being fed into the consultation report for each phase. These also covered feedback from the key local amenity societies including, but not limited to: the Earl's Court Society, Fulham Society, Hammersmith Society, Friends of Brompton Cemetery and Kensington Society. For these groups we encouraged questions to

be submitted in advance of meetings, and during meetings, and where relevant ECDC provided a written response afterwards.

Whilst debate and discussion was often robust and detailed, ECDC team members were and continue to be willing to meet with the groups and their members at any time.

A full list of people and organisations met throughout consultation is covered separately in Section 6.

Market Research and Sentiment Tracking

In May 2020, a questionnaire was posted out to properties within an extensive area in LBHF and RBKC, with households also contacted by phone and online.This sought to survey people's opinions on the Site, the planned redevelopment of Earls Court, and thoughts about the surrounding area. Polling company ComRes was employed to undertake the survey and collect the results. A total of 860 people took part in the survey. An overview of the results can be found in Section 8.

ECDC team members at their stall during the Friends of Brompton Cemetery's Open Day in September 2023

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

The RBKC Earls Court Development Forum

ECDC and the Design Team have participated in two public meetings with RBKC's Development Forum on 16 March 2023 and February 2024 respectively. At both meetings, representatives from ECDC set out proposals in a structured presentation followed by a council-moderated Q&A session. Exhibition boards were available for attendees to view and hard copy brochures to take away.

The purpose of the first meeting in March 2023 was to gain feedback on the draft Illustrative Masterplan with the second meeting being an opportunity to give feedback on the updated Illustrative Masterplan. Key themes raised in both forums were broadly similar including height, transport capacity, and concerns around anti-social behaviour. Both forums were well attended with approximately 90 attendees at the first meeting and 80 at the second and had a range of attendees including local residents and amenity groups.

For more information, please see Section 10 and 11 of this SCI.

RBKC Development Forum February 2024

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

The LBHF Design Review Panel

During the planning process, ECDC and the Design Team have attended LBHF's Design Review Panel five times, which includes community representation from the Hammersmith Society and the Fulham Society. These meetings have informed the refinement of proposals for the LBHF portion of the Site. The panel recognised the importance of the Table Park and the Cascades and encouraged the character development of key routes and spaces. The panel welcomed the reduction in height and massing and the proposals for increasing open space in the revised masterplan. Discussions subsequently have focused on servicing, and design quality aspirations and design evolution of the first buildings.

The LBHF Inclusive Design Review Panel

The Design Team has also presented four times to LBHF's Inclusive Design Review Panel which has informed the detailed design of the public realm and building interfaces, including the design of ramps and lifts to manage level changes around the Site. The panel has given feedback on provision of resting places and consideration of the needs of visually impaired people and advised on an inclusive approach to public routes and building entrances.

The RBKC Quality Review Panel (QRP)

The GLA London Review Panel (LRP)

Five meetings were held with the Quality Review Panel where topics such as the size and design of the destination green spaces, the approach to net zero and the approach to buildings were discussed.

Between 2021 and 2024, six meetings were held with the London Review Panel, who helped to shape the design responses on the Site. Feedback on the evolving masterplan guiding principles as well as the mix of uses and the movement network were all provided. The panel expressed support for the unified approach to the Site, and commended the influence of engagement on the masterplanning process.

For more information on these meetings and other design review panels please see the Design and Access Statement.

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Community Masterplanning Workshops

ECDC has run collaborative workshops with local people since February 2022, working iteratively with the community as the design proposals have developed. These workshops have been an important mechanism for facilitating community input to the design from an early stage, initially informing briefs and the early thinking of the masterplan team as well as later reviewing specific aspects of the proposals. They were attended by local residents, representatives of community and amenity groups, local businesses and special interest groups such as cyclists and rail users.

The community masterplan workshops have typically taken place in the Earls Court Project Rooms on Empress Place, on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening (two evenings per topic for accessibility and to accommodate the number of attendees) and have been on the following themes:

- What was the wonder? (8/9 February 2022)

- The emerging masterplan framework (8/9 March 2022)

- Future living, working and playing (26/27 April 2022)

- Culture (24/25 May 2022)

- Architectural design and context (20/21 September 2022)

- Beauty (25/26 April 2023)

- Being inclusive (23/24 May 2023)

Community Masterplanning Workshop held at the Earls Court Project Rooms

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Alongside the wider all-area community workshops, a series of more focused resident workshops were held. These were tailored to geographical neighbours around the Site, who were invited for sessions on how emerging proposals could meet local needs.

- West Kensington neighbours #1 (10 July 2023)

- West Kensington neighbours #2 (29 January 2024)

- Philbeach Gardens neighbours (12 February 2024)

- Eardley Crescent neighbours (13 February 2024)

- Southern Edge neighbours #1 (20 February 2024)

- West Kensington neighbours #3 (27 February 2024)

- The Earls Court Masterplan – The First Phase (23 April 2024)

- The proposals for Cluny Mews #1 (30 April 2024)

- West Kensington neighbours #4 (13 May 2024)

- The proposals for Cluny Mews #2 (14 May 2024)

The typical format of a workshop included an overview of the topic to be discussed by the independent facilitator, an opening presentation from a member of the Design Team, a Q&A session followed by independently facilitated table discussions, with a summing up and sharing of key feedback points from each table at the end. Workshops were usually

attended by key members of the ECDC design and development team as well as design consultants and an independent facilitator.

A total of 27 workshops (including community masterplanning workshops run twice) were held with 532 attendees in total.

Annotated drawing from one of the early Community Masterplan Workshops

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

The Public Realm

Inclusivity Panel (PRIP)

ECDC wanted to take an exemplary approach by establishing a dialogue with seldom heard members of the local community, who do not traditionally engage with planning consultations.

Working with ZCD Architects, a series of visits to disability support groups, youth clubs and older people's charities were arranged across both RBKC and LBHF. Our team met a wide range of people with a range of access needs and experiences, understanding how they feel about public space and listening to their views.

In July 2022, an open invitation was made for applicants to join a new community-led panel which would help to shape the public open spaces on the Site. A number of the participants from the earlier engagement process were successful and subsequently joined the new Public Realm Inclusivity panel, facilitated by ZCD Architects.

Working together, the PRIP aims to co-create a place that:

- Is both an everyday place and a special/exciting destination

- Is inclusive, fully accessible and works well for people with disabilities, young people, older people and carers

- Works for everyone and is somewhere people can enjoy and spend time in

- Is welcoming and embraces differences

The purpose of the Panel is to work closely with the Design Team to shape the proposals for the outdoor spaces within the Proposed Development. Meeting approximately once a month over the last two years, PRIP members have had regular conversations with key members of the Design Team. Outcomes from these sessions are summarised in Section 16 of this SCI.

The PRIP will continue to meet regularly to advise ECDC on the development of Reserved Matters Applications for the public realm and open spaces.

A detailed overview of the sessions held by the PRIP and outcomes can be found later in this Statement. Reports covering the work of the PRIP are available to view at the ECDC website.

Members of the PRIP engaging with the landscape Design Team on the plans for Aisgill Gardens

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Local Area Doorstep Engagement

As part of our efforts to engage with immediate residents, members of the project team have undertaken two periods of door knocking activities in spring 2023 and spring 2024. Addresses visited during these periods have included all homes on the nearby West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates, Philbeach Gardens and Eardley Crescent, plus homes northwest and southwest of the Site, as well as selected local businesses.

2,247 addresses were visited in spring 2023, with the team speaking to 575 households, or 25.5% of those visited, signposting people to the consultation events and website. Leaflets and other material were posted through the doors of those who were not home, encouraging them to engage with consultation and to submit any questions they may have, which were subsequently responded to.

During 2024, 1,545 addresses have been visited in person, with the team speaking to 283 households, or 18%, providing residents with information about the consultation events, answering questions about the proposals, and leaving flyers with the programme of activities at the Community Hub.

ECDC team member knocking on doors in West Kensington

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Public and Pop-Up Events

Family fun days, including the Earls Court Summer Fete have been used as a successful means of engaging a wider group of local people. Over the course of the project ECDC has hosted seven summer events and three Christmas events for local people, with project information displayed and feedback captured by staff on the day.

In 2022 (Phase 5) ECDC became a registered LBHF North End Road market trader; the licence has allowed market stall-based events to take place, allowing an increased reach into that local area and access to lesser heard voices. We have also held pop-up events in the Old Brompton Gallery in Earl's Court and attended events organised by others such as the Friends of Brompton Cemetery.

Where possible ECDC optimises social value from events by sourcing suppliers for catering and entertainment locally.

Taking part in the North End Road market festival – ECDC has a major presence at each event

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

The Community Hub as a Means of Gathering Feedback

In 2022, we officially opened the Earls Court Community Hub. Beyond its community functions (set out in the next section, including hosting local groups and classes etc), the Hub serves as a means to present information and gather feedback on the masterplan and the approach taken to developing this. Community Hub staff are local residents with roots in, and an understanding of, the local community. As informed members of the ECDC team, they are able to explain the key aspects of the proposals. Given the short distance between the Community Hub and Conversation Corner, people interested in the detail of the proposals were often directed to the exhibitions by Hub staff to find out more information.

The Hub team engage daily with its users, providing a trusted and accessible presence to deal with enquiries and take suggestions from its users and the wider community relating to the future of the Site.

Celebrating the Hub's first birthday – June 2023

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Engaging Young People Across the Community

Further work with young people is described in the next section of this report covering our wider outreach. The initiatives below set out consultation-specific activity.

Youth workshops

Between October and December 2021, ECDC commissioned ZCD Architects to engage with three local youth groups using their Voice Opportunity Power toolkit. The programme formed part of ECDC's commitment to hear the voices of those less frequently heard, including those of children and young people. ZCD then took forward further engagement with young people via their membership of the PRIP.

The Earls Court Ambassadors

Recruited through the Earls Court Futures Programme youth employability initiative run by ECDC (see next section) a cohort of 13 young ambassadors were enlisted. They assisted the consultation outreach by representing ECDC at external events (including North End Road Festival in June and December 2023, the Summer Fete in 2023, Stratford Away Day 2024 and the North End Road Festival in June 2024) and assisting in gathering feedback from members of the public who visited the ECDC stall.

The young people fed into the consultation through a number of sessions working with the ECDC team and architects. An example was the 'Night Garden' concept (a space that comes alive at night featuring bioluminescence, sound and other evening-specific features) that emerged from an ideas competition where the young people pitched to the senior ECDC team. The Design Team and lighting consultants are taking a number of ideas like this forward for further exploration.

Participants in the Future Programme visiting the masterplan exhibition to give their feedback

The Voice, Opportunity, Power youth engagement toolkit provides practical advice about how to engage young people in decisions about the future of their neighbourhoods. It presents five potential engagement sessions that can be used with young people, including information about aims, activities, and timings, which are: 'Your lived experience'; 'Show us your neighbourhood'; 'Tell us what you want'; 'Tell us how we're doing'; and 'You said, we did'.

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Site Tours

Bringing people to the Site and onto the Table deck has been an effective way of conveying both the scale of opportunity and also the constraints of the rail lines and remaining infrastructure. Most people within the local community had never been onto the Site since the closure and subsequent demolition of the Exhibition Centres. The tours enabled community members to see the scale of the Site first-hand and better understand the opportunity for a transformational development, along with the challenges posed by the transport infrastructure and level changes.

ECDC has held multiple tours at all stages of the project with a range of stakeholders. This was an important method of gaining feedback in the early stages of developing the vision and guiding principles for the Site in 2021–2022.

Since November 2022 ECDC has offered a monthly public pre-bookable tour via its website on the third Wednesday of every month. ECDC has also taken part annually in the Open House festival in September since 2022, which is widely advertised and open to anyone who wishes to attend. In total 24 public tours have been delivered to date with four more planned from July for the remainder of 2024, in addition to numerous other tours held for stakeholders.

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Public Exhibitions

Another format of consultation has been through public exhibitions, which were hosted at either a hired local venue or space (e.g. St Cuthbert's Church, the Earls Court Youth Club and North End Road Market) or at one of the buildings around the Earls Court Site. From June 2022 as part of the Phase 5 consultation, the public exhibitions had a static base at our bespoke consultation hub, first at 26 Lillie Road and latterly at a building located on Lillie Road formerly home to the Metropolitan Police heritage museum. These exhibitions were supplemented by roadshows and pop-ups locally. The bespoke consultation hubs are prominent street front locations on one of the key routes between Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham, very well located to attract passersby, as well as easily accessible by our surrounding communities by bus and train with bus stops directly outside and West Brompton Station only 150m away.

The consultation hubs were named Conversation Corner, a name chosen to encourage face-to-face interaction, and

staffed by the ECDC team and locally recruited Community Hub staff, as well as specialist consultants and the project architects. Hard copy feedback forms were made available as well as a computer, tablets and QR codes to allow visitors to complete surveys online.

In the earlier phases, when social distancing measures permitted, in person events were held across weekdays and weekends. When Conversation Corner opened, the public opening times ran from Wednesday to Saturday. Engagement events and previews were focused on times that would be most convenient for people to take part, including evenings and on a Saturday.

At these exhibitions, design material illustrating the developing proposals was on display (see Appendix 1), as well as accompanying exhibition brochures (see Appendix 2), physical models, videos, and refreshments. Play space, toys, colouring activities and dedicated children's tables and chairs were provided for young children so parents could engage.

A total of 116 days of exhibitions were held across all phases and were attended by over 1,917 people.

Public exhibition at Conversation Corner

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Webinars

To complement the in-person events and particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, webinars were held throughout the consultation to allow further opportunities for people to engage in the proposals.

At these webinars, members of the project team first delivered a short presentation on the latest proposals before answering questions from the audience.

A total of five webinars were held across all phases and were attended by 107 people in total.

Web

At the early stages of the project in 2020, ECDC set up a regularly updated project website which has served as the home for matters relating to ECDC, the proposals, the consultation, including summary feedback reports by phase, as well as giving information on activity on Site, opportunities to sign up to the newsletter, contact information and links to the digital survey platform, Commonplace.

Since its launch to the time of writing, the ECDC and Commonplace websites have been viewed 476,104 times.

www.earlscourt.com

www.ecdc.commonplace.is

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Survey Platform on Commonplace Surveys

Commonplace has been the dedicated survey platform used throughout the consultation process. The Commonplace platform contained information on the proposals, including detailed information to download for each consultation phase, as well as news updates and the ability for users to sign up for alerts on the project. To date, 1,270 people have signed up to receive news updates on the Proposed Development from Commonplace.

Over the lifetime of the project, people have been surveyed using a variety of formats, including open answer questions, multiple choice, interactive maps and much more. ECDC has learned which formats have been most successful in gathering responses, and worked to ensure materials have been accessible and easy to complete for the largest possible number of people. Paper versions of the digital survey were also available at events for people to fill out and were subsequently logged on Commonplace for ease of analysis. Further detail on each specific survey and their results can be found within each individual phase in Section 6 of this SCI.

In total, 23 Commonplace surveys were launched throughout the consultation, with 2,707 contributions made by 1,518 unique respondents, including hard copies printed out for attendees at public exhibitions. The term 'respondent' relates to a unique individual whereas a 'contribution' relates to a survey completion. Over the lifespan of the consultation period a unique individual may have completed more than one survey,

which is why there are more contributions than respondents.

The key surveys with substantive feedback on the proposals were held in Phases 1, 4, 7, and 8, which are detailed later in this document. During the latter consultation phases, a dual survey approach was employed when asking the community to give feedback on a variety of wide-ranging areas. Two surveys were available to fill out, one being a short 'quick-fire' survey and another being more detailed with more questions for those who were less pressed for time. This dual survey approach was used particularly in Phases 4 and 7, as detailed in Section 6 of this report. More detailed information can also be found in the Appendices.

Screenshot of our Commonplace homepage

Screenshot of our First Phase survey

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Enquiry Service via Phone and Email

Anyone with a question, ask or suggestion is able to contact ECDC via a 24-hour telephone answering service by calling 0330 333 1510. An email address – info@earlscourtdevco.com – is also constantly monitored with responses being issued by the project team.

Promotion

To advertise these various consultation mechanisms, the following methods of promotion were used:

Organic social media posts using our and partners’ channels

Paid social media posts on on Instagram and Facebook

Posts on community social networks such as Nextdoor

19 flyers and 10 newsletters posted out to the surrounding area

See Appendices 3-7 for promotional materials

Different mailing radii were used throughout the consultation, going from 36,000 households (see map below) in 2021 to 63,673 at the time of the masterplan launch in early 2023

Posters put up in shops, cafes and building entrances throughout the local area

Emails sent to a growing mailing list now numbering over over 2500 organisations and individuals.

Regular project updates have also been included in a local magazine, The Court

3.0 Methodology – How We Consulted on the Design

Media Coverage

As well as social media promotion, each major moment in the evolution of the design has been widely covered in print and online media which has helped to drive people to consultation events. Some key media events are listed below. To date there have been 243 pieces of media coverage for the Earls Court Development.

There has been wide coverage of temporary and community activations, including the launch of the BBC Earth Experience and the 'Summer of Art at Earls Court'. These activations were covered broadly by local consumer press in order to encourage the community to come to the Site to engage with the temporary uses programme and learn more about the plans for Earls Court.

Key moments for media coverage are listed below:

- ECDC launches public consultation – December 2021

- ECDC launches 2022 community fund – April 2022

- ECDC announces development team – May 2022

- ECDC launches new consultation – June 2022

- ECDC brings Underbelly to Earls Court – July 2022

- ECDC announces PRIP – June 2022

- ECDC unveils artwork on Warwick Road – July 2022

- Appointment of architects for delivery of first phase of masterplan – November 2022

- Earls Court welcomes BBC Earth Experience – November 2022

- ECDC completes masterplan land assembly with transfer of TfL depot land – November 2022

- ECDC awards grants to local organisations for 2022 community fund – September 2022

- ECDC unveils its draft masterplan – February 2023

- ECDC launches third year of annual community fund – March 2023

- Artwork revealed as part of Artist in Residence programme – April 2023

- Summer of Art unveiled – July 2023

- ECDC launches padel and beach rugby – September 2023

- Clean and Climate media coverage – November 2023

- Updated proposals for masterplan announced – November 2023

- Skills Centre relaunch – November 2023

- Phase 1 buildings exhibition update – March 2024

- 2024 Community Fund applications open – April 2024

- Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular at Empress Museum, Earls Court announced – July 2024

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Alongside our consultation activities set out in the previous section, as a local company we have committed to making a positive contribution to the local area. We are committed to using local suppliers and employing local people, where possible, both in our own office and in the Community Hub. Across the ECDC and Community Hub team 30% of our total employees live in Kensington and Chelsea or Hammersmith and Fulham, and 100% of those employed at the Community Hub live within the two boroughs, some within a few minutes' walk of the Site.

We have focused throughout on creating as much benefit for the local community as possible. To deliver this benefit we have focused on three broad areas:

– Community programme

– Youth outreach and engagement

Early activation and opening up of the Site

Image from Community Hub's first birthday

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Community Programme

Supporting the community has been central to our project. Throughout our early activation programme, we have hosted events, refurbished and reused vacant buildings, and helped bring life into the area. We also wanted to directly support as many people as possible. These community activities have meant that we have been able to support local institutions and organisations, through the Community Fund, the hardship fund (administered by local charity Dads House), and through several sponsorships.

The approach to ECDC’s community funding is based on investing in and helping to deliver social value to the local community, when seeking new sponsorship opportunities they ensure they align with the company’s principles of Environment and Sustainability, Communities and People and Arts, Sports and Culture.

Since being based on Site from 2020, ECDC has developed an extensive community programme, which includes:

- An annual £180,000 Community Fund (of which a fourth round is to be allocated in autumn 2024, with additional money given to the previous owner's community fund beneficiaries in 2020)

- The opening of the Community Hub in June 2022 providing a range of activities and classes for local people and home for 10th Fulham Scout Group

- Direct support given during the Covid-19 Pandemic, including an online Community Hub which listed locations for the community to receive support, donations to numerous charities and the provision of vehicle parking facilities on the Site for police officers and staff associated with the Covid-19 Task Force

- A £20,000 Hardship Fund, administered through local charity Dad's House, helping people pay their energy bills and providing vouchers for food shops and toiletries

- A celebratory Jubilee Lunch for the local community held in June 2022 and open to local residents and community groups

- An annual 'Christmas Gifting Tree', providing gift vouchers with a combined value of over £15,000

- A donation to locally based Ukrainian and Afghan refugees

- Support for Christmas Day lunches in 2021, 2022 and 2023 across H&F and K&C

- Cost-of-Living support programme providing £20,000 worth of electric blankets and air fryers to residents in Hammersmith and Fulham along with a £15,000 cost of living winter support contribution to charities within Kensington and Chelsea

- The opening of the Community Hub as a Warm Hub during periods of below-zero weather, and as a Cool Space during summer heatwaves – in partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham Council and the Greater London Authority

- Support for local training and education initiatives including provision of coding courses, film and photography and other creative skills

- A youth employability and skills development programme (Earls Court Future Programme – detailed above)

- Creation of a Future Skills Centre in conjunction with Places for London and the Skills Centre

- Further ad hoc grants and financial support provided to the community

- ECDC membership of the Places for London Educational Engagement Programme providing work experience, Site visits and support to local secondary schools including Fulham Cross Academy, Chelsea Academy and Holland Park School (see p43 for more details)

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

The Earls Court Community Hub and its team

Hosted in a temporary building used by the previous owners as a marketing suite situated on the edge of the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates, and long vacant since, The Earls Court Community Hub opened in June 2022 following a change in use planning application and a comprehensive refurbishment. Since then, it has been providing fun, educational and community-focused activities open to everyone at little or no cost.

The Community Hub hosts activities curated by ECDC including exercise and activity classes for different ages and abilities, arts and crafts, involving the Artist in Residence programme, and stay and play activities for young families. It also hosts local community groups such as the 10th Fulham Scouts and visiting health services.

The Community Hub acts as a place where people can come and build connections locally, both with the place and with each other. The Community Hub is air

conditioned, providing cool/warm spaces for local people during seasonal extreme weather and has been adopted by local people with an active gardening club using the spaces for growing vegetables and learning about horticulture.

The staff running the Hub have been recruited from the surrounding local communities and have led the doorstep engagement programme, visiting hundreds of neighbouring properties and businesses in person. The Community Hub is an investment in community development, providing access to support and services that improve the lives of local residents. It has allowed ECDC to develop relationships with hundreds of local residents, who have been encouraged to attend a range of consultation workshops, meetings and events allowing them to contribute their views and suggestions into the ongoing consultation process.

One of the Detailed buildings in the Hybrid Planning Application includes the creation of a new Community Hub which could host a range of activities and events. Adjoining

Aisgill Gardens and designed by Stirling Prize winning architects dRMM, it will be an important facility that will help to create connections and foster community between existing and new residents.

Members of the ECDC team at the Community Hub

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

The Earls Court Community Fund

The Earls Court Community Fund was set up in 2021 to support the local community in and around the Earls Court Site, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. It has proved an important conduit for the ECDC team to develop meaningful connections throughout the community and involve a wide range of individuals and groups in the activities of ECDC beyond simply the masterplan.

For three successive years, 2021, 2022 and 2023, ECDC has allocated £180,000 to the Fund each year. Organisations can apply for a grant of up to £15,000 for projects taking place for up to 12 months. 32 organisations have benefited from a total of 60 grants since this fund was established. Further applications have been submitted for 2024 and are currently going through the due diligence process.

To note, in 2020 we also continued the previous owner's community fund by providing money to their allocated group of charities. All grant making decisions by the Fund are made by an independent panel.

Below are some case studies of organisations the Earls Court Community Fund has been able to support. You can find the full reports from Year One and Year Two in Appendix 8.

The Earls Court Community Fund Year 2 Grantees

Urbanwise walking tour through Brompton Cemetery

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Year One (December 2021 – December 2022)

In Year One, 19 community projects benefitted from grant receipts including five projects for young people and training, six projects for communities and people, and eight projects for health and wellbeing. In total, there were 10,682 beneficiaries and 727 volunteers involved.

Some examples of the projects funded included:

Urbanwise. London Ltd 'Discover your Earls Court’ Project

Workshops were delivered in the Earls Court area collaborating with a variety of local groups focused on heritage, art and outdoor exploration. The group ran activities for young people, older adults and families with the goal of bringing people together through new experiences and discovering the local

area. Further engagement with Urbanwise has seen the group run local walking tours for the ECDC team to allow the staff to better understand the history and heritage of the local area.

St. Cuthbert with St. Matthias CE

School 'Traditional Tales Storytelling' Project

The school delivered a story-telling project with local elders and pupils to celebrate the diverse community of the school. With the tales captured, pupils created a scene using clay, a collection of which is being published into a book. Whilst Covid-19 restricted the stories that could be shared as planned, the stories were adapted into letter writing of tales from elders to pupils, which ended up being a huge success.

Founder of Dads House Billy McGranahan with a representative of the City Harvest food re-use charity

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Year Two

(December 2022 – December 2023)

In Year Two, 18 community projects benefitted from grant receipts with 3,642 total beneficiaries and 673 volunteers involved. Examples of the projects supported include:

Action on Disability ‘Peer Support –Disabled Residents’ Project

Funding supported Action on Disability's new local hub and activity for people with disabilities to live independently and be confident citizens in Earls Court. Activities offered included creative writing, gardening, coffee mornings and workshops around health and wellbeing. The group reports that this grant has helped disabled residents improve their confidence, social skills, and involvement across the project, allowing them to express ideas and feel part of its growth and development. The relationship with AOD has been been positive and

productive and has seen a number of its members engage with the consultation including becoming members of the PRIP.

EQUAL People Mencap ‘Our Time –Dance and Music Groups’ Project

The group ran Amici dance sessions at a local community centre in Earl's Court. Adults and children with complex needs, including those with wheelchairs, participated in weekly dance sessions, incorporating objects or streamers, textiles and cloths. The classes enabled people with complex needs to have a regular weekly activity based in the community that was fun and focused on wellbeing. They also allowed for carers to have a break, to share stories, seek and give advice, and build friendships.

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Year Three

(December 2023 – December 2024)

In Year Three, 23 local organisations benefited from grant receipts. Examples of the projects supported include:

Earl’s

Court Community Trust

–

Earl’s Courtiers Theatre Group Summer Production 2024

The Earl's Court Community Trust is an arts charity that hosts a film festival, multiple theatre productions, garden concerts, and open-air film screenings for the community to enjoy. Through a grant, they were able to fund the production of their show, 'A Night at The Musicals 2', a much-anticipated event among thousands of residents in the Kensington and Chelsea area. Such a production brings together a diverse array of students, providing them with a platform to explore their artistic talents and forge lasting connections.

Open Age – Connecting Communities

Open Age aims to help older people and tackle loneliness and isolation in venues across the Earl’s Court Opportunity Area and

used funding to deliver seven activities to this end, namely one arts and culture activity in partnership with Finborough Theatre and six physical activities across three local venues. The activities proved popular with 135 members of the community attending and the group reported that the majority of attendees felt as though their physical health and wellbeing had improved as a result, and that they had more of a social life and friends.

Response Community Projects –Volunteer Coordinator

Response supports sessions for refugees, asylum seekers, older people and those in vulnerable positions and used funding to introduce a dedicated volunteer coordinator to improve the organisation and management of their volunteer activities. The volunteer coordinator was able to successfully recruit 15 volunteers to assist with the delivery of various community events and workshops, including a homework club, computer drop-in session, food bank, and community resilience sessions.

Sponsorships

Alongside the Community Fund, from the project’s inception, ECDC has financially supported several cultural initiatives and charities in LBHF and RBKC on an ad hoc basis. The projects supported in this way include:

- Blossom Young Minds - Coding Club

- Christmas Lights Activation at North End Road Market

- Earl’s Court International Film Festival

- Earls Court Youth Club – Food is the Foundation

- Paintball Outing

- Projects supported during the Covid-19 pandemic

- Resettlement Project

- Solidarity Sports outings for young people

- The KAA Intrepidus Trust

- The National Portrait Gallery Hospitals Programme

The Earls Court Community Fund Year 3 Grantees

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Youth Outreach and Engagement

Architecture in Schools/ Young City Makers

In early 2023, ECDC partnered with the built environment education charity, Open City, bringing together Key Stage 2 primary school students with architects and design professionals. Through the process they explored how and why their city – and in this case, Earls Court – is changing, in an initiative known as Architecture in Schools, renamed Young City Makers for 2024.

The initiative involved eight local schools in 2023 and nine in 2024 and a total of 600 local schoolchildren plus their teachers in architecture and placemaking workshops as well as tours of Earls Court and around London.

The hands-on workshops paired ECDC's Design Teams with a small group of school children. In these sessions, the children built models which encouraged discussion on how to deal with constraints, such as transport infrastructure, or suggest ideas for open spaces and leisure facilities.

Over the two years of the programme to date, 2,800 local children, parents and teachers from the following schools were involved in the workshops, Site visits and attending the resultant exhibitions.

- Ashburnham Primary School

- Avonmore Primary School

- Bousfield Primary School

- Francis Holland School

- Kensington Primary Academy

- Larmenier & Sacred Heart Primary School

- Normand Croft Primary School

- Park Walk Primary School

- St. Cuthbert with St. Matthias C of E Primary

- Sir John Lillie Primary School

- St Barnabas & St Philip's Primary School

This project provided a huge number of opportunities to develop literacy and numeracy, as well as linking in with Year 5 topics such as local heritage, the river, the changing city and a wide range of historical and geographical topics.

Students were able to engage with their local built environment and learn from professionals beyond the classroom. Teachers and design professionals who took part commented on the inspiration both for and from the young people.

Each class was asked to consider what they would like to see in the new Earls Court and all their suggestions were recorded and considered as part of the consultation process.

“I think that if you can get young minds asking those questions and being conscious of the choices they potentially can make, and the consequences of the choices that they do make, then you have the beginnings of change.”

Parent-Governor, Larmenier Primary School

Local pupils visiting the Site through the Architecture in Schools programme

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

The Accelerate Programme

ECDC partnered with Open City on the Accelerate programme which supports young people aged 16–18 from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in the built environment industries. The course delivered skills development workshops, each covering a key topic of the built environment, mentoring opportunities, and continued support through education and practice via the Alumni network.

A workshop for one whole Accelerate cohort (30 students including the ECDC cohort) was organised at Earls Court in March 2024. This gave students the opportunity to visit the Site and hear about the professional experiences of members of the ECDC team. Many students commented positively on this, saying that they had not understood how development worked and the interactions between planning, community engagement, architecture and engineering.

The students were given a tour of the exhibition at Conversation Corner and submitted feedback forms based on what they had seen.

All 13 ECDC-sponsored Accelerate students were placed with ECDC architectural practices for their 12 hours of personal careers mentoring in February 2024, which provided all with a valuable experience. Additionally two students used the programme to complete their Gold Arts Award qualification – gaining an additional 16 UCA points.

ECDC's funding support to Open City saw specific places reserved for local young people from RBKC and LBHF, with 13 graduating from the course in July 2024.

The students visited Brompton Cemetery to explore the theme of 'rituals' subsequently making models at the Earls Court Project Rooms

The Accelerate 2023/24 students visiting the Earls Court Project Rooms in January 2024

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Earls Court Future Programme

ECDC worked with the youth engagement specialist 2-3 Degrees to design a youth employability initiative intended to inspire and equip young people with key personal development and work-ready skills such as communication (written and verbal), teamwork and problem solving, named the Earls Court Future Programme.

The programme was attended by 76 young people (between 14 and 25 years old) who currently live, work or study in LBHF or RBKC across 17 workshops. Of the 76 young people, 13 became Ambassadors for the Earls Court project (a paid position), of whom 61% are female and 85% are non-white.

Key skills gained during the programme included: networking, public speaking, confidence, communication, teamwork, listening, pitching ideas. Participants met the Design Team and were shown the masterplan Proposals, with their ideas and feedback submitted through the consultation process.

More details of the Earls Court Future Programme and how young people can get involved can be found at the ECDC website.

Quotes from participants

“I feel very proud of myself because I have really stepped out of my comfort zone and learned how to network, make new friends. I feel fulfilled and successful.”

"I was truly captivated by the vibrant ambiance, diverse food offerings, and the captivating activities organised by ECDC for families and children alike. The inclusion of face painting, live music, creative colouring activities, and interactive play experiences for children resonated exceptionally well with the festival attendees. My fellow ambassador colleagues and I thoroughly relished the entire experience.”

"The programme has empowered me to feel more confident, and I’ve learnt how to network better. The environment has been unlike other programmes I’ve done, I felt totally comfortable and able to be myself.”

Ambassadors with Rob Heasman, CEO of ECDC

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

The Educational Engagement Programme with Places for London Places for London works with the Construction Youth Trust on its educational engagement programme. It aims to inspire the next generation of young people into the built environment sector, which encompasses both the construction and real estate sectors. The programme brings together schools, young people and employers (including role models from across the built environment industry), so that students, as well as teachers and parents, can learn more about the industry and the impact it has.

Through the partnership, Places for London and its partners including ECDC will be directly supporting 250 young people to progress into an education, training or employment outcome related to the built environment. This could be an 18-year-old starting a degree level apprenticeship, or a 16-year-old going onto study a construction T-Level. ECDC is a key partner in the programme and through it is specifically paired with Fulham Cross Academy.

A young persons professional event was held in January 2024 that allowed young people to learn about careers within the built environment and ECDC's proposals for the Site. 56 students were involved from a range of backgrounds. Attendees rated the event highly with 4.6 stars for the overall content of the event and 4.4 stars for the overall event experience. Feedback from the event indicated some attendees went on to apply for apprenticeships with TfL.

Partnership with Fulham Cross Academy/ Work experience programme

Through the Fulham Cross partnership, four students completed work experience during the 2023 calendar year. A further five young people studying Construction BTEC were hosted for work experience in July 2024. The work experience and engagement programme is being extended further to local schools including Chelsea Academy and Holland Park School. Our youth engagement is an important part of our overall outreach, bringing the next generation into the opportunities which will accrue from the development and starting

the process of opening up access to those opportunities for local people.

All young people engaged in programmes or taking work experience were asked for suggestions and ideas and fed directly into the consultation process.

Students from FCA visiting the Table during their work experience week in June 2024

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Early Activation

The

Underbelly Festival

/

London

Wonderground and City Beach

In 2021 and 2022, we partnered with Underbelly to put on a large-scale festival over the summer period each year. Over 160,000 people enjoyed live shows, a range of local businesses serving food and drink, free-to-watch outdoor film screenings, and a beach to enjoy with their families and friends. When Conversation Corner was open, festival attendees were signposted to the venue and encouraged to find out more about the masterplan proposals and submit their views. Underbelly, ECDC and the Hammersmith Lyric theatre worked together to run the Underbelly Training Academy, which saw a number of local young people complete this on-site programme, gaining valuable experience in live events.

Empress Studios

Empress Studios are six former town houses

on Empress Place. When ECDC took over the Site these buildings were vacant and derelict. ECDC, working with 'This is Projekt', converted them into 46 lettable artist studios and workspaces totalling 8,500 ft of affordable workspace offered at discounted rate. The studios opened in May 2022, operated by 'This is Projekt', with an initial call out exclusively to the local boroughs before broadening out, and in their first year added £1.3m GVA to the local economy.

Developing a relationship with local creatives and makers has allowed direct input of their views into the consultation process, with a number of the tenants having taken part in visits and engagement activities and submitted written responses through the consultation process.

The Underbelly Festival

Empress Studios, Empress Place

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

The Earls Court Skills Centre

The Earls Court Skills Centre offers a range of training opportunities and qualifications to access the construction and development industry. It is supported by Places for London and the Construction Skills Fund, working in partnership with ECDC, The Skills Centre, and the construction industry, including a number of contractors operating across West London. It offers fully funded pre-employment programmes to provide key skills and training, as well as a taste of working in the construction industry including placements and jobs for successful graduates.

Between 2022 and May 2024, the Earls Court Skills Centre trained 582 people, of which 49% were residents of Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham boroughs. 66% of these people have since found a new job or progressed into a new job opportunity.

The Skills Centre will be the central point for training and enterprise for the Proposed Development as well as the wider area, working with community groups and future employers to upskill local people for both construction and end use jobs in the development. The Centre was re-launched in this wider capacity in November 2023.

The Skills Centre will adapt with the Earls Court Development and will target sectors within LBHF's Industrial Strategy and RBKC's Green Plan, supporting individuals across local communities into roles within green skills, climate tech, and creative industries. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has set his priority "to make our city a greener, cleaner and healthier place for all Londoners to live, as well as for future generations" and the Skills Centre will be a key part of delivering this agenda in West London.

The Skills Centre

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Empress Place West and Seven Stars residential accommodation

Under our ownership, the two Sites (a Victorian residential terrace and a former public house on North End Road) were let to the Lowe Group, refurbished in 2021 and brought onto the market through a Property Guardianship scheme. The Lowe Group prioritises people working in key sectors offering low-cost residential accommodation. The ground floor of Seven Stars is home to Solidarity Sports, a critically important local charity supporting vulnerable young people and their families and carers that we are proud to work alongside. ECDC was able to help the charity by facilitating their move from their former premises on Lillie Road to this much larger space where they were able to expand their services to the local community. Their staff, clients and volunteers have been regularly engaged through the process, with the Solidarity team having the masterplan presented to them for feedback on a number of occasions, bringing their unique experiences of the challenges facing local young people and families directly to the ECDC team and Design Team.

Warwick Road Apron

Working with Kensington & Chelsea Art Week over three years, we supported the installation of a series of artworks at Warwick Road Apron, opposite the entrance to the Earl’s Court Underground station. The first was Baker & Borowski's 'Pleasure Garden', which was later replaced by Azarra Amoy's ‘Stars of Earl’s Court’ installation celebrating local historical and cultural figures.

Later, Chelsea Arts Club Trust recipient Lucy Oates transformed the area with a large multicoloured floor mural, painted with local people with a wish to transform ordinary spaces into bright, playful areas.

In March 2024, a portrait installation, supported by Young Kensington & Chelsea Foundation, was put up at the Warwick Road Apron. Multi-award-winning artist Alison Jackson through her 'Young Artists' photography initiative with the Earl's Court Youth Club helped enliven the area as a destination and celebrated the creative talent of the local community.

The Earl's Court Youth Club has been a key partner through the engagement process with a number of their young people sitting

on the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel and members of the team regularly visiting the centre to present the latest plans to the young people. ECDC also hired the centre to stage a public exhibition of the masterplan proposals, allowing local people in the immediate vicinity easier access to see the plans and give feedback to the team.

The Pleasure Garden at night on Warwick Road Apron

Portraits taken by young people from the Earls Court Youth Club on display at Warwick Road Apron

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Retail units on Lillie Road

ECDC has enlivened the local high street through the managed activation of retail units on the boundary of the Site. This has allowed businesses such as The Hoarder coffee shop to establish themselves and expand into a neighbouring unit, creating jobs. A range of shops on Lillie Road have been maintained, with £15,000 invested in redecoration, and let to local businesses and community groups.

One of these shops, The Pop Up, is a free, temporary pop-up retail space that aims to support and grow new local businesses by offering a pressure-free environment in which to learn how to promote and sell their products. It offers brands visibility and awareness which can be one of the biggest challenges for any emerging artist, designer, student, or small business owner.

The adjacent unit is home to Dads House, a charity that aims to make sure children remain the priority after divorce, separation or bereavement. Dads House runs a weekly family law clinic, a daily food bank and a host of other services and activities. Staff and users of the charity have been taken on tours, presented to at Conversation Corner and have directly submitted feedback into the consultation process.

Lillie Road shops

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Padel Social Club

Five outdoor padel showcase courts, in collaboration with Padel Social Club, were made open and available for booking on Empress Space. Padel, the world's fastest growing sport, is often described as a mix of tennis and squash and is an all-inclusive sport accessible to everyone. Padel Social Club prides themselves on building inclusive padel communities where everyone from die-hard players to first-timers are welcome to play and socialise, and free bookings were also offered to the local community. Five courts sit alongside wellness facilities, a café bar and social areas where players and spectators are welcome to relax before and after their games.

BBC Earth Experience

In March 2023 we welcomed a groundbreaking new attraction – BBC Earth Experience featuring 'Seven Worlds, One Planet' at The Daikin Centre – a purpose-built, and demountable venue located on the area of the Site that was formerly home to the Earls Court 2 exhibition hall. The experience offered visitors the chance to explore the extraordinary diversity of our seven unique continents, on the most epic scale featuring bespoke narration from Sir David Attenborough.

The experience showcased footage, including extended scenes to fully immerse the visitor, and music from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit television series, 'Seven Worlds, One Planet', projected on multiple multi-angle screens using the very latest digital screen technology. Having attracted over 375,000 visitors, it came to the end of its run in January 2024.

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular

A new theatrical experience based on and inspired by the movie 'The Greatest Showman' will open its doors in Autumn 2024 within the

structure formerly home to the BBC Earth Experience. It will be a fully-staged theatrical show, with an experienced creative team and a cast of talented performers. ECDC is working with the show's organisers to ensure that local people can access the over 50+ employment opportunities created with the opening of the new attraction.

Padel Social Club

Inside the BBC Earth Experience

Exterior of the BBC Earth Experience

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

Artist in Residence

In January 2023, we launched an Artist in Residence programme, in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery, selecting twelve artists to work with the local community over a three-year period to deliver portraits and community arts projects. Each residency lasts three months, with the artist based locally in a studio at the Community Hub. The Artist in Residence programme provides opportunities in and access to the arts for local people and children. The programme focuses on the local histories and hidden stories of Earl's Court, with each artist using a different medium – from ceramics to painting – to engage the community, uncovering and capturing their memories. Artists host weekly art classes for local people as well as contributing to talks and workshops for the community. Members of the art class and portrait subjects have visited Conversation Corner and fed their views into the consultation process.

At the time of writing, the seventh artist in residence, Dene Leigh is being hosted at the Community Hub's Annex building.

Artist in Residence Sol Sato hosting a workshop at the Community Hub

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

London Design Festival

As part of the 2022 London Design Festival, architect Sam Jacobs curated a self-guided walking tour – 20 Things Around Earl's Court – to celebrate the area's unique heritage and links to musical legends David Bowie and Pink Floyd. A special hoarding was erected on Warwick Road Apron and installations were jotted around the Site including on a house in Empress Place and on the roof of the Project Rooms.

Open House Festival

In 2022 and 2023, ECDC participated in the Open House Festival, offering a number of guided tours to members of the public to hear about the plans to transform the Site. A further series of tours will run during the festival in September 2024.

London Design Festival activation on Empress Place

Open House Tour 2022

4.0 Our Wider Community Outreach and Impact

The Lost Estate

The immersive theatre company, The Lost Estate, has created a visionary experience in the ECPL-owned building on 9 Beaumont Avenue located in West Kensington. Through a fusion of immersive sets, world-class performances and live music combined with drinks and dining, The Lost Estate attracts thousands of guests to West Kensington each week.

Over its time on Site, the Lost Estate has run a range of immersive events: ‘The Greatest Night of the Jazz Age’, ‘The Great Christmas Feast’ and ‘The Great Murder Mystery’. The agreement between ECPL and The Lost Estate included hundreds of complimentary tickets for local residents and charities. Each show opens with two preview shows to which ECDC invites around 250 members of the local community to attend.

1 Cluny Mews

The office building located at 1 Cluny Mews in Earl's Court is managed by Astop, an organisation that supports communities by partnering charities with landlords to provide temporary use spaces for the benefit of the

community. Some of the groups who are using/ have used the space are:

- An-Nisa Community Empowerment CIC

- CabLab

- Dadihiye Somali Development Organisation

- The Earls Court Community Trust

- Hillsong

- Minds United FC

- Monique Art Sessions

- Mo1 Youths Charity

- Rooted Community Assets CIC

- Solutions Sessions

The space is used extensively by local charities and community groups and developing relationships with these users of 1 Cluny Mews has been a focus for ECDC; a number have attended consultation and engagement events.

Since ECDC put in place a framework for measuring Social Value in October 2021, it is estimated that these community and meanwhile activities have generated £15.7m in social value. The economic impact of these activities has led to over £27m being spent locally in just the past two years and a further £15m Gross Value Added (GVA) boost to the economy. Further information can be found in the supporting Annual Social Value and Economic Impact Reports (see Appendix 9).

The Greatest Night of the Jazz Age, Lost Estate

5.0 Consultees – Who We Have Spoken to

5.0 Consultees – Who We Have Spoken to

At the outset of the masterplanning process, ECDC understood it was important to develop a comprehensive and detailed database of all stakeholders in the local community. This included all the key ward councillors near the Site, community and amenity groups, as well as local businesses, schools and charities. These stakeholders are kept up to date on the progress of the Proposed Development, notified of consultation events and regularly invited to meet with the team.

As the early consultation periods progressed, we added to our stakeholder database of interested individuals and groups who participated in the consultation. This meant we built an extensive mailing list of stakeholders and residents who are kept up to date on the progress of the scheme.

All the key stakeholders consulted at each phase of consultation are listed on the next page. It should be noted that statutory consultees and planning officers are not included in this database, and their feedback is not covered in this report. Engagement with statutory consultees is detailed with the Planning Statement submitted with this Hybrid Planning Application.

ECDC has actively supported local events and activities, with members of the engagement team present at events such as the North End Road Summer Festival

5.0 Consultees – Who We Have Spoken to

Political

Over the course of the consultation, engagement took place with a range of political stakeholders, including regular meetings with the three local Members of Parliament, London Assembly members, Cabinet members and Mayors and Deputy Leaders from both boroughs, as well as councillors for the wards that neighbour the Site.

During this period, some of the holders of the offices changed due to elections, reshuffles and resignations and other events. While previous occupiers of positions are not noted in the current political stakeholder list, which can be found in Appendix 10, this does not mean they were not contacted whilst they were in position.

Meetings with local councillors

ECDC recognises that the members representing the four key wards surrounding the development – West Kensington (formerly North End) and Fulham Broadway in LBHF and Earl's Court and Redcliffe in RBKC – are the elected representatives of those communities. As such, ECDC has had regular communication with neighbouring councillors including meetings and ensured that councillors were aware of and invited to attend community workshops, site tours and exhibitions.

Engagement with Members of Parliament

Up until the 4 July 2024 General Election, the Site fell within three parliamentary constituencies represented by members from two political parties:

- Greg Hands MP (Chelsea and Fulham, Conservative)

- Andy Slaughter MP (Hammersmith, Labour)

- Felicity Buchan MP (Kensington, Conservative)

Meetings were held with each Member of Parliament on a regular basis where the MPs fed back their views and those of their constituents. Information was sent on

a regular basis and ECDC engaged via social media, resulting in each MP sharing details of events and consultations pertinent to their constituents, encouraging them to attend and participate. MPs have been invited to site visits and exhibitions.

Following the 4 July 2024 General Election, boundary changes mean that the Site is now included within one constituency on the western side (Chelsea and Fulham) and one on the eastern side (Kensington). In advance of the July 2024 General Election, the Labour candidates (subsequently elected) for both Chelsea and Fulham (Ben Coleman) and Kensington (Joe Powell) constituencies were proactively engaged and visited the Site.

GLA Deputy Mayors and Assembly Members

Throughout the consultation period, the Site has hosted visits and meetings with the Deputy Mayors (Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Regeneration, and Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, and Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth) and Members of the London Assembly.

5.0 Consultees – Who We Have Spoken to Local Businesses

Local community organisations

Category Organisation

ECDC has engaged with a number of businesses throughout the consultation process, including via umbrella organisations such as the Earls Court Business Forum, North End Road Action Group (NERAG), local Business Improvement Districts, the Chambers of Commerce and West London Business. Some local businesses are listed in the table on the right. We have also engaged with other regionally significant and educational institutions Imperial College, Olympia and local cultural organisations, including the Earls Court Film Festival, in the development of our commercial and cultural strategies.

Local Community Organisations

Listed to the right are the key community organisations that were engaged and involved in the main consultation phases. These groups were kept updated on the progress of the scheme and invited to each round of consultation events.

Meetings were held with many of the groups listed on the next page, and outlined in detail in the consultation phases sections of this SCI. This is not an exhaustive list. Many of them were also met on a regular basis and members of the ECDC team attended various events and meetings organised by the groups. A summary of the key groups and when they were met with is shown later in this section.

Arts and cultural organisations

Charitable organisations and non-profits

BIMM London, Chelsea Theatre, Finborough Theatre, Hammersmith Lyric/Young Lyric, LAMDA, The Earls Court Film Festival, The Mosaic Rooms, Turtle Key Arts, Urban Partnership Group H&F Artsfest

Action on Disability, Age Concern, Blossom Young Minds, Dads House, Full of Life K&C, Hammersmith Community Gardens Association, Healthwatch Hammersmith & Fulham, H&F Dementia Action Alliance, K&C Foundation, Kensington and Chelsea Social Council, Lives Not Knives, Open Age, Response Community Projects, Solidarity Sports, The Brunswick Club for Young People, The Earls Court Youth Club, The Finborough Theatre, The London Sports Trust, Urbanwise, 10th Fulham Scouts

Local businesses, organisations and campaign groups

Fulham Business Improvement District, hfcyclists, London Cycling Campaign (K&C), Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster Chamber of Commerce, Living Streets, The Court Magazine, The Earls Court Business Forum, The Earls Court Community Trust, The West London Line Users Group, West London Business, West London Chambers

Local religious groups St Andrew’s Church Fulham, St Cuthbert s Church Earl’s Court, St Luke’s Church St Mary The Boltons, Earl’s Court, The Minaret Community Centre

Schools/further and higher education

TRAs, RAs, and amenity groups

Ashburnham Primary School, Avonmore Primary School, Bousfield Primary School, Brunel University, Francis Holland School, Fulham Boys School, Fulham Cross Academy, Fulham College Academy Trust, Fulham Primary School, Imperial College, Kensington Aldridge Academy, Kensington Primary Academy (West London Free School), Larmenier & Sacred Heart Primary School, Morley College, Normand Croft Primary School, Park Walk Primary School, Sir John Lillie Primary School, St Barnabas & St Philip’s Primary School, St. Cuthbert with St. Matthias C of E Primary School, The London Oratory School West London College

Clem Attlee Residents Association, Cornwall Gardens Residents’ Association, Eardley Crescent Residents’ Association, Earls Court Area Action Group/Save Earls Court, Earl’ s Court Gardens & Morton Mews Residents’ Association, Earl’s Court Square Residents’ Association, Edwardes Square Scarsdale & Abingdon Association, Earl’s Court Village Residents Association, Gibbs Green Tenants and Residents Association, Kempsford Gardens Residents Association, Kensington Court Residents Association, Kensington Square Residents Association, London Cycling Campaign K&C and H&F, Lillie Road Residents Association, Nevern Square Conservation Area Residents’ Association, North End Road Action Group, Peabody Lillie Road Residents Association, Philbeach Gardens RA, The Boltons Association, The Chelsea Society, The Earl’s Court Society, The Fulham Society, The Hammersmith Society, The Kensington Society, West Kensington Tenants and Residents Association

5.0 Consultees – Who We Have Spoken to Key Stakeholders

The table to the right lists the key stakeholders and indicates in which phases the meeting took place. This included in-person meetings, tours and group briefings. Note that in certain phases we met some groups more than once.

Amenity Societies

For the key local amenity societies, in each major phase since the development of our 'guiding principles', a meeting was offered with agenda items and questions solicited in advance and a written response provided after the meeting.

Additionally, members of the societies have been invited to and and have given feedback at exhibitions and community masterplan workshops.

Earl’s

The Friends of Brompton Cemetery

Hammersmith

Kensington

Royal Parks (Kensington Gardens)

5.0 Consultees – Who We Have Spoken to

The Earl's Court Society (ECS)

The Earl’s Court Society is an organisation that represents the interests of residents who live in the Earl’s Court area comprising the council wards of Earl’s Court, Courtfield, Abingdon and Redcliffe. Members of the Society have participated in tours of the Site. Regular meetings were held with the ECS, involving their Planning and Development Committee, and Site tours were offered for their members. Issues discussed included tall buildings and their massing and location, impacts on RBKC heritage assets and conservation areas and neighbouring properties.

The Hammersmith Society

The Society is a dedicated amenity society with a membership of over 3,500 members and affiliates. Its area of interest is the Metropolitan Borough of Hammersmith at the time the society was created in 1962 (approximately the upper 8 wards of the current London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham). The other half of the borough is covered by the Fulham Society.

Discussions with the Society during regular meetings and Society members’ attendance at workshops has included height and density, impact on the Empress State Building (which it has described as the most architecturally interesting tall building in the borough), green and open space, the potential for music/events/culture within the Site, as well as the plans for a energy network. A member of the Society sits on LBHF’s Design Review Panel which has regularly reviewed the proposals.

The Fulham Society

The Society is an amenity society that states its aim ‘to preserve and enhance the character of Fulham for the benefit of all, to preserve what is good and help change what needs improving’. ECDC team members have presented to the Society's Committee and members have attended numerous workshops and Site visits. Engagement between ECDC and the Society has addressed the plans for open spaces, parks, community venues and

the opportunity for arts and culture. The Society has questioned the proposed height and density and raised queries about types of homes and levels of affordability. Other topics of discussion included safety at night, parking provision and style of design. A member of the Society sits on LBHF’s Design Review Panel, as well as on the borough’s Inclusive Design Review Panel.

Members of the Earl's Court Society visiting the Site – September 2021

5.0 Consultees – Who We Have Spoken to

The Kensington Society

During a number of meetings and visits, The Kensington Society provided feedback on the scheme. The Society's main comments concerned the density/heights of the development, the quantum of housing and within that the proportion of affordable housing that would be delivered in Kensington and Chelsea. They were keen to see 35% affordable housing delivered.

The Kensington Society, throughout the process, have raised their concerns around the impact of the tall buildings on RBKC's Philbeach and Earls Court conservation areas (including the Grade I Brompton Cemetery and Grade I St Cuthbert's Church and St Matthias), how the increase in population would impact the three stations and other infrastructure, and the community offer in Kensington and Chelsea.

The Earl's Court Area Action Group

The Group was formed to bring together the different interest groups who were affected by the previous proposal to develop the Site of the Earl's Court Exhibition Centres and campaign for the inclusion of events and cultural spaces in any future development. ECDC met with representatives of the Group and its members attended workshops and meetings.

Residents and near neighbours –key engagement streams

Meetings with neighbouring residents’ associations have naturally focused more on the edge conditions (how the Proposed Development joins with and connects to adjacent areas). There was a conscious effort made to hold area-specific workshops in later phases of the consultation when the design was more developed, to allow these issues to be discussed in more detail. These workshops are detailed in Section 13 and 14 of this SCI.

Additionally specific outreach including door knocking by the ECDC Community Hub team has been carried out with residents in the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates, the wider West Kensington neighbourhood and within adjoining areas in Fulham and Philbeach Gardens/ Eardley Crescent. Issues discussed have included connections into the development from surrounding streets, management of car parking, height and massing of buildings and questions about daylight and overlooking.

St Cuthbert’s Church

St Cuthbert’s Church is a Grade I listed Anglican church built between 1884–87. The church is situated on the northwest side of Philbeach Gardens in Earl’s Court, near the West Cromwell Road, Adjoining the church is the clergy house and the Philbeach Hall, currently occupied by the charity Refeterio Felix. St Cuthbert’s Church is noted for its ornate interior decoration and its style of worship.

The project team has met with representatives of St Cuthbert’s Church regularly since 2021. The Church has expressed their view of the value of opening up the Site and connecting different surrounding communities to enrich the community as a whole. Discussions have focused on the potential for a connection into the Cluny Mews and the land issues and level changes involved in bringing this forward. These discussions are ongoing.

ECDC organised an exhibition showing proposals for the Earls Court Site in the Church and members of the development team have attended Open Days at the Church, engaging with parishioners.

5.0 Consultees – Who We Have Spoken to

Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC)

MOPAC owns and occupies the adjacent Empress State Building. There have been seven meetings with representatives of MOPAC between 2020 and 2024 that have covered the following topics:

- Introduction to the Design Team

- Emerging Framework (meeting with masterplan architect HBSEW)

- MOPAC and Proposed Development Interface Workshops

- Vehicle & Pedestrian Access for LBHF Detailed Component

- The Heat Network Interface

There have been other communications and meetings on specific items and generally a good understanding of operational interfaces has been established. In addition, staff from MOPAC have been invited to drop-in sessions to the masterplan exhibition at Conversation Corner, located adjacent to the entrance to their building, and have given feedback individually through the main consultation process.

Brompton Cemetery

Brompton Cemetery, managed by The Royal Parks, is one of Britain's oldest garden cemeteries and is listed Grade I in the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. Covering around 40 acres, it contains a range of natural habitats and over 60 species of trees. It continues to be a working cemetery, with plots for interments and a 'Garden of Remembrance' for the deposit of cremated remains.

ECDC has engaged positively and proactively with the Cemetery including both The Royal Parks' senior

management team and The Friends of Brompton Cemetery. A series of visits to the Earls Court Site have taken place, including a Site walk in November 2023, along with visits to Conservation Corner. In return, members of the ECDC team have visited the Cemetery for meetings, cemetery and catacomb tours. In September 2023, ECDC had a stall featuring consultation materials and activities at the Cemetery's Open Day. ECDC will participate again on 1st September 2024.

The ECDC team at the Brompton Cemetery Open Day – September 2023

5.0 Consultees – Who We Have Spoken to

Consultation by Phase

The following sections of the SCI details key consultation activities carried out over eight phases between 2020 and 2024, and how they influenced the development of the design. It should be noted that whilst eight defined phases of consultation are set out, community engagement has been an ongoing and continuous process through our engagement at the Community Hub, regular stakeholder meetings, and other activities such as tours and temporary Site activations.

Each phase listed in the following sections represents a new iteration of consultation material which was shown and discussed with the community through the methods described in previous sections.

At the start of each section is a summary of the key feedback received and the design response.

Member of the Design Team engaging with a visitor at the Conversation Corner, 26 Lillie Road

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Overview of

Phases 1 –

3: (March 2020 – October 2021)

Following the establishment of ECDC, the first priority was to listen to local people and their aspirations in advance of developing initial design proposals. The focus was on exploring the area, meeting neighbours and building lasting relationships and trust with individuals, groups and representatives from the local community, bringing them into the conversation from the very start.

Engagement activity increased in 2021 once ECDC and the full Design Team were in place, with a focus on outdoor activities in order to comply with Covid-19 restrictions in place at this time. Key activities in this period included:

- Spring 2020 – Community open day

- Summer 2020 – Initial listening exercise involving stakeholder meetings, workshops and a market research questionnaire

- August 2021 – Summer engagement events and fun days with a range of activities, with attendees also encouraged to provide feedback via an online survey on Commonplace

- October 2021 – Stakeholder tours where groups were also asked to comment on the eight emerging guiding principles for the masterplan

Each of these numbered phases is outlined below, although in practice this engagement continued regularly throughout this period.

The first ECDC event, held at the Earls Court Project Rooms

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Phase 1: Initial Listening Exercise

(March – July 2020)

We undertook a first round of public engagement (Phase 1) shortly after the Site was acquired in late 2019. This included an open day event in March 2020, the first Commonplace survey, stakeholder interviews and market research questionnaires. As this partially took place during Covid-19 restrictions, online and open-air methods were used.

Key outputs taken forward from Phase 1

This engagement began to establish The Earls Court Development Company as a new entity in the eyes of local people. Agreement had been reached to transfer ownership of the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates, 11 Farm Lane and the former Gibbs Green School back to Hammersmith and Fulham Council, starting the process of building trust locally and with relevant authorities.

The community open day, face to face interviews and local market research were used to begin to determine the approach with key local stakeholders and organisations, as well as testing out initial high level use preferences for the Site.

Phase 1

Feedback summary

Design response

Earliest feedback on the priorities for the Site indicated a preference for open space, cultural facilities and housing.

These were embedded within the emerging guiding principles for the masterplan.

Local people expressed preferences for temporary uses including community garden, open air cinema, retail and sports activities.

These requests have all been taken forward in the ECDC temporary uses programme including development of the Community Hub garden, the Pleasure Garden, and the London Wonderground Festival the following summer and opening up of temporary shop units and sports facilities.

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Phase 1: Community Open Morning (March 2020)

Initial Listening Exercise

On Saturday 7 March 2020, a community open morning took place from 10am – 12:30pm at The Earls Court Project Rooms, 16 – 18 Empress Place, SW6 1TT. The event was an opportunity for the community to meet the development team and feedback how they would like ECDC to engage with them during the project.

A series of ten consultation boards (see Appendix 1) were displayed at the venue providing information about ECDC, the history of the Site, and the Joint Venture partner companies’ previous experience. Arts & crafts workshops, face-painters, a dress-up corner and an acoustic musician were all provided to create a family friendly atmosphere.

Feedback forms were made available to capture residents' feedback. The form asked attendees how they would like to be engaged as part of our new design process, their views on digital and online consultation compared to more traditional methods (such as exhibitions/newsletters), and what elements of the previous masterplan they liked.

In total there were 24 feedback forms submitted: 8 via the iPad and 16 written feedback forms.

From the feedback forms most people indicated they would like to be regularly updated with progress of the project and have opportunities to provide further feedback. Attendees indicated they would prefer to be consulted via a combination of methods (i.e., both digital and in-person). When questioned on what their favourite aspect of the previous masterplan was, the most popular responses were the inclusion of green spaces, provision of retail spaces, and provision of social housing. There was also an acknowledgement from several attendees that they were unfamiliar with the previous masterplan.

In addition to written feedback forms, two consultation boards were displayed in the main room, each displaying a feedback question. Attendees were encouraged to write their feedback on stickers and then stick them directly to the consultation boards. Alternatively, feedback was also gathered via iPads and physical feedback forms were made available for attendees who preferred to leave feedback this way.

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

The consultation boards displayed the following two questions:

– How would you like to be involved in the project?

– What is your favourite thing about Earls Court?

Across the two consultation boards there were 16 stickers placed in response to how people would like to be involved in the project and 31 stickers listing people's favourite things about Earls Court. Attendees indicated they would like consistent communication from ECDC via newsletters, meetings, and social media. In response to the prompt, 'What is your favourite thing about Earls Court', the most popular responses included green spaces, transport connections, and a community centre/gym.

The event was held at the Earls Court Project Rooms in Empress Place, which ECDC had decided to base itself in going forward, ensuring that the company and its employees were an accessible and visible part of the local community.

Activities during the community

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Phase 1: Savanta ComRes Research

(Spring – Summer 2020)

To help understand local residents’ ambitions for the Earls Court area and the Site, Savanta ComRes was commissioned to undertake market research from 13 May – 30 June 2020. This research was to understand residents’ attitudes towards Earls Court more broadly and preferences for what residents would like to see included in the new development.

At that time, ECDC was newly established and had not set out any proposals and so the understanding/awareness of development proposals was largely around the previous Capco-led plan for the Site.

Nonetheless, the questions suggested that a new development was planned on the Site, with the aim of understanding local sentiment better.

In total, 860 residents were surveyed. 334 were 'ultralocal' and lived within half a mile of the development site, 258 lived in RBKC and 268 lived in LBHF. The research concluded:

- Four in five (82%) respondents said they had heard of the development proposal, with three in five (60%) having heard and knowing at least a little about it

- Two thirds (64%) of residents said they were very or fairly favourable towards the development, rising to three quarters (73%) of ultra-local residents

- Nearly nine in ten (87%) ultra-local residents were enthusiastic about green spaces and three quarters (73%) were enthusiastic about new leisure facilities

- While respondents from the wider boroughs wanted more homes to rent, those from the ultra-local area wanted to see more homes to buy

- Respondents from the Earls Court area were more likely to want postal communications, compared to wider borough respondents who favour websites and email

Front page of the Savanta-ComRes-produced research report (see Appendix 11 for full report)

Earls C ourt Deve lopme nt Company

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Phase 1: Summer Stakeholder Meetings

(June 2020)

The majority of the Phase 1 consultation took place over Summer 2020 in the main, as events in spring were curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The first phase focused on building a rich picture of the Site, the area and its history, by using internal expertise, engagement with those who previously worked on the Site, interviews with relevant stakeholders, workshops, and a questionnaire. This included holding a series of introductory meetings with key stakeholders, to brief them on the early vision and understand their views on what the future of the Site should be.

ECDC or their project consultants met with various key organisations and their members and employees in the West London area to seek their opinions.

Meetings were held with:

- Blossom Young Minds

- Boka Hotel

- Cllr Elizabeth Campbell (Leader, RBKC)

- Cllr Hamish Adourian (Earl's Court ward councillor, RBKC)

- Cllr Johnny Thalassites (then Lead Member for Planning, Place and Environment, RBKC)

- Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith (then Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Grenfell Housing, Housing and Social Investment, RBKC)

- Cllr Linda Wade (Earls Court ward councillor, RBKC)

- Cllr Stephen Cowan (Leader, LBHF)

- Eardley Crescent Residents Association

- Earls Court Community Trust

- Earls Court Neighbours Group

- Earls Court Square Residents Association

- Homes England

- Imperial College London

- Kensington & Chelsea Foundation

- London Sports Trust

- Philbeach Gardens Residents Association

- Professor Tony Travers, LSE

- Sara Hotel

- Sir Matthew Bourne

- Sir Merrick Cockell

- Solidarity Sports

- St Cuthbert's Centre

- St Cuthbert's Church – Father Bagot

- The Earl's Court Society

- Earl's Court Youth Club

- The Earl's Court Area Action Group

- The Earls Court Business Forum

- The Friends of Brompton Cemetery

- The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

- The Troubadour

- The Victoria & Albert Museum

- University College London

- Various officers from LBHF, RBKC and the GLA

- West Kensington and Gibbs Green Residents & Tenants Association

- West London Business

The amount of in-person face-to-face public engagement was limited over this period due to Covid-19 restrictions that were in place.

As such, apart from the March 2020 open day, the main method of collecting feedback from the public was via public surveys undertaken via the online consultation and engagement platform Commonplace. These are shown in detail on the following pages.

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Phase 1: Commonplace Results

In May 2020, the Commonplace survey platform was launched to gather feedback online (see Appendix 11.1). This was during a period of Government restrictions on in-person activity due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Commonplace survey in Phase 1 involved two types of survey to understand how local people felt about their area, and what they would like to see provided on the Site. The two types of survey are:

- An interactive map for people to click on a location and leave a comment explaining what they like or dislike about it. Two follow up questions asked why they feel this way, and what they would like to see in the location in future. Both questions offered a list of answers to choose from, or to provide their own answer if not listed

- A digital survey, with questions designed to understand knowledge of and attitudes towards possible redevelopment. This contained five questions, mostly multiple choice (see next page for details of the questions)

Interactive map and follow up questions

A total of 125 comments were posted on the map of the Site and the surrounding area. Overall, 60% of comments were negative or mostly negative about the location they related to, while 23% were positive or mostly positive. This suggests that people generally had more negative things to say about the Site and the surrounding area.

We then asked people why they feel this way about the location. The most popular responses by some distance were of a similar theme 'unattractive/run down' and 'dirty/ unkempt'. Lack of facilities was also a common answer.

The next question asked, "What would you like to see here in the future?"

This question received 113 comments. The most popular response was greenery and planting, followed by walking routes and places to eat and drink.

What would you like to see here in the future?

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Phase 1: Commonplace Results

Before now, how much have you heard of the planned redevelopment of the Earls Court area?

Unsurprisingly considering the high-profile proposals brought forward by the previous owner Capco, and the iconic history of the Site itself, most people had heard about the previous redevelopment proposals before.

To what extent are you favourable or unfavourable towards the idea of redeveloping the Earls Court Site?

Most people who responded (over three quarters) were happy or satisfied with the principle of the vacant Site being redeveloped.

Which of the following words or phrases, if any, describe how you feel about the redevelopment of the Earls Court Site?

The highly positive words/phrases selected in answer to this question, namely 'curious', 'enthusiastic' and 'excited', demonstrated the clear enthusiasm to see the long-closed Site being brought back into use.

Prioritise the below on what you think is most important to be included as part of the masterplan for Earls Court (1 is the most important and 8 is the least important).

The results from this question showed that respondents wanted ECDC to provide green spaces and a cultural offer first and foremost, followed by the building of housing and provision of retail and food and beverage outlets. These key themes have been taken forward through the evolving design proposals, with each of these wants further explored through subsequent consultation phases.

The last question tested preferences for temporary uses on the Site.

The top answers were:

- Community garden

- Food market

- Open air cinema/theatre

- Pop-up park/playground

- Retail/shops

- Sports facilities

This feedback was used to guide future temporary activations on the Site.

Prioritise the below on what you think is most important to be included as part of the masterplan for Earls Court (1 is the most important and 8 is the least important)

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Phase 2: Summer Engagement Events (August

2021)

The second phase of engagement was aimed at developing relationships with people across the community, building trust and awareness that a new approach was being developed for the Site by a company which had established itself with a local presence.

This phase involved three family-oriented outdoor events over the summer of 2021 to gather feedback from the local community on early ideas to make local people aware of the scale of the opportunity on the Site. The events included music and other entertainment, locally sourced complimentary food, drink, and activities aimed at children and families such as gardening and games. We partnered with local groups such as the 10th Fulham Scouts, Hammersmith Community Gardens Association and a dance group to run activities and to promote the events taking place.

Key Outputs Taken Forward from Phase 2

Land use priorities emerge for housing, leisure, and retail.

This was taken forward in the development of the guiding principles.

Connectivity identified as a locally important issue. Early thinking on the design focused on north-south connections but desire lines began to be explored in more detail.

Design response

The continued number one ask was for publicly accessible open green space.

This was embedded as key priority for the Site.

Community open day

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Phase 2: Summer Engagement Events (August

2021)

Three events took place at the venues and dates below:

Date and time Venue

Tuesday 17 August, 3pm–7pm

The Pleasure Garden at Warwick Road Apron (the recently opened ECDC temporary space opposite Earl's Court Underground exit)

Saturday 21 August, 1pm–4pm Mund Street Green, West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates

Tuesday 24 August, 3pm–7pm

The Pleasure Garden at Warwick Road Apron (opposite Earl's Court Underground exit)

At each event, three pop-up banners were displayed introducing the ECDC team and work so far including temporary activations. Members of the ECDC team and their architects were on hand to discuss the plans, collect feedback and answer any questions.

The pop-up events that took place on Warwick Road Apron featured as part of the recently opened activation known as 'The Pleasure Garden' to bring this area back

100

130

80

into use as public space. Attendees expressed their pleasure in seeing this space, which had been fenced off for many years, opened up again to the community.

In the same period, ECDC introduced temporary activations on the Site including the London Wonderground festival. The event brought footfall of 114,000 people – it was free to enter and allowed the local community and visitors to engage with art

installations, public spaces, fairground rides, pop-up bars and food vendors, as well as ticketed performances, generating a 'buzz' locally. Complimentary tickets for music and comedy shows were distributed to local people for the full range of ECDC-run community events. Cross promotion via hoardings and posters were also used to promote ECDC and its emerging vision to visitors.

The ECDC team and masterplan architects at the Mund Street engagement

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Phase 2: Summer Engagement Events (August

2021)

Promotion and publicity

The ECDC engagement events were advertised through:

- A 4-page flyer that was hand delivered to 19,000 addresses within an approximately 1-mile-wide radius of the Site (see Appendix 3)

- Two flyering events on Tuesday 17 August and Tuesday 24 August at Warwick Road Apron, and distribution of flyers at the London Wonderground festival Site

- Bespoke invitations for the pop-up events to local political and community stakeholders

- Advertised to the local community with laminated posters placed locally (see Appendix 6)

- Advertised across the ECDC social media channels prior to, and live at the events, as well as on our website (earlscourtdevco.com). This included targeted social media advertising aimed at those living in specific postcodes such as SW5, SW6 and W14

The confluence of the temporary activities, hoardings and ongoing stakeholder meetings also meant that word of mouth enabled many people to find out about the events.

Feedback

The feedback provided on the next page comes from two sources, the Commonplace surveys and conversations that team members had with members of the public, which have been categorised into themes.

The ECDC team and masterplan architects at the Mund Street engagement event

Activating the newly opened space on Warwick Road with a pop-up engagement event

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Phase 2: Commonplace Results

What are your three favourite things about the Earl's Court area?

While options were given for this question, the vast majority of respondents wanted to respond with their own answer. Many of the open text responses gave feedback which focused on the location and transport connections of the area, while others complained about the lack of green space.

What three things would make the Earl's Court area better for you?

The most popular improvement that could be made to the area was to provide more public green space, and more greenery and plants generally. Safety and security were also raised as an issue.

What other parts of London do you most enjoy visiting and why do you go there?

The responses to this question gave a wide variety of responses, including various public parks around London and entertainment districts such as Soho and King's Cross.

What would you most like to see in the new Earls Court development?

Respondents referenced green spaces as the type of facility most lacking in the Earls Court area. Also mentioned frequently, but significantly less often than green spaces, were cafés, restaurants and retail space (with a desire for independent and quality shops).

Locally sourced steel band playing at family fun day, Summer 2021

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Key Themes from Phase 2

The top six themes noted from the engagement events were a desire to see something happen on the empty Site; the need for more publicly accessible green space; housing; leisure activities; local retail; and connectivity and public transport.

A desire to see something happen on the empty Site

The longevity of the project from the initial Capco ownership, the complexity of the planning process to date and the demolition of the Earls Court Exhibition Centres were recurring themes in early conversations between the project team and residents.

Some people were not aware that that the Site was under new ownership and were surprised that the development would still take several years to be brought forward. Others asked why ECDC could 'not just get on with it'. The majority of people who raised this issue were keen for progress and to see a new masterplan.

The need for more publicly accessible green space

Many local residents made note that the free outdoor public spaces in the area were few and far between, or a bus ride away. Those who had gardens with key access could use these private spaces, but activities and leisure options within these spaces are strictly regulated.

Residents made note of the increasing importance of outdoor space over the last year and a half due to Covid-19 and were keen that creating these spaces would be a priority for ECDC. However, it was also stressed by multiple people that these spaces should be designed in a way that does not encourage anti-social behaviour.

The work that ECDC had carried out to reopen the Site at Warwick Road 'The Pleasure Garden' in partnership

with the K+C Festival was appreciated by a number of attendees. A number of families said that their children enjoyed the grass and flowers and space to play and ride their mini scooters/bikes.

Meanwhile, many residents made note that there was nowhere suitable to walk dogs or go running. The local parks that are accessible to anyone do not have fenced areas meaning that dogs cannot be let off their leash.

The opening of the Pleasure Garden at Warwick Road in June 2021

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Key Themes from Phase 2

Housing

Issues around the affordability of housing, and access to it was a key theme raised by local residents at all three events. Whilst residents acknowledged rising house prices across London over recent years, they expressed concerns about how high these will rise in the Earl's Court area. Conversely, there were a small number of people who attended the Warwick Road Apron event who expressed opposition to any council or housing association provision, saying that priority should be given to military veterans or that there should be no social housing at all.

Leisure activities

A lack of leisure activities for people of all ages was a common topic in conversations with the community. Some residents made note of the Exhibition Centres being demolished and replaced with no alternative entertainment options provided for people to enjoy in the local area. Most people expressed the need for more activities for young residents who live in the areas around the Site. A mother with young children and a teenager said that there needed to be more opportunities for teenagers. A resident from Philbeach Gardens said that a free social club for residents should be opened with a focus on parent and baby classes, exercise classes, and arts and crafts activities.

Other leisure facilities mentioned as currently lacking by attendees included a cinema, with residents noting that there was no cinema in walking distance to Warwick Road unless travelling to Westfield or Fulham Broadway.

Other residents suggested a bowling alley or ice rink. It should be noted that as with 'green space' above, many residents consider the area to have little of interest to them 'within walking distance' and many rely on buses to get to simple things such as shopping or going to a park, with many making the journey all the way to Holland Park.

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Key Themes from Phase 2

Local retail

A number of residents, particularly those in RBKC attending the Warwick Road Apron events, commented on the need for better retail to meet local needs without needing to get public transport to other areas. This had been something that the previous owner had promised. Whilst there is extensive local retail provision on North End Road, it was clear that residents either were not aware of, or were not willing to walk to, North End Road.

Connectivity and public transport

A large number of attendees wanted to discuss the general connectivity of the area, with some explaining how useful it is having Earl's Court, West Kensington and West Brompton Underground stations nearby but this could be improved by providing east-west connections between the stations. It was pointed out that the closed nature of the Site made it impossible to easily walk between the stations, or between the communities on either side.

Some residents commented that they felt the area had very good connectivity, as 'everything is a walk or bus ride away'. Another local resident commented that the development of the Site will greatly improve the east-west travel distances, which is something most local people will benefit from by being able to 'cut through' to walk or cycle to the local stations.

Other feedback

The section below highlights summarised quotes and comments of particular interest outside the most common themes:

- Exhibition Centres' history – there should be a statue or reference to what used to happen on the Site, such as a large boat or something similar on Warwick Road Apron

- More convenience retail and better-quality options needed

- Concern over noise and late-night uses

- Concern for drainage strategy and desire to see integration of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)

- Opportunities for play within landscape, specifically mentioned outdoor bouldering for its accessibility i.e., no courts, bookings etc.

- Comment that Earl's Court had a proud LGBT history and some people would like to see this reflected in the masterplan in some way

Jamie's ice cream business is based on Aisgill Avenue and is used by the ECDC team for community event

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Phase 3: Emerging Masterplan

Guiding Principles (October 2021)

The third phase of engagement directly followed the public events of summer 2021 with a focus on stakeholder tours of the Site and discussing the emerging 'guiding principles' of the Proposed Development with local communities and key stakeholders (see Appendix 11.3). This feedback was used to guide the development of the masterplan vision and priorities.

Tours of the Site were included in this phase due to direct feedback from stakeholders and local people. Many remarked that they had never visited or had not been into the Site for some time, at least since the Exhibition Centres closed.

A safe walking route was organised through the Site to 'the Table' (the concrete structure spanning the West London Railway Line that Earls Court Exhibition Centre 2 used to sit on).

The Table offers panoramic views of the Site and enables visitors to see the complexity of the existing level changes and infrastructure, as well as TfL's Lillie Bridge Depot that will, in future, form part of the development.

These tours gave a unique perspective of the sheer scale of the cleared Site and its constraints, which are hard to appreciate from outside the hoarding. There are very limited locations where passers-by can see into the Site – only from a narrow pavement on Lillie Bridge or from the A4.

Local residents discussing routes into and through the Site with ECDC and the Design Team

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

The stakeholders and groups taken on the tours were then shown a presentation which sets out ECDC's eight masterplan 'guiding principles' for the Proposed Development:

- Create an exceptional place that embeds economic, social and environmental responsibility

- Amplify nature, our emotional hero, our golden thread

- A blended use environment, spaces working hard to deliver principles of a circular economy

- A resilient masterplan; adaptable to future needs, maximising benefit for all

- The most connected place, open and accessible helping to make city life more equitable

- A continued heritage of world class ingenuity, for Earls Court, for London and the UK

- Welcome and surprise – bringing back the Earls Court wow factor

- Creating a sense of place from day one – living our values

These tours also continued through the fourth phase of engagement, detailed in the section below. In total, as of the end of Phase 4 in April 2022, over 80 local residents, members of local amenity societies (such as the Earl's Court Society,

Fulham Society and Hammersmith Society), plus stakeholders and those from local businesses were taken on tours led by ECDC team members. These tours continued in following phases through to the current day with a regular tour being offered as well as annual participation in the Open House festival.

Feedback

Following the series of presentations and walks, people gained a much better understanding of the challenges created by the levels, topography and existing infrastructure. It was apparent that many local people had not fully appreciated the scale of the opportunity to reinstate connections and to bring an empty Site back into use.

Local people gained a better understanding of the potential benefits to the wider community that the scheme could bring and its ability to reconnect an area that had been severed by the Exhibition Centres for over a hundred years.

Visits to the Table at the heart of the Site have proven popular with local residents

6.0 Listening and Understanding Local Priorities

Key outputs taken forward from Phase 3

The stakeholder tours influenced a set of key priorities, and opening up the Site became one of these. Feedback from the tours was considered by the ECDC team, along with feedback from meetings and surveys in the Phase 1 consultation and comments from the public during the events in Phase 2 to create a new vision and four priorities for the Earls Court Site. The theme of wonder had emerged from discussions with stakeholders and local people, connected with the history of spectacle associated with the Exhibition Centres. This led to the development of a new vision statement:

We have a bold and ambitious vision: To bring the wonder back to Earls Court

This vision statement and four priorities were then tested with local people in the next phase of engagement, when local people were asked what 'the wonder' meant to them.

7.0 Developing the Vision

7.0 Developing the Vision

Phase 4: November 2021 – May 2022

The next phase of engagement involved four in-person events, a webinar and an online survey. At these events, ECDC introduced the vision to 'bring the wonder back to Earls Court' and four key priorities for the Site for the first time as follows:

– Open up the former Exhibition Centre Site for the first time in 150 years – giving back to local communities

A showground of world class ingenuity – celebrating its legacy and history

– Create a better piece of city – a blueprint for future generations

Addressing the climate emergency – an ambition to go beyond net-zero

This engagement period was broader in scope and scale than previous phases, with questions split up into seven themed sections. This phase was also longer, spreading over six months.

A wider range of activities spanning dropin exhibitions, webinars and workshops was used given that this phase occurred

while there were Covid-pandemic-related social distancing rules in place as well as lockdowns. It was therefore decided that a hybrid approach using both inperson events and meetings and online engagement was an appropriate strategy.

During this phase, ECDC also launched what became a regular series of community masterplanning workshops. Facilitated by an independent consultant and held at the Earls Court Project Rooms, these sessions were interactive meetings with extensive discussion and engagement including thorough group-based conversations and a Q&A with the project team.

ECDC used the digital engagement tool Commonplace to collate feedback on the vision, priorities and emerging framework for the masterplan from local residents in a series of surveys grouped into themes (see Appendix 12). 641 contributions were made to 12 Commonplace surveys across this phase.

7.0 Developing the Vision

Key Outputs Taken Forward from Phase 4

A lot of data was gathered from this stage of engagement that supported the vision and framework principles, and some key themes are highlighted in the table to the right. Overall, there was a sense that people supported a vision to 'bring the wonder back to Earls Court' and, in this phase, told us what wonder meant to them which was a broader sense of buzz, excitement and discovery, delivered through cultural venues, open space and temporary activation.

Public open space was the most requested element throughout the feedback. There was also feedback about the need to open up the Site, reconnect the area and create inclusive and outward looking spaces that would bring the community together.

Phase 4

Open green spaces Desire for new open green spaces, public squares and walking routes. Support for nature-led masterplan with open spaces also cited as a means to bring a sense of discovery and wonder to the area.

Inclusivity ‘We want a place for everyone’. Workshop attendees requested safe, equitable and inclusive spaces with a variety of uses and things to do.

Retain historic uses of the Site Support for the creative arts, food, music and theatre. Support for retention of historic features including buildings on Empress Place and the Lillie Sidings Train Shed.

Opening up the Site and reconnecting the area

Respondents often said that the Site should be more outward looking, opened to the public again, with routes through for pedestrians and cyclists to cut journey time.

When asked to prioritise connections, the link to Earl's Court Station was most frequently cited and east-west routes were highlighted in workshops.

Jobs and early activation Many people said that they hoped the Site could be brought back into use as soon as possible in order to generate jobs for local people.

Prioritisation of a landscape-led approach to the masterplan framework, creating new publicly accessible spaces across the Proposed Development.

Inclusivity was embedded as a key theme within the emerging framework and this theme was carried forward in the establishment of the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel in the next phase.

A strong cultural offer was incorporated in both the framework proposals and in temporary use activations.

Retention of historic buildings was considered alongside food and creative uses in the Lillie Sidings Train Shed.

A north-south route was embedded within the early masterplan framework, and the east-west route was also added.

Sustainability When asked about what environmental issues most mattered to people, the number one response was air quality.

Jobs and investment were identified as a key theme in the proposals.

ECDC invested in multiple temporary uses on the Site, to allow people access and boost the local economy. These are detailed in section 5 of this SCI.

The proposals developed around a pedestrian-focused neighbourhood. ECDC went on to develop a Sustainable Development Charter in the next phase.

Building heights A frequently raised topic in events, people asked for more information on where tall buildings are likely to be located, and how high they would be.

This resulted in the development of the heights strategy shown during the next phase.

7.0 Developing the Vision

Promotion and Exhibition Materials

This programme of events and online consultation was advertised through social media (see Appendix 12), at meetings with stakeholders, a leaflet mailout, emails to the growing ECDC stakeholder database, mailing list, via the ECDC website, social media advertising, and during in-person consultation events and an online webinar. The reach of these activities is detailed below:

124,895 people reached by social media ads

– 35,986 households posted a flyer

2,334 reached by organic social media posts

Materials displayed to the public during this phase included a 12-page brochure (see Appendix 2) that was available online, handed out at consultation events and left at Conversation Corner. This brochure introduced the vision for the development of the Site and the four priorities.

The exhibition boards (see Appendix 1) shown at Conversation Corner included slightly more detail and imagery and were also available online. A newsletter (see Appendix 4) was also produced, and a feedback form was made available.

In-person events

Four exhibitions on Saturday mornings were held in-person with 70 attendees in total across the four locations. This was during the pandemic with restrictive social distancing rules and masking mandates in place, thus affecting in-person attendance. The events were:

– St Cuthbert's Church

4 December 2021

Normand Croft Community School

11 December 2021

– Former Fulham Boys School

8 January 2022

– Earl's Court Youth Club

15 January 2022

Public exhibition at the Earl's Court Youth Club

7.0 Developing the Vision

Webinars

Two webinars were held, one on 7 December 2021 and another on 25 January 2022. During these sessions, members of the ECDC team and the Design Team presented a digital version of the emerging framework and the guiding principles, followed by an open Q&A forum where those participating could ask any questions they had. Over the two events, 33 people attended.

Screengrabs from the webinar in December 2021

7.0 Developing the Vision

Youth, Disability Support and Older People’s Workshops

ECDC wanted to move beyond engaging with local community groups and to seek the views of a wider range of people from a range of local groups focusing on those whose voices are not often heard in the planning process. A series of workshops were run by ZCD Architects, a design studio with a strong focus on community engagement, which acted as a fore-runner to the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel. This was using the Voice Opportunity Power toolkit, which is a framework developed by ZCD, linked to the RIBA design stages, which:

- Involves young people in the early stages of the design process

- Allows them to have a strategic influence on the brief and design

- Makes that influence relevant and appropriate to the needs of young people

- Demonstrates to young people, the development team and the community at large that young people have had a meaningful impact on what is proposed

19 people attended four youth input sessions between October and November 2021.

Initially there were three separate sessions with groups from three different areas (the Earl's Court Youth Club, West Kensington and the Brunswick Club for Young People in Fulham) which used mapping exercises and conversations to understand each group's experience of the local area.

This was followed by a summary session in which each group reported back. A number

of young people from the groups then took part in an organised visit to the King's Cross development and conducted field research and surveying, led by ZCD and members of the ECDC team and their architects. The visit ended with a group workshop held at the New London Architecture gallery where the young people fed back their views on what they liked and did not like in King's Cross, and what they wanted to see within the future Earls Court masterplan.

Meeting with young people at the Earls Court Youth Club

7.0 Developing the Vision

Following the youth workshops, the ECDC team recognised the need and opportunity to extend this approach to other groups who are usually excluded from (or find it hard to engage with) the planning process; specifically older people, those with disabilities and carers. On this basis, ZCD were asked to reach out to these groups with a series of dedicated workshops.

17 people from two disability support groups (Full of Life, Action on Disability) and 14 people from two older people's representative groups (Age UK and Open Age) attended eight workshops between January and May 2022.

The workshops included walking tours of the local area with members of the ECDC team, architects from ZCD and the masterplan architect HBSEW with the aim to better understand the challenges these groups face, followed by group discussions. At the end of the process, each group collaboratively developed a manifesto. The three manifestos were presented to ECDC and the Design Team forming an initial brief for the open spaces and parks at Earls Court. These are included in Appendix 12.

The key asks from each manifesto are set out below.

Members from local youth groups combined manifesto:

– People: We want safe communal spaces

– Parks: We want lots of green spaces with different activities

– Places: We want a contemporary place we can be proud of

– Sport: We want a range of sports facilities for everyone

– Transport: We want to be able to move around freely

Group members from Full of Life K&C and Action on Disability combined manifesto:

– Parks: We want inclusive green spaces with a variety of uses

– Access: We want to access all areas

– Social spaces: We want buildings and places for local communities to socialise

Seating and facilities: We want accessible facilities and seating

Events: We want exciting events that are always inclusive

Place: We want a place for everyone

Housing: We want different types of housing

Information: We want clear and accessible information and staff trained in access and inclusion

Ideas from the young people during the manifesto writing session

7.0 Developing the Vision

Group members from Age UK K&C and Open Age combined manifesto:

– Facilities: We want free facilities for lots of different people

– Getting around: We want to be able to move around separated from wheeled vehicles

– Parks: We want plenty of green spaces and parks

– Management: We want managed public spaces

– Seating: We want lots of different types of seating

– People: We want high streets and shops for older people

– Entertainment: We want an entertainment/community centre or space

At the end of this process, it became clear that there were many areas of common

ground between the groups with safety and inclusivity at the heart of discussions. On this basis, ECDC decided to explore the idea of bringing the groups together into a more formalised steering group who would work with the project team on public realm design; this resulted in the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel.

Many of the ideas from the initial sessions were taken forward and championed by the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel and were later embedded in the principles for open spaces in the masterplan.

Exploring Normand Park looking at access and inclusion

Meeting members from Age Concern K&C at Brompton Cemetery

7.0 Developing the Vision

Community Masterplanning Workshops

ECDC commenced a programme of collaborative workshops with local people in February 2022. These workshops have been an important mechanism for facilitating community input to the design from an early stage, initially informing briefs and the early thinking of the masterplan team as well as later reviewing specific aspects of the proposals.

The workshops gave people who live and work in the local area (up to 30 per session) the opportunity to take a more detailed look at different aspects of the Earls Court development. Each session lasted for an hour and a half, beginning with a short presentation as a starting-off point (either from a guest speaker or member of the

project team), before a Q&A with the speaker and smaller group discussions facilitated by members of the project team.

The workshops were independently facilitated by Iceni Projects (subsequently through Kanda Consulting, using the same facilitator to ensure continuity), with the aim of encouraging a full, frank and open debate.

The first four workshops in 2022 discussed aspects of the emerging masterplan vision and ensured direct input from members of the community into the thinking of the Design Team as concepts developed.

Studio Egret West presenting the Site to attendees

7.0 Developing the Vision

Workshop 1 & 2 –What was the wonder?

(8 & 9 February 2022)

The first workshops asked participants what was the 'wonder' of Earls Court, and how we could bring it back. The session started with ECDC introducing the workshops and setting the scene with some key project parameters. A short film about the history of the area was shown before the questions 'what was the wonder' and 'how to bring the wonder back' were debated in smaller groups. Materials including postcards showing historical events at the Exhibition Centres and books on local history were available on each of the tables as discussion prompts.

Through the discussion, three word maps were created using words, memories, experiences and hopes relating to the Site's past, present and future. These were subsequently printed as large perspex boards, which were mounted prominently on the wall of the room in the Earls Court Project Rooms where the workshops took

place. Attendees at the second series of workshops reviewed them and it was agreed in those sessions that they were a fair representation of the previous workshop discussion. They remain on display in the Project Rooms to this day. Key themes included an overall sense of 'buzz', and 'wow' rather than a specific use or activity such as large stadium-style concerts. People's memories and associations included a much wider range of spectacle and experiences, including the diversity of people and visitors and a feeling of discovery and playfulness.

There was also a sense that there was now an opportunity to address some of the lessthan-positive associations of the Exhibition Centres in a new masterplan:

“The Site has always looked inwards; it needs to look outwards.”

“The development needs to attract people without being overwhelming.”

“We need playful spaces for adults too!”

Comments from participants

“The buzz was the wonder!”

“The wonder was the diversity of the people here.”

“The wonder was the spontaneity.”

In total, 64 people attended these workshops over two evenings, with a wide cross section of residents, councillors and stakeholders from both boroughs.

7.0 Developing the Vision

What was the Wonder?

buzz people electric shared experiences excitement young people atmosphere music opportunities spontaneity exhibitions community spirit nightlife international vibe pride uniqueness employment diversity unifying destination grittiness royaltournaments magnet artdeco proudtocallhome strobelights DavidBowie Princess Diana

Bringing the wonder back

What

7.0 Developing the Vision

Workshop 3 & 4 –

The emerging framework

(8 & 9 March 2022)

The second set of masterplan workshops considered the material that had been published for public consultation in December 2021. The session included presentations by David West, Studio Egret West, and Roger Hawkins, Hawkins\Brown, that covered constraints, design approaches/concepts, the emerging urban design framework and an approach to the distribution of height.

Following a general Q&A session, more detailed table discussions were held on the framework. These were facilitated by a member of the Design Team and ECDC at each table. Each table was encouraged to draw their ideas directly onto plans resulting in multiple diagrams for the Site with some interesting differences but also a lot of similarities.

Key themes and feedback related to finding a balance between 'destination' type uses and activities and creating a liveable neighbourhood, with open spaces and connections across the Site. There was support for retaining heritage features including the Empress Place terraced houses. There was also discussion about repurposing the Table structure into a central park feature and the challenges and complexities of navigating the level changes. In total, 54 people attended these workshops.

Comments from participants

“Needs to have a 'WOW' factor but also feel like home.”

“The development needs to start with nature.”

7.0 Developing the Vision

Workshop 5 & 6 –Future living, working and playing (26 & 27 April 2022)

The third round in the series of community masterplan workshops took place on 26 and 27 April 2022 and explored ideas of how people will live, work and play in the future and how these could be incorporated into the masterplan framework. Three guests spoke about how the world was changing and what this meant for the future of community.

The first speaker was David Barrie, founder of the Games Academy, who presented his thoughts on the future of work. David discussed how physical and digital experiences could be blended in the workplace.

Tim Wood from the Bankside Open Space Trust, was the second speaker. Tim talked about his experience of working with developers and local authorities through partnership with communities, resulting in a series of community gardens for residents in Bankside.

The final speaker was Bethan Harris, director of Collectively and a member of the

Loneliness Lab. Bethan spoke about the rise of loneliness in cities and how design could make meaningful change, helping people to better connect and provide mutual support.

A panel discussion followed the three presentations. Feedback stressed the need for flexible and adaptable spaces to meet future needs, and open and inclusive spaces to promote interaction and neighbourliness (particularly following people's experience of the pandemic). The loss of the Exhibition Centres had impacted the area economically and there was support for temporary activation to promote local activity and employment. In total, 52 people attended these workshops over the two evenings. Further feedback analysis from the workshops is included in the following section.

Comments from participants

“Activate the place with things for us to do.”

“We want a thriving economy based on local people.”

7.0 Developing the Vision

Key Findings from Phase 4

641 contributions were made to 12 Commonplace surveys across this phase, which included both a short 'quick-fire' version of the questionnaire, and a longer form version which included these and additional detailed questions on the four priorities. Generally, the former had higher rates of responses. Key findings from the surveys have been summarised along with verbal feedback received at the four inperson exhibitions, and public webinar organised between December 2021 – January 2022.

Open and green spaces

From the results it was clear to see there was a strong desire from the local community for new open public spaces. This was significantly the most requested element throughout the feedback. It was apparent that the recent pandemic restrictions had

increased the awareness amongst local people of the issues around green and good quality public spaces in the immediate vicinity of the Site.

Open space suggestions focused on two topics: either public squares with cafes and restaurants or open green spaces for sitting, walking and enjoying outdoor activities. Peaceful walking routes and space for outside performance or food markets were also popular options amongst respondents. Respondents referenced green spaces as the type of facility most lacking in the Earls Court area.

Event attendees noted that there had been a lack of green spaces for residents to use around the Earls Court area. They were supportive of the plans to create a public park in the masterplan and enquired about what type of activities and play facilities might be included in the space.

Public exhibition at Normand Croft School - December 2021

7.0 Developing the Vision

Retain historic uses of the Site

Four historic uses were often mentioned: the creative arts, food, music and theatre. This mostly tallied with people's favourite memories from the previous Exhibition Centres, with most respondents' memories revolving around 'Exhibitions', 'Live Music' or 'Large Events', with 'Trade Shows' also featuring prominently. However, 'Exhibitions' were only the fifth most popular choice for historic uses which could be prioritised in the Proposed Development.

In conversational feedback, residents were interested in discussing how some of the existing buildings will be repurposed and incorporated into the masterplan. They enquired what is likely to happen to the Lillie Bridge Depot and what types of uses these buildings will be able to accommodate in the Proposed Development. Support was expressed for the proposal to retain the historic character of the streetscape of Empress Place (where the homes that had been empty had recently been refurbished and opened as homes and artists studios), as well as the Train Shed.

Avoiding past issues

Despite the architecture of the Exhibition Centres' buildings being referenced by some as their favourite part, it was also referenced by some as being ugly or poorly designed, particularly those parts of the buildings not fronting Warwick Road (the historic art deco styled façade).

Poor upkeep of the previous Exhibition Centres was also seen as a major issue, as was event-related traffic, noise, litter and other similar disruption. The negative impact of event crowds on the neighbouring streets and stations was highlighted, alongside the lack of pedestrian access through the Exhibition Centres.

The Train Shed will become an immersive cultural destination at the centre of a vibrant mixed use quarter

7.0 Developing the Vision

Access and connectivity

Respondents prioritised opening up a route through the Site from Earl's Court Station more predominantly than the other potential routes. Better access from Lille Road or West Brompton station was also very popular, with the other proposed options in the survey less popular. This is demonstrated in the detailed response table below:

In the table, the vertical axis relates to a ranking of priority, with 1 being the top priority and 6 being the lowest, while the horizontal axis relates to the number of responses. The responses to this question most often mentioned connections to each of the three Underground stations near the Site, through both pedestrian and cycle routes. There was an emphasis on connections to Earl's Court station. Similar results were collected in response to the long survey. This was also a theme of the workshops in the same period.

We want to open up the Site to surrounding communities. Which new routes would be most beneficial to you?

At public events, people expressed concern that the creation of up to 4,800 new homes (the total figure given during this stage), and the associated new residents would place further strain on transport and local infrastructure. There was a perception that train services and local roads were already busy during peak travel times and the impact of cars on the neighbouring areas was raised regularly. As a result of this, the masterplan's approach to car use and access by future residents was carefully considered and explained further in future consultation phases.

Attendees asked if any new roads would be created as part of the Proposed Development, had been proposed under the previous masterplan. Some people were concerned that if they were linked into the wider network, it would create a 'rat run' through the Earls Court Site.

From Earl’s Court Station From West Kensington Station

From Lillie Road or West Brompton Station From the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates

7.0 Developing the Vision

Sustainability

Those surveyed were also, on the whole, extremely concerned about the climate emergency. The most important local environmental issue was air quality, with over 75% of respondents ranking either air quality or noise pollution as the most important issue. Air quality was also cited as a barrier to walking and cycling in the area, along with lack of available routes.

At events, people welcomed the commitment to create a sustainable development at Earls Court. Most agreed climate change was the most significant issue of our time and noted the poor air quality and concerns around increasing car usage in the locality. Some attendees noted that flooding was becoming a prominent local issue (particularly in RBKC) and was something that the Project Team should be mindful of as they develop their plans.

Questions were asked as to how we would achieve our stated aims and a desire to see more detail, which was picked up in subsequent phases of consultation.

Local amenities, services and employment

In the survey analysis, people felt that restaurants and cafes were underprovided in the area as well as supermarkets and grocery shops. People also commented on the value of small businesses and employers in the area.

In events, people agreed that although the area is an attractive place to live, there was a lack of diverse employment opportunities and leisure uses for residents. This was particularly apparent through discussion with residents of the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates, many of whom had worked in the Exhibition Centres. Additionally, we visited a number of local businesses and attended meetings involving the Fulham BID, North End Road Action Group and the Earls Court Business Forum. The message was received that local businesses (particularly hotels and hospitality) had suffered greatly from the loss of footfall and trade since the closure of the Centres.

Engagement event at St Cuthbert's Church – December 2021

7.0 Developing the Vision

ECDC asked people in this survey "What does 'wonder' mean to you?" The results are shown in the table below.

In the table, the vertical axis relates to a ranking of priority, with 1 being the top priority and 6 being the lowest, with the horizontal axis relating to the number of responses. The graph below shows that people most associated 'wonder' with cultural spectacles and events, and a varied landscape, followed by architecture. When asked for specific ideas to bring the wonder back, people suggested cultural uses such as concert halls and music venues. Sports uses were also popular, as were exhibition spaces.

At the consultation events, a number of discussions were held about the type of live music, shows and events that could be provided at Earls Court. Some residents appreciated the Exhibition Centres would not be replaced with similar venues, noting there was a demand for a more diverse mix of social and leisure offerings and that other venues, such as Excel, now met the need for such space. Others, such as the Earls Court Area Action Group, felt that a 'new big venue was needed' in the local area.

7.0 Developing the Vision

Early activation

Attendees said they welcomed the activation of different parts of the Site, referencing the success of the Warwick Road Apron art installation and London Wonderground. They enquired if any other such events would be organised in the future. The constantly expressed desire for such events and activations through these phases influenced ECDC's approach and strategies to activating the Site with other temporary uses such as the subsequent BBC Earth Experience that opened on the Site in the following year.

Masterplan sentiment

At the end of the survey, the following sentiment question was asked: "How do you feel about our emerging masterplan?"

Almost half of residents said they were satisfied, with most of the rest stating they are neutral so far. At events, people were pleased to hear about the overall vision and principles that will guide the proposals for Earls Court. They were, however, keen to see more detailed plans and asked when these would be shared with the public.

People frequently asked questions about building heights. While there was an acknowledgement that there would be taller elements in the masterplan, people enquired where these buildings were likely to be located on the Site and how high they might be. A range of opinions were expressed on height and density through the consultation and engagement to members of our team. People also sought to understand differences with the previous developer's proposals.

There was significant interest in the 2022 masterplan-focused community workshops from residents, stakeholders and council

officers. They welcomed the collaborative approach ECDC was taking and the opportunity for local people to feed into the emerging masterplan. Given the success of these workshops and the positive and collaborative discussions that took place, we decided to continue and strengthen the role that such workshops played in the next phases of consultation.

The Mayor of Kensington & Chelsea opening the Pleasure Garden at Warwick Road

Bringing the Site back to life – London Wonderground

8.0 Framework Principles

8.0 Framework Principles

Phases 5 – 6: (June 2022 – October 2022)

This stage of consultation focused on how the feedback received on the vision had been incorporated into the proposals. This was presented as exhibition boards and a brochure showing the initial Framework layout and content based around the most frequently raised themes we had heard from local people in earlier phases:

- A place for everyone

- New cultural spaces

- Jobs and investment

- Approaching building heights

- ECDC's Sustainable Development Charter

Talking to local people at the ECDC pop-up stall on North End Road market

8.0 Framework Principles

Methodology

In total, 31 events took place over a six-week period in June and July 2022 resulting in 754 conversations. The programme of events included:

- The opening of a dedicated 'Conversation Corner' exhibition and engagement space at 26 Lillie Road, with 309 people attending over 19 exhibition days

- Three engagement pop-ups at Earl's Court Underground station

- Two pop-ups at West Brompton and at West Kensington Underground stations

- Events advertised using vinyl displays on the Earl's Court station shopfront space at the Warwick Road entrance provided by TfL

- Two large-scale family fun days

- The opening of the Community Hub in June

- Six masterplanning workshops

- North End Road Market pop-up stand with display material

- One webinar with 6 attendees on 19 July 2022

- One workshop with the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

- 1,500+ handouts distributed

In addition, to accompany the conversations at in-person events, a digital survey was set up via the online platform Commonplace to capture additional feedback (see Appendix 13), which received 109 contributions.

West Kensington station pop-up

8.0 Framework Principles

Key Outputs Taken Forward from Phase

5 & 6

This phase of engagement saw broad support received for the key principles set out in the Framework and saw more detailed conversations about the spatial principles of the masterplan including height, massing and connectivity. The first meeting of the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel took place leading to a more in-depth discussion about the green open spaces and again emphasised the principles of connections and connectivity in a walkable and wheelable development.

Phase 5 & 6

Summary of feedback received and design response

Open green spaces

Approach to height, massing and design

Support for the provision of more green space and nature on Site. More detailed discussions on the principles of inclusive public realm with the newly formed PRIP, such as ‘a walkable and wheelable development’.

A variety of opinions were expressed about tall buildings and different approaches to height.

Workshops discussed landmark taller buildings in the centre of the Site, tapering down to the edges and away from historic buildings.

A generous approach to green open space was further developed.

Principles established by the PRIP were developed in the design proposals for Aisgill Gardens.

A refined approach to massing and heights was tested by the Design Team and shown in later phases.

Architectural design and sustainability

Support for the approach to minimise demolition, work with existing structures and to design for climate change.

Focus on re-use of existing buildings and structures, such as the Table structure, Lillie Sidings Train Shed and the Empress Place row of terraced houses were tested and developed.

Culture Support for the ambition to bring back cultural venues and a world class cultural offer.

The proposals continued to develop a strong cultural offer, including a range of venue sizes.

Workshops explored the value of a range of smaller cultural venues rather than a single large venue.

Economic Desire for Earls Court to recover its international appeal and become a global economic hub.

Timeline Significant interest in the phasing of the construction, with people keen to understand what would be built first.

Housing Support for the provision of new homes, but questions around the number of affordable and social rent homes.

Community Providing indoor and outdoor places for people to meet and socialise was raised in workshops.

ECDC and the Design Team developed proposals for innovative workspace uses within the masterplan, to ensure opportunities for employment were embedded.

ECDC defined the extent of the first phase of delivery in future iterations.

Further detail was provided in later consultation phases, with a commitment to target 35% affordable homes.

Incorporation of community facilities was developed within the Illustrative Masterplan.

8.0 Framework Principles

Exhibition material

Materials displayed to the public in this phase included a 12-page brochure (see Appendix 2) that was available online, handed out at consultation events and available at Conversation Corner and other locations. The exhibition invited the public to see the emerging conceptual layout for the Site and ensure that the priorities identified in the first period of engagement had been addressed. It also explained how the community could give feedback and get involved in the ongoing consultation. A feedback form was also made available for people to leave their feedback (see Appendix 13).

Conversation Corner

The exhibition boards (see Appendix 1) shown at Conversation Corner included more detail and imagery and were also available to view online.

An ice cream tricycle was used to encourage passers-by off the street on hot summer days with free ice creams and lollies provided, encouraging many people to stop for a conversation.

Conversation Corner, 26 Lillie Road

8.0 Framework Principles

Family Fun Day Events

This phase of consultation also included two family fun days; one on the east side of the Site and the other to the west. Both events used a marquee and table with extensive consultation materials, as well as the installation of a large 2m x 3m box displaying a cut down version of the exhibition materials attached (see Appendix 13).

The event on the east side took place at the Warwick Road Apron, in and around the 'Stars of Earl's Court' art installation. A number of games, a smoothie bike, ice cream trike and PA system were all present to encourage attendance from passers-by. This helped encourage a mix of attendees, both from the adjacent streets and the wider Earl's Court ward, including those who were very well informed about the project and had been following the Site's progress (or lack of) for a number of years.

The event on the west side of the Site took place at the Mund Street Green, within the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates, with the Community Hub team present. This event involved a locally sourced ice-cream

van with complimentary ice-cream, a bouncy castle, games, music from a steel drum band and catering provided by a local company.

The specific use of local businesses and performers aided the promotion of the event, as they spread the word to neighbours and local contacts in advance.

Most of those present were families from the Estates, with around 150 attendees and around 25 detailed conversations about the plans with residents. Those on the Estates had generally been less engaged with the plans for the Site since their campaign to save the Estates had resulted in the Estates being excluded from any proposals for development. However, as near neighbours of the Site, we were keen to ensure that they continued to reach out and engage with as many people as possible as the process moved forward.

A number of residents from the mansion flats and the Victorian terraced houses in the West Kensington ward also attended. A number of event attendees were pro-development and a small number stated they had specifically bought in the area due to the development that

had previously been announced and as such, they were keen to see positive movement around development of the Site.

In total, 225 people attended the two family fun days.

8.0 Framework Principles

Earls Court Community Hub Opening

The Community Hub, located off Aisgill Avenue in West Kensington opened on Tuesday 31 May 2022, following refurbishment to bring the long-closed building back into use. The building was erected by the previous owners to function as a Replacement Homes Suite, aimed at tenants on the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates. It was clearly associated with the previous development proposals, and as such ECDC committed to a major investment in the temporary building to bring it into community use.

The launch event was well attended by around 350 residents of the adjoining Estates and the wider community and stakeholders including local councillors. Many residents expressed happiness that this space was now available for community use.

At the launch event, an ECDC stand was present with information about the company, emerging ideas for the future of the Site and members of the ECDC team on hand to engage with event attendees.

Activities with the Hammersmith Gardens Community Association during the Community Hub launch event – May 2022

8.0 Framework Principles

Community Masterplanning Workshops

Community workshops that had commenced in February 2022 under Phase 4 (detailed in the previous section) continued in Phases 5 and 6. These are detailed below.

Workshop 7 & 8 – Culture (24 & 25 May 2022)

The fourth set of community masterplan workshops focused on the past, the present and the future cultural offer at Earls Court. Jett Glozier from Sound Diplomacy UK, presented research and early thoughts on a cultural vision for Earls Court. His presentation covered the area's rich music history, what was currently provided in the area and gaps identified in that provision.

Smaller facilitated table discussions followed the main presentation, plus a preview of some of the ideas being explored by the Design Team ahead of their publication as part of the next stage of public consultation.

While some residents expressed their disappointment about losing the range of 'big box' major events following the demolition of the Exhibition Centres, workshop attendees discussed the importance of a diverse range of venues and sizes and the importance of smaller venues to the overall cultural 'ecosystem'. There was also discussion about the importance of creating a 'buzz' building on the legacy of ideas in the area's history.

In total, 26 people attended these workshops over the two evenings.

Workshop attendees discussed the findings from previous sessions and built upon them through discussion

8.0 Framework Principles

Workshop 9 & 10 – Summer consultation materials, meet the architect (12 & 13 July 2022)

In the fifth set of workshops, David West, partner of the masterplan architect practice Studio Egret West, gave a presentation covering the approach to open space, culture and height within the masterplan Framework. This was generally appreciated by those attending, including the opportunity to discuss and debate these key issues. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session and more in-depth conversations at each table, facilitated by the consultation team and the Design Team.

Key issues discussed were:

- Height: Some suggested they wanted to see consistent low to mid-rise buildings across the Site with others disagreeing, pointing out the benefits of transitional building heights across the Site. It was agreed by many that the quality of design and built form was extremely important

- Connectivity: Different routes were discussed with residents highlighting the importance of east-west connections, connections to the Tesco store on West Cromwell Road and the north of the Site as being important. Furthermore, the need to have different kinds of routes not just 'rush hour' routes but slower routes to create a sense of discovery. The importance generally of the Proposed Development stitching into the local area was emphasised

- Economy: Attendees stressed their belief that whilst creating a large number of new jobs was welcome, it was important to recognise the importance of local people's aspirations and the development to supporting increased talent and skills, entrepreneurship and innovation

In total, 39 people attended the workshops over the two evenings.

Exploring issues around connectivity during the workshop

8.0 Framework Principles

Workshop 11 & 12 – Architectural Design and Context (20

& 21 September 2022)

The sixth set of workshops included a further presentation on the design from the masterplan architects Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West (HBSEW). There were five attendees on 20 September and seven on 21 September.

There was a discussion about local character including West London mansion blocks and their characteristics e.g. horizontal lines, base, middle and top. Some support was expressed in the workshops for a contemporary reinterpretation of these features within the masterplan.

There was a discussion about public squares and open spaces, and the relationship between tall buildings and more open space. Some concerns were expressed about tall buildings overwhelming some existing lower rise buildings.

People also asked about the phasing of the Proposed Development and how the architects were designing for climate change.

Residents engaged with the Design Team on a range of areas during the consecutive workshops

Framework Principles

The Public Realm Inclusivity Panel (PRIP)

On 20 July 2022 the first meeting of the PRIP took place. The background to the PRIP and design outcomes are explained in Section 7 of this document with key issues incorporated into the summary tables in each consultation phase.

The aim of the first four sessions in this phase was to define a Public Realm Inclusivity Statement for the Earls Court Site. The Inclusivity Statement which members had worked on was finalised and was presented to ECDC for endorsement. The PRIP agreed to review any proposals presented to them against this Statement.

8.0 Framework Principles

Key Findings from Phase 5 & 6

This section summarises feedback received during this phase of engagement. In Phase 5, online responses through Commonplace were low at 109 contributions. This was due to the focus on face-to-face engagement. This section also summarises general feedback received from the public from over 700 conversations, and within the masterplanning workshops, as many of the discussions went further than the themes provided as part of the consultation materials.

North End Road Market pop-up

8.0 Framework Principles

General feedback on the masterplan and consultation

Attendees who had not previously engaged with the development were typically supportive of the Framework layout as shared, but were keen to see more detail, including renders of the buildings. As with the attendees to the in-person events, the majority of Commonplace respondents were overall 'happy' with the vision to bring the wonder back to Earls Court.

A sense of urgency and desire to see something happen

Common feedback received across the events was that local residents wanted to see something happen on the Site as soon as possible. A large number of those giving this feedback did so in a positive sense, being supportive of the plans and wanting them to be delivered sooner. A smaller, but still significant, number of attendees expressed their impatience with the Site remaining empty for so long. There was some frustration at the lack of progress which has been made since the Exhibition Centres were demolished.

Timescales

A large number of attendees were interested in the timescales of the project, both in terms of the consultation timeline and the phasing of the construction, with people keen to understand what would be built first. Some local residents emphasised their desire for connections, green open spaces and spaces of community benefit to be built first – perhaps reflecting scepticism about delivery.

Local residents of all ages frequently asked when the masterplan will be unveiled; while they were interested to see the Framework layout, there was a desire to see more detailed information – particularly around design, heights and density.

8.0 Framework Principles

Provision of open and green space

Feedback was generally supportive of the plans for the provision of more green space and nature on Site, with acknowledgement that there was a lack of good quality public green space in the neighbouring wards. The open spaces and park proposals were frequently the most welcomed aspect of the Framework shared at the time.

There was understanding amongst some attendees of the trade-offs between height and open space.

Some local people suggested green spaces dedicated to gardening and food growing.

People who worked in the area (many from Empress State Building) passed the shop unit at 26 Lillie Road and fed back that they would like somewhere pleasant to sit and eat their lunch, as the area is lacking such spaces.

Respondents to the Commonplace survey were largely supportive of the approach being taken to utilise the Table structure as part of a flexible public space. Three respondents specifically name-checked the New York High Line as a good example to follow, and some had heard of the newly opened 'sky park' garden on top of the Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester.

There were a range of ideas given for how green space could be used, including creating a picnicking area, focusing on landscaping and planting trees and foliage, all of which were mentioned three times. Sport facilities, allotments and flexible event spaces were each mentioned twice.

The importance of safety and accessibility in the public realm was also mentioned in events and workshops.

“Think New York’s High Line meets Earls Court with clever spaces for people, planting and connectivity through to the rest of the site (at all heights).”

“Some sports facilities would be great but aesthetically a place where you would want to have a picnic.”

“Beautiful gardens. Maybe a place for allotments so that people in the community can grow their own food.”

8.0 Framework Principles

Connectivity and servicing

Feedback continued to emphasise the importance of introducing connections across the Site. People at events started to ask more questions about what a car-free development would mean in practice and how deliveries, servicing and disabled access would be managed.

Retention of existing structures on Site

Attendees to the in-person events were generally interested in the plans to retain the Train Shed at Lillie Bridge Depot, the Table structure and the facades along Empress Place. Feedback tended to be cautiously positive, although there was not a great deal of comments, as detailed information on the Illustrative Masterplan had yet to be provided.

Feedback on the retention of existing structures on the Site was more specific through the Commonplace survey. A large majority of respondents supported the approach to minimise demolition and work with existing structures on Site, and making the Train Shed at Lillie Bridge Depot a focus for food and culture.

Culture and leisure uses

At the in-person events, there were lots of interest in the potential cultural uses on Site. Across all demographics, local people agreed there was not enough to do in the area and welcomed the ambition to bring back cultural venues.

Local people suggested a range of uses for the cultural venues, without a particular consensus view, including a small to medium-sized music venue, places for independent artists to exhibit and sell their work, and exhibition space.

Families frequently mentioned the lack of activities available for children and young people in the area. As with the verbal feedback received from in-person attendees, the Commonplace respondents did not come to a consensus view when asked which cultural uses they would be interested in seeing on Site. The uses suggested by more than one respondent included a swimming pool or outdoor lido, a theatre, art gallery and cinema.

“Wimbledon has used space cleverly to create indoor and outdoor spaces, including natural amphitheatres with integrated planting. There’s an opportunity to create a multi-media, multi-event space with London as a backdrop.”

“Modern art exhibitions and workshops. More info boards and plaques telling the local history. Also, plenty of outdoor space for recreation: cycling, running, yoga and roller skating.”

“Would love to see a cinema as well as open air performance spaces.”

“Live music and theatre showcasing local talent.”

8.0 Framework Principles

Temporary uses

Attendees at the events welcomed the temporary activations on the Site, saying they were happy to see something happening on a Site which had been empty for so long. A number of the Conversation Corner attendees had dropped by on their way to the Underbelly Festival events. Families were pleased the free beach was returning and said the area needed more low-cost things for children to do.

Respondents to the Commonplace survey were mostly supportive of the cultural meanwhile use programme, with 70% either strongly agreeing or agreeing it has started to implement a 'world-class cultural offer'.

Jobs and investment

Jobs in the local area were discussed at the events, but less than other topics, and there was not an extensive amount of specific feedback shared on this topic due to the limited amount of information provided at this stage.

Local people were interested to hear about the number of jobs (12,000 to 15,000 were quoted) envisioned to be supported by the scheme, with many surprised with the total – expecting it to be much less. This may have reflected knowledge of the previous proposals which were largely residential-led. There was some scepticism expressed about the number of office-based roles proposed, with some querying in the post-pandemic era the demand for new offices given the increased role of home-based and flexible working.

However, in workshops, discussions emphasised local people's aspirations and the need for the development to support increased talent and skills, entrepreneurship and innovation.

“We want a thriving economy based on local people.”

“Local people able to sell their creations and have a space even if it’s part time. I think we need to support small businesses and local people rather than large chains.”

“Tech or creative industries always bring life to a new neighbourhood. Also, music industry given the site heritage. Not overly commercialised but a cool Freddie Mercury corner would be great too with a small live music venue to celebrate the history of Earls Court.”

8.0 Framework Principles

The approach to tall buildings

The height of the buildings continued to be a discussed topic. However, there was a more mixed view on tall buildings than in previous phases of consultation.

Many attendees were not concerned about the inclusion of tall buildings on the Site with a number of those in attendance also more interested in the architectural quality of the buildings, rather than the height.

Workshop attendees and other consultees were generally understanding of the approach to clustering heights around the Empress State Building and West Kensington/Cromwell Road location. They also acknowledged that the Framework was aiming to be sensitive and responsive to the edges of the Site elsewhere, such as Warwick Road. However, the use of the Empress State Building as a precedent for height was viewed with scepticism by some local residents. There were a number of local residents who did not want buildings to be any taller than 6–12 storeys.

ECDC was asked on a number of occasions to use the Above Ordinance Datum (AOD) meterage height as well as storeys when

talking about the proposals, given level changes on the Site as well as differing ceiling heights in different building typologies. Following feedback, this information was included within ECDC materials as a matter of course.

Criticisms centred around the perception of taller buildings negatively impacting views, overshadowing, and the quality of life that could be achieved through such development. This included a small number of residents during one workshop who said they would not support the inclusion of any tall buildings at all and who urged us to explore a design that included a maximum height of 7/8 storeys in mansion type blocks across the Site.

Some conversations were more neutral with people initially saying they did not like the designs of tall buildings they knew but that they would be more amenable if the buildings were attractive and well designed. There were a significant number of people who supported tall buildings, particularly beautifully designed ones, with one workshop participant saying he wanted 'Earl's Court to be known globally for its world-class tall buildings'.

“It’s so important that Londoners learn to design, build and maintain safe and efficient tall buildings if we have any hope of providing affordable housing for the younger generations. We need more apprenticeships for people to learn in these aspects. For example, Elephant & Castle has taken a modern approach of integrating tall buildings in urban centres.”

8.0 Framework Principles

Continuing the conversation (September – October 2022)

After setting out and receiving feedback on the Masterplan Framework in June and July 2022, ECDC took the opportunity to continue the conversation with the local community in September and October 2022, ahead of showing the Illustrative Masterplan in the following months. This was promoted via flyer drop to 40,000 households in September. Conversation Corner was reopened for four days a week from 28 September 2022 to 15 October 2022 to demonstrate temporary activations and to talk to local people about plans for the future, as well as to provide an update on the feedback received so far. 51 people attended these drop-in sessions. Exhibition material in Conversation Corner was updated to reflect this.

ECDC had a major presence at the North End Road Autumn Festival on 24 September 2022.

This long running event returned to the North End Road following the pandemic and with 150 stalls and 15,000 visitors during the day, it was an excellent opportunity to engage locally. We were a major sponsor of the event and facilitated a programmed stage, a children's play area, face painting, gardening and other activities, which encouraged many people to stop and view the range of materials relating to the masterplan that were on display. Our stand and activities were staffed by senior members of the team as well as our consultants, allowing those who wanted the opportunity to discuss their ideas and concerns directly. Throughout the day, there was extensive engagement with hundreds of members of the public, as well as a number of LBHF Cabinet members, the Deputy Leader and local ward councillors who all visited the stand.

By having a stall at the festival, the project team had informative discussions with people who, for the most part, had not been previously engaged in the consultation and who would not necessarily meet the team through other consultation avenues.

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Phase 7:

(February – July 2023)

In February 2023, ECDC published the draft Illustrative Masterplan and Strategic Framework for public consultation for the first time. ECDC wanted to ensure that local people were given every opportunity to engage, so there was a concerted effort to go even further than the previous phases. The consultation moved to a bigger, improved venue, promotion was intensified across traditional media and social media, as well as locally on the ground, and feedback was gathered across an increased variety of channels. In short, we sought to match the ambition of the masterplan with an appropriately comprehensive consultation.

To showcase the proposals, the project team opened a new and improved Conversation Corner – a dedicated consultation space on Lillie Road, in the former Metropolitan Police museum building. The opening of this space was promoted with flyers, posters, and were active across both social and traditional media. This included:

- 334,882 people reached by social media posts

- 63,673 flyers posted to addresses in RBKC and LBHF

- 2,000+ flyers handed out in public places

- 2,247 houses visited in neighbouring wards via door knocking

This phase resulted in:

- 700+ attendees at consultation events

- 512 survey contributions

The new and larger space at Conversation Corner

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Methodology

The exhibition and associated consultation was located at Conversation Corner, with a supporting programme of collaborative workshops and local pop-up events. The new, upgraded space included a meeting room and community space on the first floor, which enabled roundtable discussions to be held with local resident groups following visits to the exhibition on the ground floor, as well as meetings of the PRIP and other sessions related to the masterplan development.

The primary method of gathering feedback was via recording detailed verbal feedback and through the Commonplace survey (with hard copy and PCs available at events (see Appendix 14).

Five further community masterplan workshops took place in this period as well as continued regular meetings of the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel.

The survey and Conversation Corner opening times were extensively promoted by:

- Flyers distributed to 63,673 local addresses in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) (see Appendix 4) (an expanded number from the previous 36,000 household distribution radius – see Appendix 5)

- Door-knocking via the engagement team to local households, including on the Gibbs Green and West Kensington Estates and streets in RBKC including Philbeach Gardens and Eardley Crescent

- Paid and organic social media campaigns running throughout the consultation

- Five rounds of emails sent to ECDC's database of over 700 people (see Appendix 7), advertising opening times and the online survey

- Printed brochures with full consultation materials sent to all RBKC and LBHF councillors via their Town Hall addresses, as well as the local London Assembly Member and Members of Parliament (some of whom shared details via their own social media accounts and weekly emails to constituents)

- Flyering at local Underground stations/rail stations between two and three times per week, in March and April 2023 (see Appendix 3)

- Vinyl window displays in place at Earl's Court station advertising the consultation events, exhibition location and opening times and highlighting the emerging plans (see Appendix 6)

- Adverts in the South London Press, Hammersmith Today, and FulhamSW6

- Multiple press/media articles (Evening Standard, Time Out London, etc.) – 42 articles, posters and flyers displayed in local shops

- Extensive coverage in The Court magazine – printed copy delivered to 15,000 local households in RBKC and LBHF

- Information advertising the consultation available at the Community Hub on Aisgill Avenue

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Conversation Corner

The information on display included a large-scale timber model of the draft Illustrative Masterplan, as well as adaptable peg walls with more detailed information about the proposals, and a rolling video about the early activations.

Conversation Corner was initially open from 23 February to 1 April 2023. However, due to the high levels of interest and the feedback received, it was decided to keep it open until the middle of May. Conversation Corner then remained open to the public on Wednesdays in the afternoon.

Over the course of the consultation, over 600 people attended the venue, with around a further 100 attending pop-up events.

Conversation Corner

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Webinar Lyric Square Pop-up

A webinar was arranged for those who were unable to attend the in-person events at Conversation Corner, or who preferred to learn more about the material online.

The webinar took place on 20 March 2023, with a total of 40 participants, who asked 46 questions through the text submission box – all were addressed and replied to by the project team participants. There were five main question themes:

- Local traffic

- Public transport

- Housing density

- Building heights

- Housing and affordability

We also held a pop-up consultation event at Lyric Square in Hammersmith (located in central Hammersmith opposite Hammersmith Underground station). This event was held on 7 March between 11am and 3pm. In total, 78 people engaged with the display and the project team.

The proposals were displayed on a large fabric cube with key information from the consultation materials displayed on all four sides.

Lyric Square pop-up event

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Community Masterplanning Workshops

We continued running collaborative workshops in this phase, focusing on the draft Illustrative Masterplan and how it could be further refined and improved to meet local needs.

Workshop 13 & 14: Beauty (25 & 26 April 2023)

The first masterplanning workshops in Phase 7 took place in April 2023 and considered the theme 'Beauty' – starting with defining the term and assessing what makes 'beautiful' architecture and urban design. The workshops were held in April so that participants from previous workshops could come to see the consultation materials in Conversation Corner beforehand. The sessions took place on 25 April (13 attendees) and 26 April (9 attendees).

The agenda for each workshop was:

- Consultation update and initial findings

- Recap on previous workshop – interpreting local built character

- A scene setting on Beauty in Architecture and Urban Design, with points for discussion including:

- A reflection of local identity

- A family of buildings

- Order, rhythm and proportion

- High quality facades

- Details

- A defined base, building and top

The key themes of the discussion and feedback at each event was as follows:

- How to design the buildings to be beautiful and welcoming

- Creating an area with soul, not losing the charm and soul of Earl's Court/Fulham and West Kensington

- Walkability and pedestrian routes

- Importance of being mixed use

- Needs of those living there to be close to shops and amenities

- Car parking and vehicle access

- The need to feel like a neighbourhood

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

There was discussion about the sustainability of tall buildings and achieving a balance between height and public space. There was continued support for the overall concept of lower rise development at the edges of the masterplan rising up to 'landmark' taller buildings in the centre. Some quotes from this session include:

“Anything really tall needs to be exceptional.”

“Blending in from the sides and then a ‘punch’ in the middle.”

The workshop notes also record the view that there should be a transition – gradually filtering in different styles and materials, so that these should be more traditional around the crescents, but there is opportunity to be more bold towards the Cromwell Road.

There was also discussion about the difference in architectural styles between the existing Empress State Building and the crescents to the east of the Site, and the need to marry the two. People expressed a liking of the following aspects of existing design character:

- The curves of the crescents, noting that there were also curves in the Empress State Building and the Exhibition Centres

- The typology of squares and enclosed public spaces (rather than windswept ones)

- Importance of streets

- Preference for use of materials such as timber and brick rather than just steel and glass

- Preference for 'calm' and 'order' in the design

- Support for a contemporary interpretation of local design motifs rather than 'pastiche'

This was an important workshop for establishing visual preferences which fed into the design briefs for the first Detailed buildings, and the Design Code principles shown in later phases.

Attendees discussing 'what makes beautiful buildings' during the workshop on 'Beauty'

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Workshop 15 & 16: Being inclusive (13 & 14 May 2023)

These two evening sessions included presentations from the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel (PRIP) on the work they had been doing for the past year, followed by a wide-ranging discussion on 'Belonging'. The workshop was attended by a diverse group of local people with 15 attendees at the first session (13 May) and 30 attendees at the second session (14 May).

The PRIP members explained some of the findings of the panel and answered questions from the masterplan workshop attendees. The PRIP members then joined table discussions on the theme of belonging – 'how to create a sense of belonging about and within the new masterplan'.

Topics discussed included:

- The need for places for people to stop, meet and talk to one another – the street as a social space

- A good environment – space, sunlight, landscaping, street furniture

- How to have a genuine mix of uses

- Well-managed spaces that have clear and effective ways of managing anti-social behaviour

- The need for a sense of security

- Clear guidelines on expected behaviour onsite

- How to create buildings on a human scale at ground level

- A connected development – consider the edges, how it is connected to neighbouring areas and how easy you can cross to them

- An affordable retail and cultural offer

- Familiarity – something you know, recognise and understand

- How dogs will be managed in the public spaces

PRIP members presenting their findings to the wider workshop

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Workshop 17: West Kensington neighbours (10 July 2023)

It was noticed that at the series of community workshops held so far, attendance from residents living between the western border of the Site, Lillie Road, North End Road and Cromwell Road was lower than those from other areas. Therefore, an area-specific workshop held in a familiar location (the Community Hub) was organised and advertised by Royal Mail posted invitations to 1,000+ local homes and actively through the Hub team and via local community networks.

28 residents attended the session at the Community Hub – many new to the process. Only two people had visited Conversation Corner or taken part in previous engagement events.

The session included a presentation on the Spring 2023 draft Illustrative Masterplan by members of the Design Team and ECDC. Residents' questions were taken and answered throughout the presentation.

Topics discussed include:

- Car parking and the impact it would have on existing residents

- The height of the proposed buildings

- New routes through the Site

- Affordable housing and the types of homes

- Vehicular servicing

- Cultural and community uses

- Timescales and ongoing engagement

- The workshop was well received with further similar sessions requested in future

Visitors to the Hub were able to view an overview of the proposals via a pop-up display cube

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

RBKC Earls Court Development Forum

During the planning process, ECDC and the Design Team have participated in two meetings with the Kensington and Chelsea Development Forum on 16 March 2023 and 1 February 2024 respectively. The purpose of the meetings was to allow us to present the Development Proposals and gather feedback from residents, businesses, and consultees ahead of submitting a planning application.

RBKC Earls Court Development Forum

Meeting One: 16 March 2023

The first meeting with the Development Forum was held on 16 March 2023 and was attended by approximately 90 attendees. The project team delivered a presentation covering a range of topics including ECDC's four key priorities for the Site, the design concept, proposals for parks, squares, and gardens as part of a 'landscape-led approach', approach to building heights, engagement with local communities and their 'top asks and issues'.

Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions as part of a Q&A discussion. There were several questions on height including height along Philbeach Gardens and views of Empress State Building being impacted by proposed new buildings. The project team explained the design rationale behind building heights. It was noted that the buildings close to the Empress Place Building would be the tallest on side, with development stepping down towards the edges.

Attendees asked for clarification on how the car-free development would work as potential residents and visitors could rely on

cars. The ECDC team explained the scheme will be London Plan compliant with walking and cycling prioritised and car club use encouraged. Parking on site would be limited mainly to disabled parking and for people with carers, with a small amount of visitor parking proposed..

Attendees also voiced concern around crime in the area, particularly as parks are generally locked at night which could encourage people to congregate in an area with lack of supervision at night. The project team noted that there would a management company established to maintain the Site in the long term, with new residents and office occupiers contributing to the Estate management service charge which will provide for CCTV and a managed security presence.

The forum concluded by confirming timescales for the project noting the aim is to start building in 2025, with a likely 15-year build out. Phase 1 would likely be completed between 2030 – 2031, including delivery of the Table Park.

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

Meetings

During this period, the PRIP continued to meet monthly and considered challenges and opportunities for the public realm across the Site and for specific areas including Aisgill Gardens and the Warwick Road Apron. When the consultation exhibition opened, the PRIP was invited to assess the extent to which the draft Illustrative Masterplan had met their recommendations. This process was repeated for the updated masterplan exhibition in the next phase and is summarised in Section 15 of this SCI.

PRIP members looking at Aisgill Gardens using co-design principles

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Architecture in Schools

In early 2023, ECDC partnered with Open City, bringing together Key Stage 2 primary school students with architects and design professionals to explore how and why their city – and in this case, Earls Court – is changing, in an initiative known as Architecture in Schools.

In January 2023, all eight architecture practices involved in the design proposals were recruited to join the project and matched with eight local schools close to the Earls Court Site.

In February 2023, each practice sent two representatives to Open City's Youth Engagement Training Day. This session explained the programme, the visits and creative opportunities as well as safeguarding and tips for working with young people. The sessions were led by Open City with additional input from primary school teachers who had delivered a similar project in East London in 2022.

This was followed up in March with partnership meetings, in which each of the eight lead class teachers met their partner design professionals in an online meeting to establish curriculum priorities as well as giving a mutual introduction to their classes and design projects.

To coordinate with the launch of the BBC Earth Experience in March, each school and architect team visited Earls Court for a day of activities. These included two architecture and place-making workshops in the Lillie Project Rooms where the children shared their lived experience of the local area, and the architects their experience of their job and vision for Earls Court. The students also toured the Table and visited the BBC Earth Experience as well as trying on ECDC-branded hard hats, hi-vis jackets, safety goggles and steel-tipped boots.

Model made by participants of the Architecture in Schools programme

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

The May session saw each school and architect partnership team visit a different part of London in order to research ideas and provide inspiration for the children's thoughts about Earls Court. Throughout the day, the children were tasked with discussing aspects of city planning that they liked and felt worked well. Each visit also included exploration of projects with either different heights or aspects dating from different eras, so that they were able to apply the propositions posed by the ECDC team around the height of the Table and the heritage of the Site. Subsequently the students took part in a further workshop including visits to major London projects such as Battersea Power Station and King's Cross.

In June and July, the local students completed the programme, starting with a model-making workshop taking place at each school. Each school group was visited by a team from their partner architects practice, who led the schools using a model-making kit and A1 board we provided. In July, we hosted the schools and architects at the Conversation Corner space.

The students came up with creative and innovative solutions to crossing the railway line, embedding sustainability and designing tall buildings. They also generated lots of ideas for potential leisure uses, and ways of activating parks and open spaces. Several of the schools' ideas were fed back to directly to the Design Team including the provision of allotments, greenhouses, slides, forest and wooded areas and a dance studio. Viable suggestions were assessed by ECDC's development team and added to the project's Ideas Bank to be considered for inclusion within the masterplan.

School children participating in the on-Site workshop

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Phase 7 Feedback Themes

For this phase of consultation, ECDC carried out two new Commonplace surveys on the draft Illustrative Masterplan – one designed to be completed quickly to maximise engagement and another to allow people to provide more detailed feedback (see Appendix 14). The surveys were promoted along with the opening of the enlarged Conversation Corner. In total, 512 contributions were made.

As this was the first time the emerging proposals for the draft Illustrative Masterplan were shown, it resulted in the the largest consultation undertaken to date with thousands of people reached and hundreds of pieces of feedback received. From this raw data the most consistently raised themes have been identified, alongside tangible ideas provided by participants during the consultation.

Ideas suggested throughout this phase were categorised and put forward to the Design Team to test which could be included in the draft Illustrative Masterplan. An 'Ideas Bank' database was created, bringing together

all the asks and suggestions into one place. These were then considered by the ECDC and Design Team for inclusion within the Outline and Detail proposals. Many will continue to be tested as future detailed proposals come forwards in future.

A selection of ideas from this phase of consultation are listed in the relevant feedback sections on the next pages.

Green open spaces

The masterplan responded to the most regular and important piece of feedback we received since the Site was acquired in 2019: a need to provide a range of green and open spaces for all to enjoy. Plans for the Table Park and green open spaces across the draft masterplan were warmly received, with 86% of survey respondents happy or satisfied.

“I love the communal green space that is on the masterplan, and a space that all locals can come to enjoy together. I have a vision of coming to this space on a warm summer night with friends, sitting on the grass after a glass of wine at a local wine bar.”

Do you agree with our proposal to prioritise public transport, walking and cycling over car ownership and access?

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

When asked what they most liked about the draft Illustrative Masterplan, survey respondents mentioned public and green spaces by far the most frequently, with 33.5% of all respondents mentioning this, compared to the second-mostmentioned theme, which was the approach to community engagement at 11.1%.

Attendees at in-person events also frequently praised the plans to provide more green open space in the area. It was widely acknowledged at in-person events, through stakeholder meetings and via the survey, that the local area is lacking in good quality publicly accessible green space.

Added to the Ideas Bank

The Public Realm Inclusivity Panel suggested the inclusion of bat boxes and beehives to help introduce more nature and improve biodiversity

Members of the Earls Court Youth Programme and other survey respondents suggested a 'Night Garden' – a space designed to come alive at night with lighting, bioluminescence, music/sound, planting, events and activities

Survey respondents and attendees at in-person events recommended that the green space should be made as large as possible

The inclusion of more play, sports and recreation facilities were suggested by the PRIP, survey respondents and attendees at in-person events

“Creating green space in the area is a great idea to support the environment as well as to improve the life quality in the area as there are no open parks in this area.”

“I like what has been done so far. Good job guys! I love nature taking over urban life. I [would] push it further (beehives, wild flowers etc).”

“I love the amount of green space which I believe is severely lacking in the surrounding area.”

“I like the park, and importance that seems to be given to have green space in one of the most polluted areas in London.”

The creation of high quality, open green spaces where people feel safe and welcomed has driven the landscape design

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Happy something is finally happening on Site

The exhibition of the draft Illustrative Masterplan saw many people respond that they were happy something was going to happen on the Site and that it had been empty for too long.

A number of those who came into Conversation Corner said they had originally bought in the area/moved nearby because of the previous development plans. Local community groups expressed their support for the Site being developed and local political stakeholders also said that they wished to see it brought back into use to positively support the local community.

When asked if people had questions about the masterplan, many people were keen to hear about timescales for building to start and the first phase to be ready and open.

The uplift of the whole area was the second most popular answer when people were asked this question. Many attendees at consultation events mentioned that they were glad the

development was coming forward and that the area 'needed a lift'.

Across the survey, general positivity towards the proposals was one of the top three themes in eight out of ten responses to the free text questions.. This shows that many survey respondents were pleased to see plans finally come forward for the Site and are broadly supportive with the ideas to improve their local area.

“Really keen to see this Earls Court development go ahead after a long wait since the Exhibition Centre was demolished. Most important is that I hope this will bring quality life and use back to the SW5 area.”

“Very thoughtful new masterplan, I hope it starts getting built soon!”

“Really impressed, wishing you every success! As a local resident I look forward to seeing it develop.”

The model at Conversation Corner

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Support for walking and cycling routes

The proposals to prioritise public transport, walking and cycling were the most popular aspect of the draft Illustrative Masterplan amongst survey respondents, with 89% of people happy or satisfied. The majority of those engaged expressed support for the approach of limiting car access to encourage walking.

Many people asked for more distinct cycle paths and local cycle groups and other inperson attendees were keen to understand the cycle routes through the Site and to discuss these as the proposals developed. Some respondents to the survey asked for greater investment in local public transport, particularly underground stations.

Added to the Ideas Bank

Members of the PRIP suggested having cycle parking close to activities, not tucked away; Some survey respondents asked for electric bicycles to be available for hire on site; The PRIP and survey respondents wanted to clearly separate/segregate pedestrians from wheeled vehicles (including scooters, bikes, etc).

“We should think long term and focus on non-car modes of transport.”

“It's cheaper, healthier and more environmentally friendly. This part of London has lots of public transport doesn't need more cars.”

Furthermore, feedback from members of the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel suggested that cycle parking should be close to activities and expressed a desire to see those on wheels separated from those walking.

“Less pollution, more bicycle lanes mean safety to bikers, will encourage biking, it will be a healthier community.”

“Hope to maximise pedestrian movement between North End Road and Earls Court.”

“Having cycle lanes is crucial in today's times. It is an eco-friendly and healthy way of commuting which should be supported.”

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Vehicle access and ownership

The proposed masterplan will be largely car-free, creating new pedestrian and cycle routes across and through the Site. Vehicles will be limited to specific roads for servicing, drop-offs and loading with a minimal car parking provision, limited to those possessing Blue Badges, and a small amount of visitor parking proposed.

Whilst the prioritisation of walking and cycling was heavily supported, limiting vehicle access and creating a largely car-free development garnered a more mixed response from participants.

When asked to share more details about their thoughts on plans for proposals to prioritise public transport, walking and cycling, 24.4% of survey respondents stated that they specifically supported the car-free approach. This was not unanimous, with around 6.5% of respondents stating that they would change the masterplan to enable car access and parking.

The approach to servicing and deliveries, and in particular hot food delivered to the door by couriers, was queried across all feedback themes, with more detail requested. There were also questions about how rubbish collection would be managed.

People also asked about vehicle access and servicing during construction. This was not covered in the consultation, given the early stage of the proposals, but more information would be provided at a later stage.

Members of the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel, as well as people who responded across all events and surveys, expressed concern around access for elderly and disabled people if cars were excluded. They shared ideas for helping people with mobility, including electric bicycles, carts and even a 'miniature train'.

Attendees at the webinar asked a lot of detailed questions on car access to the Site and private car ownership, and this was the second most frequent topic of questions during this session.

“While we do support efforts to reduce car dependence, by removing all cars for able-bodied residents, we are concerned that this could exclude families and therefore limit the diversity of occupants.”

“Push it! Private cars do not belong to our future...”

“You have plumbers, carpenters and other tradesmen that don’t live in the Borough that may work in the Borough. You have florists, delivery men and others who need to be in their car.”

“With this sort of density and easy public transport – it's a no-brainer.”

Added to the Ideas Bank

Across all feedback sources, people asked for a plan for helping less mobile people get around without car or bus access

Some survey respondents asked for the inclusion of taxi ranks and pick-up areas for mini cabs

Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters available for hire were suggested by the PRIP

A number of local residents, particularly on the RBKC side, called for the inclusion of a limited number of on-street short stay visitor parking spaces

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Height and density

Height and density were one of the more debated topics around the masterplan at events, in the survey, and at workshop sessions drawing a mixed and sometimes negative response.

When asked what they would change about the masterplan, 26% of people mentioned building heights, which was the most common theme in response to this question.

Across all feedback streams, height was mentioned frequently. Some attendees at Conversation Corner and at other face-to-face engagements understood the need to balance building heights, the amount of affordable homes and the amount of green space delivered across the masterplan.

Some people asked how building heights impacted the amount of daylight and sunlight in the draft Illustrative Masterplan and open spaces.

"We need this to happen, and much quicker."

“There are too many clustered tall buildings. A fewer number of homes should be built, we don't need such massive tower blocks.”

“I would personally support taller buildings next to the Empress State.”

“Higher rise cluster in central position probably a good idea. Lower rise buildings on the perimeter.”

Added to the Ideas Bank

In-person exhibition attendees and survey respondents asked for the scheme to provide a rooftop viewing platform, garden, or bar/restaurant

Some respondents to the survey suggested there should be different typologies of housing, 'not just apartment blocks'

Some in-person attendees mentioned they would like to see a landmark building for London built on the Site

The Design Team talking to residents at the public exhibition at Conversation Corner

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

High-quality design and architecture

Respondents to the survey were broadly positive towards the emerging architectural designs, with 72% answering that they were happy or satisfied.

“It looks beautiful and exciting, like it would be somewhere I would visit on the weekends.”

“I think the design can make or break the soul of the area. I've seen with Auckland, NZ suburban expansion create soulless spaces.”

The question on emerging architectural designs had the highest number of 'neutral' respondents of all the scheme's aspects, showing a degree of uncertainty and reflecting the fact that we had not yet shown detailed architectural visualisations.

When survey respondents were asked for further details, the most frequent theme a reduction in height (with 30.1% of respondents mentioning this). The next two

most frequent themes were requests for the designs to be more innovative and ambitious, and asking for more details with 14.3% and 11.1% of respondents mentioning these respective themes.

Some attendees at Conversation Corner, at workshop events and in meetings with local resident societies regularly requested the Design Team to ensure beautiful architecture and great design qualities are included in the Proposed Development.

A small number of respondents to the survey suggested that the design should better reflect the character of the area. There were also calls for differing building typologies across the different blocks.

There was a vocal minority who were critical of the emerging design. It is important to note that all images and designs at this stage were sketch proposals and it was made clear during this phase that they did not reflect the detailed designs that will be brought forward, even in Phase 1.

“My main issue is with the amount of high rise builds suggested in the project. It seems very New York/Dubai – cold, claustrophobic and bland.”

“They are very up to date and love how nature is built into the buildings.”

Added to the Ideas Bank

Living walls, maximising the use of green roofs, and the use of timber for construction

A survey respondent suggested using more sustainable design principles, including integrating circular economy principles

A small number of survey respondents and in-person event attendees asked for the design to better reflect the local area, including using more brick and stone

A survey respondent suggested that the height, style and materiality of the buildings should reflect local Victorian/historic architecture

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Key Outputs Taken Forward from

Phase 7

There was generally positive feedback on the draft Illustrative Masterplan as evidenced by high satisfaction rates on key themes in the survey, as shown in the graphic on the right.

Desire was expressed to see something tangible come forward on this long vacant Site and was a consistent message throughout the feedback. Other key themes are shown in the charts to the right.

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Draft

Illustrative Masterplan

Summary of feedback received and design response

Topic Feedback summary

Open green spaces Strong positivity towards the provision of green open spaces.

Specific suggestions including from the PRIP incorporated in an Ideas Bank for consideration.

Design response

Following the positive response to the open space provision, we continued to ensure the masterplan is landscape-led with a wide variety of spaces for people to use and enjoy. The Design Team considered opportunities to further increase the provision of open space, leading to an updated Illustrative Masterplan being shown in the next phase.

Specific comments on recreational facilities and biodiversity were considered in detail by the Design Team and a number of requests were ultimately included within the proposals.

Building heights and density Building height was mentioned often. Some respondents expressed concerns and wanted to see building heights reduced. Others understood the balance between building heights, the ambition to deliver affordable housing and open space.

We considered comments received on the number and location of taller buildings. Changes were made to the height and massing of buildings in relation to factors such as wind and daylight/sunlight in the updated masterplan shown in the next phase.

This included the removal of one of the tall buildings with all others, except for one, brought below the height of the neighbouring Empress State Building. The overall development quantum was subsequently reduced by 10%.

Emerging architectural design Survey respondents asked for more information on the designs, for it to reflect the character and materials of the area and be more ambitious and innovative.

Specific comments received in the masterplan workshops on design of landmark buildings, incorporating curves and contemporary interpretation of local design motifs.

Accessible streets Support for the concept of prioritising walking and cycling.

Create accessible London streets for pedestrians and cyclists and tell us more about access routes and parking.

Some concern over whether the level of vehicle drop-off and visitor parking is adequate.

Comments regarding local character and materials, and different building styles fed back into the scheme as the designs developed. More detail on the Character Areas and detailed buildings was provided in the next phase of consultation.

The PRIP's suggestions for the design and incorporation of the former Exhibition Centres steps within Warwick Square were considered and developed into a Flower Ampitheatre.

Feedback was considered on segregated cycle and pedestrian routes, bicycle and car parking and servicing, and further information on new routes was provided in the next phase of consultation, along with changes to widen some streets to provide more room for different users.

The PRIP's inputs on providing inclusive and equitable routes across level changes - such as the location of lifts and resting points – were incorporated in the design of the Cascades.

Parking provision was reviewed with the inclusion of a limited amount of visitor parking added in response to feedback.

9.0 Draft Illustrative Masterplan

Responding to Feedback

An excitement to finally see something tangible come forward on this long vacant Site was a consistent message throughout the feedback. There was also a shared ambition to deliver a beautifully designed masterplan that both reflects the character of the local area and creates a new piece of city for London. This consultation phase also helped to draw out those areas where feedback was more mixed and where more design work was needed to address concerns. People were keen to understand issues such as building heights, design approach, and vehicular access in more detail, with concerns being expressed about the number, and height, of tall buildings. The consultation team worked through the comments and fed back to the Design Team to address.

Specific requests and suggestions were added to the 'Ideas Bank', assisting ECDC and Design Teams to refine the proposals for specific plots and feeding into the emerging Cultural Strategy, Retail Strategy and Estate Management Strategy.

In response to the feedback, conversations with local authorities, technical testing and working with the challenge of live train lines, tunnels and bridges across the Site, ECDC made five big changes that were subsequently presented in February 2023.

Attendees at the exhibition at Conversation Corner

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

Introduction Phase 8: (November 2023 – February 2024)

On 15 November 2023, ECDC launched consultation on the updated Illustrative Masterplan, responding to feedback received on the February 2023 proposals. This set out five key design moves as follows:

- More open space: increasing the provision of open space by over 20%

- Reducing density: reducing the overall amount of development by 10% and the number of buildings taller than 31 storeys (the height of the existing Empress State Building) by three to only one

- Infrastructure for long-term sustainability: committing to an on-site energy sharing network

- Maturing a sense of place: establishing a set of place pillars which help to create the identity for the Earls Court Development

- Creating London streets: creating wider streets and squares and accessible level changes

The updated Illustrative Masterplan presented in Phase 8a was built around four place pillars which evolved from the vision and priorities:

- An inspiring neighbourhood designed for all stages of life

- A showcase for climate and clean innovation and skills

- A cultural ecosystem for the future of talent

- A celebration of nature's ability to connect and revive

Information was also shown on the Character Areas, the emerging Design Code and initial designs for the first Detailed buildings of the masterplan.

In response to feedback on how the perceived elegance of the tall buildings could be improved, during Spring 2024 design amendments were made to further articulate the tops of some of the taller buildings around the central grouping. This entailed limited height increases to WB04 to allow for more stepping in at the top of the building (resulting in the loss of usable floorspace), and to WB03 and EC05 to mitigate the apparent coalescence of the buildings in a number of views from afar and to redistribute some of

the loss of area from the tallest building. The resultant design articulates the top sections of these buildings in a more elegant and elongated way and is incorporated within the Detailed Components of the Hybrid Planning Application.

The illuminated model available to view at Conversation Corner

Conversation Corner was open to the public with ECDC staff and Design Team members present to discuss the proposals

Key Outputs Taken Forward from Phase 8

This was the largest survey response to date with 628 respondents who gave feedback on the 'five big moves' (see Appendix 15). From the 472 people who answered the final survey question on overall sentiment, there was 76% support for the updated masterplan, reflecting a positive response to the changes made. To pick one quote that summarises this overall sentiment:

“Much better, lower height, more green, feel really listened to, thanks.”

There continued to be some negative sentiment around the height of the remaining tall buildings. There were also some people who were unhappy that the overall amount of housing had been reduced. Overall, the response to the Character Areas survey was positive with all areas having a majority positive response to the design principles and most areas having around three quarters or

more agreeing or strongly agreeing with the design principles.

Those Character Areas that had a slightly higher percentage of neutral or negative sentiment included Empress Place, with comments reflecting concerns about the cluster of tall buildings and Warwick Crescent, with some concerns from near neighbours about overlooking and loss of amenity from tall buildings.

Other key feedback themes related to specific areas of design development are summarised below. Comments relating to Phase 1 buildings are collated in the next section of this report.

The November 2023 exhibition boards on display at Conversation Corner

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

Phase 8a (updated Illustrative Masterplan)

Summary of feedback received and design response

Topic Feedback summary

Character Areas Overall support for the Character Areas with people expressing support for defined guidance on design principles across the Site and for the Character Areas.

e.g. ‘Importance of design guide for buildings and landscape’.

Comments often related to edge conditions and the relationship of the scheme to neighbouring properties. These issues were explored further with near neighbours in the Phase 8 workshop series.

In workshops to the west of the Site, the majority of people supported the removal of the wall between the Site and the West Kensington Estate and replacement with a landscaped boundary treatment.

Community Hub uses 583 responses were received to this question and the most popular preferences were for a café; a library/educational/public information facility; and fitness classes.

Design response

The approach to the edge conditions was explored through a series of resident workshops.

Comments received informed the drafting of the Design Code and development of landscape design for the edges of the Site, including a flexible approach to the western boundary edge.

Codes to protect privacy and overlooking for specific sensitive plots were incorporated in relation to feedback received at near neighbour workshops.

Features and facilities in the Ground Floor and open spaces

Most ideas and suggestions fell into the following three categories:

Open space: People wanted to see planting, water features and seating in the park spaces

Indoor space: Cafés and a cinema were the top requests, along with a range of retail provision

– Sports and leisure: A children’s playground, gym and multi-use sports areas were popular requests

PRIP recommendations:

Provide places to shelter outside

Allow for sports

Consider the nocturnal city and incorporate well-designed night-time lighting

Construction management

Some queries about transport and construction management arising from workshops.

This feedback was incorporated into the brief for the permanent new Community Hub, specifically:

A community cafe space to be included

Flexible spaces to be used for library/educational uses

A separate community hall space suitable for a variety of activities including fitness classes

Ideas for the open spaces including water features and seating for groups were incorporated into the Outline design proposals.

Spaces for a gym or cinema were allowed for within the Detailed plots and as part of the wider Outline proposals.

A variety of playspaces were developed across the masterplan.

The potential for repurposing the existing Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) was discussed with LBHF and flexibility allowed for in the Outline proposals.

These queries to be explored in Phase 8a and ongoing workshop engagement.

Methodology

A fully updated exhibition was launched at Conversation Corner on Lillie Road on 15 November 2023, which included information about the four place pillars, and, for the first time, design imagery describing the look and feel of the seven Character Areas. The exhibition included updated models of the Illustrative Masterplan and an animation describing the build up of the Strategic Framework. In response to feedback, much more information was displayed about connections (for cars, pedestrians and bikes) across the Site, including an animation describing all the movement routes. The upstairs meeting room included an art exhibition featuring paintings from the Artist in Residence as well as models made by students participating in the Architecture in Schools Programme.

As well as the updated exhibition at Conversation Corner, materials were also displayed at the Community Hub and at various local pop-up exhibitions. An exhibition brochure was made available in print and was available to download online from the project website. ECDC held a series of community

masterplan workshops and ongoing PRIP workshops which accompanied this phase, which are set out in more detail below.

The survey element of this eighth phase of consultation comprised:

- Updated exhibition with a consultation period running from 15 November 2023 to 31 January 2024

- Character Areas map survey active from 15 November to 28 February 2024 (to allow further input from the workshop series)

- Near neighbour workshop series

- A second meeting of the Kensington & Chelsea Development Forum

- Continued PRIP workshops

- Detailed buildings exhibition update from 11 March to 2 April 2024

Feedback was sought on the sentiment relating to the masterplan design changes, on preferences for Ground Floor uses and the new permanent Community Hub, as well as on the design principles for the seven Character Areas and the first Detailed buildings (covered in subsequent sections of this SCI). In total 1,228 survey contributions were received.

Exhibition tour of Conversation Corner

Promotion

This period of consultation was promoted by:

- Leaflets distributed by hand and Royal Mail to 63,673 local addresses in RBKC and LBHF (see Appendix 5)

- Paid and organic social media campaigns running throughout the consultation

- Email marketing campaign to our database now numbering over 2,500 people

- Flyering at local underground stations

- Window vinyls in place at Earl's Court Underground station advertising the consultation events

- Adverts in the local press

- Posters and flyers, other notices displayed in local shops, community centres and other locations in the local area

- A newsletter printed and distributed locally including a summary of exhibition themes and images (see Appendix 4)

Encouraging visits to the exhibition through street flyering

Leaflet promoting the revised masterplan consultation

Instagram post promoting the revised masterplan consultation

The consultation was promoted extensively through a paid social media advertising campaign. Between 15 November 2023 and 31 January 2024, this led to a total reach of 193,432 with 10,139 tracked link clicks through to the ECDC website.

The consultation was also promoted through a team of uniformed ECDC representatives holding multiple flyering sessions around the local area, heading out leaflets and speaking to people.

The materials encouraged people to attend the exhibition at Conversation Corner, register for the forthcoming webinar, or to look at the plans and give feedback online.

The following locations were chosen to target areas with high footfall, such as Underground stations:

- Wednesday 15 November: Conversation Corner, Earl's Court Road

- Thursday 16 November: Conversation Corner, Fulham town centre

- Tuesday 21 November: West Brompton, Fulham town centre

- Wednesday 22 November: Kensington Olympia

- Wednesday 29 November: Earl's Court Road Christmas lights switch on

- Thursday 30 November: West Brompton

- Wednesday 6 December: Earls Court Road, Hammersmith

- Wednesday 13 December: Shepherd's Bush

- Thursday 14 December: West Brompton

- Wednesday 10 January: Fulham Broadway

- Thursday 11 January: Earl's Court Road

- Thursday 18 January: Fulham Broadway

Our locally recruited and trained staff at the Community Hub also played their part in promoting the exhibition and signposted residents from the Estates to the west of the development to the main exhibition at Conversation Corner. A selection of summary information and imagery from the updated masterplan exhibition was also displayed inside the Community Hub and on a large cube display outside the building.

The launch received widespread coverage across local, national, and trade press titles. A total of 34 pieces of coverage were secured. This included coverage in: The Times, London Evening Standard, Time Out and Bloomberg.

Flyering at Earls Court Underground station

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

Consultation Events

Consultation events and activities included:

- New exhibition, models and animations at Conversation Corner

- Conversation Corner opening Wednesday to Saturday in November and December, then Thursday and Saturday in January and February

- Public walk-ins and meetings with community groups and local stakeholders

- Flyering and station pop-ups at North End Road Market and Earl's Court Underground station

- Old Brompton Gallery pop-up event

A webinar was also held on 5 December 2023, which 28 people attended. A wide-ranging Q&A covered:

- Tall buildings and their locations

- Extent of open space increase

- Safety and security

- Phasing and accelerating delivery

- Construction impact

- Designing inclusive play spaces

- Impact on local infrastructure and services

- Affordable housing allocation

We continued to promote the consultation after it opened and into January 2024. This included:

- Pop-up masterplan exhibition and Christmas wreathmaking events at the Old Brompton Gallery on 18 and 19 December

- 'Last chance to comment' social media promotions during Christmas break and in January

- Reminder emails to our full mailing list, including all previous in-person workshop attendees and other contacts

- Further engagement with local groups/local businesses and charities via the Community Hub

- A stall at the North End Road market on 26 January 2024

Christmas wreath making at the Old Brompton Gallery pop-up

Pop-up exhibition at the Old Brompton Gallery in Earl's Court

ECDC staff at North End Road Winter Market

Masterplan Exhibition at Conversation Corner (November 2023 – February 2024)

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

Phase 8 Feedback Themes

A total of 628 respondents gave feedback via our survey, either online via Commonplace (see Appendix 15) or through a printed feedback form at Conversation Corner or pop-up events. There were a total of 478 visitors to Conversation Corner during Phase 8a, many of which completed the survey. Our consultation website was also viewed c. 44,000 times over the period.

The survey results are shown and analysed below.

Overall

sentiment

What is your overall feeling towards the Earls Court masterplan?

Out of 472 respondents, 76% were happy or satisfied with the updated Illustrative Masterplan.

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

Feedback Results on the Five Big Moves

More open space – open space increased by over 20% in the revised masterplan.

Reducing density – reducing the overall amount of development by 10% and the number of buildings taller than 31 storeys (the height of the Empress State building) to just one.

Infrastructure for long-term sustainability – delivery of an energy sharing network and other energy saving measures in the design.

Out of 614 respondents, 89% strongly agreed or agreed with this move.

Out of 614 respondents, 74% strongly agreed or agreed with this move.

Out of 611 respondents, 85% strongly agreed or agreed with this move.

More open space

Reducing density

Infrastructure for long-term sustainability

Illustrative Masterplan

Feedback Results on the Five Big Moves

Maturing a sense of place – defining the strategy to attract creativity and innovation to Earls Court.

Creating London streets – widening and straightening streets and creating accessible routes even across large level changes.

Out of 608 respondents, 78% strongly agreed or agreed with this move.

Out of 606 respondents, 85% strongly agreed or agreed with this move.

Generally, there was significant support for the key updates made to the masterplan in response to feedback, which was also heard from visitors to the exhibition. Some people chose to comment on this in the 'any other comments' section of the survey:

“Big improvement. Glad that you listened to feedback.”

“Much better, lower height, more green, feel really listened to. Thanks.”

Maturing a sense of place

Creating London streets

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

Features and Facilities in Ground Floor and Open Spaces

Two survey questions were asked about features and facilities. The first specifically asked people about what facilities they would like to see in the permanent Community Hub and received 583 responses.

The most popular preferences were for a café; a library/educational/public information facility; and fitness classes.

Ideas for the Community Hub beyond the options provided included:

- Open spaces/parks

- Spaces for young people

- Swimming pool

- Restaurants/food provision

- Art exhibitions/galleries

People were also asked what features and facilities they would like to see in the landscape and Ground Floor spaces across the masterplan. 373 comments were received, and most ideas and suggestions fell into the following three categories:

Open space: The top asks for features and facilities in the outdoor space were planting, water features and seating in the park spaces. Other requests included weather protection and pet-friendly areas.

“Lots of greenery alongside urban buildings and commercial buildings would help bring new concepts to Earls Court and would set the tone for London in the future.”

“Bee-friendly planting (and perhaps hives), community gardens, trees for future generations to enjoy and seasonal flowers for colour all year.”

Indoor space: The top asks in this category were cafés and a cinema, along with a range of retail provision.

“Pop-up trucks, weekend markets, independent flower shop, gift shops, cafes, restaurants, vintage stores."

“Cafes, restaurants, malls so you can go indoors if the weather is bad.”

“Coffee shops, discount stores such as Lidl or Aldi and community spaces for community groups.”

Overall Feedback Themes

Sports and leisure: The top asks in this category were for playgrounds, gym and fitness facilities and multi-use games areas.

“Informal play area for children, informal activities for youth eg. table tennis, area where they can skate…”

“Outdoor gym, padel courts, mini golf, ponds and wildlife, outdoor café.”

“Multi-sport grounds (basketball courts, football pitches, table tennis tables). Dog walking paths, more interconnection within the London transport network.”

In response to the final questions, which asked for general comments and sentiment on the scheme, 250 comments were received, along with a further 145 general comments in regard to Character Areas.

163 comments were judged as positive overall, while 61 were judged as negative overall. The top themes for each are listed on the right.

To the right are a selection of quotes taken from the responses, capturing each of the most common topics. In many cases, feedback was mixed with residents offering positive and negative feedback about similar aspects of the scheme.

Design responses to feedback are included at the end of the following section.

Positive Negative

Get on with it Too tall and dense

Approach to sustainability Affordable housing provision

Community building and cohesion Pressure on local services

Support for more housing Noise pollution

Positive about consultation process Safety

Support for tall buildings and high density Connectivity and permeability

New routes Project timeline

Support for architectural approach

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

Height and density of buildings

Several respondents were in favour of the proposed height and density of the buildings as a way to "meet the challenges of the housing crisis in London" and a facilitator of "higher quality public amenities". There was an awareness of the proposed height and density and the link to viability with one suggestion that "the next phase should be taller". There was also a comment that "although some amendments had been made to the scheme, the proposals are still far too overdeveloped" and that "the tallest buildings would create an eye-sore top 20 tallest building in London which has no place in this known residential area".

Housing

Many respondents were positive about the housing elements of the scheme commenting "Get building homes" and "Thanks for building more houses! London needs them!". There was also reference to the new homes ability to help with regards to the London housing crisis. There were however, several negative comments about both the perceived amount of homes "Not nearly enough affordable housing!" and concerns around ensuring that homes would be genuinely affordable for a range of incomes. Comments included "I would want to be sure that social/affordable housing really be such, and sufficient, without penalties to those residents" and "Will affordable housing be affordable?".

Timescales

Feedback indicated an eagerness for the project to progress as quickly as possible with one respondent stating "It would be good to start building soon as the site has been empty for far too long”and build it and build it fast". There were several comments that were critical of the slow progress of the project including "Everyone just wants to move forward... the timeframe for the last parts of the project isn't very uplifting 12 years and nothing built yet".

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

Connectivity and permeability

Feedback was positive about "the creation of new routes through the Site" with one comment particularly highlighting the pedestrian connection between West Brompton and Earl's Court stations and another noting the partial 'bridge' connecting the cemetery to the project. There were, however, some negative comments in particular around Warwick Road with one respondent stating there is "missing ambition" and "structural improvements to the connectivity to the (in and out) for pedestrians and cyclists on the Warwick Road and West Brompton entrances to the Site" are required. Another respondent requested the scheme to avoid narrowing Warwick Road to implement a cycle path and for enhancements to be made to increase vehicular flow on Warwick Road.

Sustainability

Several comments were positive about the sustainability credentials of the proposals with particular reference to the repurposing of the Table structure ("Brilliant recycling the concrete table") and the thought process behind the masterplan ("the plan is very thought out with detail to attention"). Respondents were "pleased to know that it [sustainability] is a principle in this masterplan" and the masterplan should be "laudable for being so sustainable".

Green and open spaces

Respondents were positive about how nature and greenery had been incorporated to "give a sense of home and open space". Several comments noted how the design of the open spaces were good for accessibility stating "It's cool to see you paying attention to space, with wide walkways etc. This is key for open access for everyone" and "I like the amount of unbuilt green space and the inclusiveness of the facilities and amenities for residents and visitors".

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

Consultation process

There were comments praising the consultation process undertaken by ECDC stating "I love the amount of feedback you are asking for! I think the more engagement the better!" and "I value the community engagement so far. I would like to see formal planning applications made soon to start work ASAP".

Architectural approach

Feedback was generally positive about the architectural approach of the project in particular how the masterplan incorporates and is mindful of its surroundings. Comments included "I really like the intricacies and details, and how the project incorporates the existing train shelter" and "I like the idea of a masterplan as it means that they're designing the buildings whilst being mindful of the surroundings".

There was one reference to the style of the design which stated "Really like the architects nod to art deco and the New York skyline – especially excited by the 'High Line' landscaping".

Community building and cohesion

Feedback was positive about the community's role in the project, particularly the spaces the masterplan would create. Respondents were positive about the "wider streets and squares" and "park spaces which are good for building a sense of community" and "creating spaces for families/outdoor gatherings which we don't have much of currently". There was also a suggestion of the "potential for more retail/ F&B to aid fostering a sense of community and activating the streets to create a buzz" which would "help to merge the different demographics".

People also liked the idea of a "communitydriven street and area naming strategy in keeping with the area and its history".

10.0 Updated Illustrative Masterplan

Traffic capacity and congestion

Feedback highlighted some concerns from residents about the impact of the proposed development on congestion particularly around Warwick Square, Lillie Road and North End Road.

Comments included: "the proposition looks insufficient or incomplete on Warwick Square that will be facing a busy 3-lane highway with heavy traffic" and "Lillie Road and North End Road have bad traffic jams in rush hour. It is vital that the new development does not make these worse". One comment also highlighted safety concerns associated with this stating "Warwick Rd crossing concerns me as it is a very busy road."

Impact on local services and public transport

Several comments from residents highlighted concerns about the proposed development's impact on local services, in particular nurseries, and GPs.

Comments asked "where are the nurseries and schools and doctor and dentist facilities to deal with this major influx of people? That should be part of the infrastructure" and "Need for more health facilities and GP practices. 7/11 food shops. Schools".

There were also concerns about how local transport would be impacted with one resident suggesting that the "District line should operate much more frequently because its capacity is already reached".

Safety

Several respondents were concerned with anti-social behaviour and security on Site. Comments included: "I am concerned about security on the Site. There needs to be open sightlines to avoid opportunistic muggings and theft" and "How are you going to ensure the area doesn't attract anti-social behaviour?".

There were also some suggestions of how to make the area safer including "making the area bright at night will make it more safe" and an ask for "secure bicycle storage facilities".

11.0 Character Areas

11.0 Character Areas

Phase 8:

(November 2023 – February 2024)

Within the Phase 8 updated masterplan exhibition, online material and a series of images and design principles for each of the seven Character Areas were presented, namely:

- Lillie Sidings (culture and heritage)

- West Kensington (innovation cluster)

- Warwick Crescent (a quiet residential quarter)

- West Brompton (a lively West London crescent)

- Aisgill Gardens (the community green)

- The Table (the heart of Earls Court Exhibition Gardens)

- Empress Place (innovation and creation)

An interactive map survey was used for gathering detailed feedback on each of the proposed Character Areas (see page 163). There was also a specific question about the Character Areas in the short survey (see pages 164–166).

A workshop series was planned targeting specific near neighbours and resident groups around the Site which took place in February 2024. Early findings from the survey helped to inform the topics for discussion for these workshops. The map-based survey was kept open throughout February 2024 so that workshop attendees could continue to contribute to it.

Local doorknocking also continued in the area of the Estates to the west of the Site. 1,106 addresses were visited in spring 2024, with the team speaking to 239 households, or 22%, providing residents with information about the consultation events, answering questions about the proposals, and leaving flyers with the programme of activities at the Community Hub.

Member of the Earls Court Community Hub team visiting residents at their homes in West Kensington

11.0 Character Areas

Short Survey

We asked the question: "We have developed our masterplan into seven Character Areas, and set out our design principles for creating the place. Do you have any comments on these areas and their principles?"

144 people answered this question in the short survey. However the vast majority used this question to give general comments on the masterplan rather than specifically on the Character Areas. These general comments have been added to the overall analysis for the masterplan 'other comments' section. Of those that did comment on Character Areas, there were two key themes.

Cohesion vs diversity:

Some people commented on the importance of creating a sense of design cohesion and transition as well as differentiating character, while others appreciated the differentiation of character across the areas.

“Ensuring character areas overlap to create a smooth transition between places.”

“Natural flow between all seven will be key.”

“Importance of design guide for buildings and landscape. Cohesive design and architecture across the site.”

“Given the scale of the project, divided into 7 areas may be too cramped. I feel like the consistency of them is more important than differentiating them.”

“Good ideas. Importance of maintaining character diversity.”

“The variety is very good.”

“I feel that separating the areas for different uses makes sense e.g. Aisgill Gardens next to the residential area which includes West Kensington/ Gibbs Green Estates. Families can relax and children can play away from the busier commercial areas.”

History, wonder, public art:

Some comments mentioned the need for excitement, a central focal point, and public art to emphasise character.

“As many new urban areas are devoid of personality, these character areas must encompass the history and future of London. Above all, the areas must excite some wonder, include the unexpected.”

“Needs a central focal point.”

“One sculpture in the centre of each 'created area' reflecting its character.”

11.0 Character Areas

Map-based Survey

This survey was structured as an interactive map within the Commonplace website where respondents could click on the relevant area and see images and design principles relevant to that area. Respondents were free to click on the areas in any order they chose and to leave comments for just one area or for all seven. In total, 484 responses were received to the survey as a whole.

The key findings from survey responses to the Character Areas are set out on the following pages.

The seven Character Areas within the masterplan

11.0 Character Areas

West Kensington

In total, 79 comments were received in relation to the West Kensington Character Area. There was overwhelmingly positive sentiment with few disagreeing with the design principles but one in five unsure/neutral.

Lillie Sidings

In total, 75 comments were received in relation to the Lillie Sidings Character Area. Overall sentiment was very positive with fewer respondents unsure/neutral and only a very small amount disagreeing with the design principles for this area.

Empress Place

In total, 73 comments were received in relation to the Empress Place Character Area. Nearly three quarters of those commenting agreed with the design principles for the area, with a small proportion disagreeing.

Of the top written answers, the following themes were mentioned:

- Retail/food and beverage uses would be better than office space

- Acknowledgement of the need to regenerate the area

- Desire for better access to West Kensington Station

- Concern about safety and traffic along West Cromwell Road

- Desire for better cycling and walking routes

Of the top written answers, the following themes were mentioned:

- Concern about the lack of greenery and open space

- Positive comparisons to King's Cross and Coal Drops Yard

- Make it a destination rather than somewhere to pass through

- Mixed views on building heights

- Support for reuse of train shed

Of the top written answers, the following themes were mentioned:

- Concern about the density and height of buildings

- Desire for more trees and greenery

- Mixed views on car-free development/controlled access

- Improving permeability and links to other communities

- Support for retaining façades

West Kensington

Lillie Sidings

Empress Place

11.0 Character Areas

Aisgill Gardens

In total, 59 comments were received in relation to the Aisgill Gardens Character Area. Overall sentiment was very positive with minimal disagreeing with the design principles and just a few unsure.

Warwick Crescent

In total, 70 comments were received in relation to the Warwick Crescent Character Area. Sentiment was very mixed, with over half agreeing with the design principles but over a third neutral/unsure or did not agree.

West Brompton

In total, 70 comments were received in relation to the West Brompton Character Area. Nearly 3 in 4 respondents agreed with the design principles, a few were unsure and a small proportion disagreed.

Of the top written answers, the following themes were mentioned:

- Strong support for green space, but desire for community green to be bigger

- Desire for pet-friendly/dedicated dog areas

- Some support to build higher for more housing

- Emphasis on child-friendly features

Of the top written answers, the following themes were mentioned:

- Concern about overlooking and loss of amenity and sunlight from tall buildings

- Some positive comments about appropriateness of more housing/high density given transport connectivity

- Appreciation for sympathetic local architecture

- Some negativity about buildings backing onto Philbeach Gardens

- Desire for pedestrian-friendly spaces

Of the top written answers, the following themes were mentioned:

- Concern about impact of noise/people on Eardley Crescent

- Importance of Earls Court – West Brompton Station

Underground connection

- Questions on measures to reduce anti-social behaviour

- Support for local boutique shops over large chains

- Mixed opinions on the aesthetic appeal, with some finding it a bit 'bland'

Aisgill Gardens

Warwick Crescent

West Brompton

11.0 Character Areas

The Table

In total, 50 comments were received in relation to the Table Character Area. Sentiment towards the Table was more positive than any other Character Area with the overwhelming majority agreeing with the design principles.

Overall, the response to the Character Areas survey was positive with all areas having a majority positive response to the design principles and most areas having around three quarters or more agreeing or strongly agreeing with the design principles, including: West Kensington, Lillie Sidings, Aisgill Gardens, West Kensington and the Table.

Those that had a slightly higher percentage of neutral or negative sentiment included Empress Place, with comments reflecting concerns about the cluster of tall buildings and Warwick Crescent with some concerns from near neighbours about overlooking and loss of amenity from tall buildings.

Many comments related to edge conditions, including transport connectivity and the relationship of the scheme to neighbouring properties. These issues were explored further with near neighbours in the Phase 8 workshop series.

Of the top written answers, the following themes were mentioned:

- Request for open green space rather than overly complex landscaping

- Questions as to how/who maintains the gardens

- Support for balanced use of water features and fountains

- Questions about usability of green spaces and whether they'll just be used as a thoroughfare

- Concern of shadows from buildings on gardens

The Table

11.0 Character Areas

Residents Workshops

Five geographically-focused workshops were held with residents around the immediate edges of the Site:

- West: West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates (two workshops)

- East: Philbeach Gardens residents

- East: Eardley Crescent residents

- South: Lillie Road and surrounding streets

The format of these included a presentation on the updated Illustrative Masterplan including the Character Areas most relevant to that area, followed by themed break out conversations in table groups facilitated by an ECDC member of staff or architect with questions to consider.

Then there was a feedback session to report back to the full group and summing up, with further opportunity for questions at the end. These events mainly took place at Conversation Corner, and the discussion themes are shown below.

Character Area workshop

11.0 Character Areas

Workshop 18: West Kensington Area Workshop #2 (29 January 2024)

On 29 January 2024, a second workshop with residents living in the West Kensington area took place where the project team presented a masterplan update, participated in a Q&A, and led a discussion on Aisgill Gardens. This workshop had 45 attendees.

The Q&A generated several questions from residents about the impact on the existing neighbourhood including noise and disturbance, impact on specific views and car access. Residents were keen to bring the wonder back through a range of activities that highlighted the historical context of the area and noted the importance of the masterplan reflecting the diversity of the area.

During the discussion on Aisgill Gardens, residents stated they were pleased the masterplan included green spaces and separate cycle lanes to encourage cycling and were keen to better understand the routes. They also indicated areas for further consideration including a need to provide play space for older children and adults, and to consider lighting during different parts

of the day to create a safe environment for women and girls to move through the space.

Additional ideas included provision of a new pub and a café.

At the end of the workshop, ECDC informed residents when the next workshop would take place and noted topics of high interest e.g.

local opportunities would be addressed in upcoming sessions.

At each workshop held at the Community Hub questions were raised by attendees around the affordability of housing, if low cost workspace would be included and if local residents would have priority for opportunities and employment within the development.

Local residents attending the first-area-specific workshop focused on West Kensington

11.0 Character Areas

Workshop 19: Eastern Edge (Philbeach Gardens) Workshop (12 February 2024)

On 12 February 2024, a workshop with residents who live on the eastern edge close to Philbeach Gardens took place where the project team provided updates on the masterplan and consultation and delivered a presentation focused on the proposals closest to Philbeach Gardens. The workshop had 23 attendees.

During the workshop residents asked several questions about the impact of the development on water and sewerage systems, access to streets at Warwick Crescent and the design of the boundary wall. There were also concerns about potential antisocial behaviour behind Philbeach Gardens and how safety and security would be addressed. The ECDC team discussed these issues with residents and updated on the work of the Safety Panel, which involves local residents and other stakeholders exploring these issues in more detail.

There were questions over the height of the tallest buildings within the masterplan and their place with regards to RBKC's Local Plan. Questions were asked about the plans for the site at Cluny Mews and given the interest in this the team returned to this topic in future sessions.

Discussion was also focused on transport and movement particularly on concerns relating to Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) and pollution and congestion in the area. The project team noted that the development is designed around car-free principles with no resident of the site permitted to apply for on street parking permits with either neighbouring local authority.

In light of the questions on transport and movement, ECDC agreed to organise a separate transport workshop which took place in May.

Residents from the Site's eastern edge attending the workshop

11.0 Character Areas

Workshop 20: Eardley Crescent and Kempsford Gardens Workshop (13 February 2024)

On 13 February, a workshop with residents from Eardley Crescent and Kempsford Gardens took place where the project team delivered a masterplan update and presentation focused on the areas closest to the eastern edge of the Site within RBKC. The workshop had 15 attendees.

During the discussion residents expressed general support for townhouses along the boundary edge and spoke of the importance of accessible, step-free access to the stations. Although there was some reservation over some of the tallest buildings, particularly around wind impact, the project team spoke through the design rationale and reasoning for the buildings heights and addressed concerns over the impact on local services, particularly GPs and schools.

Residents did express disappointment with the decline of the retail and eating offer on Earl's Court Road seen in recent years which led to a constructive discussion around how the additional population from the development and a complementary rather than competitive retail offer could help.

Workshop 21: Southern Edge Workshop (20 February 2024)

On 20 February 2024, a workshop with residents who live to the south of the Site took place. During the workshop, the project team provided an update on the masterplan and delivered a presentation focused on areas closest to Lillie Road. The workshop had six attendees.

Residents were shown updated images of the new buildings and were pleased with the introduction of routes through the development and the proposed public spaces next to West Brompton and Earl's Court Stations.

During the Q&A, the project team responded to questions about the timeline and phasing of the project and clarified what type of retail/businesses would be incorporated. The discussion allowed the project team to understand areas of concern including the impact on neighbouring residents, questions about how parking would be accommodated, and the safety and reliability of construction systems.

At the conclusion of the meeting, ECDC invited the group to the next round of consultation and noted they would keep residents informed of further workshop sessions.

11.0 Character Areas

Workshop 22: West Kensington Area

Workshop #3 (26 February 2024)

On 26 February 2024, a third workshop with residents living in the West Kensington Area took place at the Community Hub on Aisgill Avenue. This workshop was an opportunity for the project team and workshop attendees to discuss Aisgill Avenue and West Kensington and provide feedback. The workshop had 28 attendees, the majority of whom lived within the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates.

The project team answered questions about the consultation process, phasing and how the project was being funded. There was a particular interest in housing and what affordable really means.

During the feedback discussion, ECDC addressed concerns around fire safety in the context of Grenfell and focused on lighting to provide a safe environment for women and girls. Other areas of interest included the new Community Hub, temporary uses on Site and suggestions to include a new gym and publicly accessible swimming pool.

Residents responded positively to images of Aisgill Avenue which showed sections with and without the boundary wall and replacement of the wall with a landscaped boundary treatment.

At the end of the workshop, ECDC announced the next round of consultation and noted a separate transport workshop would be organised.

Architect from Studio Egret West explaining the revised masterplan to attendees

RBKC Earls Court Development Forum Meeting Two:

1 February 2024

The second meeting of the Development Forum was held at St Cuthbert's Hall, Philbeach Gardens where the project team delivered a presentation on the updated masterplan. Approximately 80 people attended. Afterwards a Q&A was held with residents and stakeholders and workshop attendees. Attendees of the forum asked a broad range of questions allowing the project team to understand areas of concern and respond.

Attendees welcomed the enlarged open space provided and were pleased with the aspirations of the proposals for the Site. There were several comments concerning height, including if the proposed height of buildings would impact sunlight/daylight of nearby buildings and green spaces. The project team explained that the proposals had undergone extensive technical testing as part of a design-led approach to the Site. The project team also noted the technical work and analysis that had been conducted to

explore overshadowing and wind impact and full details of these would be submitted with the planning application in July 2024.

Attendees also asked questions about local infrastructure in particular schools, GPs, and water capacity. The project team explained both councils had indicated no new schools needed to be built due to declining demand and the scheme contains flexible space for NHS services if required.

Part of the discussion also centred around local transport capacity particularly the tube at peak times. The project team noted they they had met regularly with TfL and were undertaking transport modelling to demonstrate the impacts of this and future developments in the area on the wider network. The ECDC team noted that the scheme is 'car-light' with some disabled parking provision and limited parking proposed in line with planning policy.

Residents from Earl's Court and beyond attending the second Development Forum meeting

11.0 Character Areas

Public Realm Inclusivity Panel (PRIP)

During Phase 8, the PRIP continued to meet for its second year, with some new members introduced. Between September 2023 and February 2024, a total of six meetings took place. Many of these workshops scrutinised different aspects of the masterplan proposals that were presented in Phase 8a of consultation. Also, specific work on areas including Warwick Apron and the Cascades continued.

On the second day of the public exhibition in November 2023, PRIP members carried out a detailed review of the way the exhibition was presented and the masterplan proposals in relation to the recommendations which the PRIP had compiled. The majority of members felt this exhibition had built on and clarified the information in the last exhibition in February 2023 and had accurately represented the inputs from the PRIP.

Review of PRIP recommendations

Of the 33 initial masterplan recommendations compiled in February 2023, the panel felt that 15 out of those remaining 18 recommendations had been met within the updated masterplan. These included providing a variety of routes through the space, including landmarks for people to orientate themselves, creating a rich and biodiverse environment, and including water elements.

Members noted five recommendations had not been met within the masterplan including places to shelter outside, minimising the noise caused by trains to the Table and consideration of the nocturnal city including incorporating well-designed night lighting. The full results are listed in Section 15 of this SCI.

Photo of the PRIP in session

12.0 Detailed Buildings

12.0 Detailed Buildings

Phase 8:

(November 2023 – April 2024)

Consultation on the first Detailed buildings was carried out during two stages in Phase 8. The first (Phase 8a) took place during the masterplan update in November 2023 where the design concepts and sketch illustrations of the Detailed buildings were included. The exhibition was further updated in March 2024 (Phase 8b) with more information relating to the first buildings that are being submitted in detail as part of the planning application. A second consultation survey was made live at this point, alongside the staging of further workshops. The exhibition clarified that the remaining buildings within first stage of delivery of the Development that were not being presented in detail at this point would be so at a later date following submission of the Hybrid Planning Application.

It is noteworthy that while 439 comments were received in relation to Detailed buildings in the November exhibition (see Appendix 15), only 86 responses were received in relation to the exhibition update in March, although the survey was promoted in a similar way and was shorter (see Appendix 15).

It is possible that given the large response for Phase 8a there was some element of 'consultation fatigue', with people feeling that they had already responded on the key points that mattered to them. The data relating to both exhibition stages is grouped in this section.

Key Outputs from Detailed Buildings Consultation

Many people chose to respond to the Detailed buildings survey more generally, raising issues about height or the number of homes being provided, or concerns about impacts on local infrastructure. The table on the following page focuses on specific design-based comments received.

12.0 Detailed Buildings

Detailed Buildings (Phase 8)

Summary of feedback received and design response

Topic Feedback summary

Height Feedback included comments on building height. Some concerns relating to impact on daylight and overlooking

Design response

Refinement of the townhouses located along the Eardley Crescent boundary. Development of Parameter Plans and Design Code to address the stepping down of buildings towards the edges of the Site

Clauses within the Design Code were included to protect privacy and overlooking for specific sensitive plots incorporated in relation to feedback received at near neighbour workshops. These are detailed in the next section of this report

Housing Support for a high number of homes including affordable homesCommitment within Phase 1 to deliver 1,000 homes and continuing to target the provision of affordable housing

Retention of heritage features Support for retention of heritage features associated with the former Exhibition Centres including the external 'Earls Court' signage

Heritage features including Exhibition Centres signage and murals are in storage and will be considered within the future detail designs for the public realm

Preference for robust materials Design comments asked for more information on materials with some preferring traditional materials

Further details of the building designs for the first phase were provided in an updated exhibition for Phase 8b – including materials samples

The utilisation of materials including brick and stone were incorporated into the Detailed building designs

Request for variation and decorative features Support for modern interpretation of Art Deco style, balconies and a variety of detailing

Decorative features were incorporated into the Detailed building designs. The colour and material palette were further developed with a variety of textures and finishes to facing materials and reference to local context

Comments on WB04 Comments suggesting that the relationship between the vertical tower and horizontal base could be improved

Ground Floor facilities in first phase

Popular requests from this question in the masterplan survey include a gym and a cinema

This was reviewed through the design development and further terracing of the base added to improve the transition between the tower and the base

Double height spaces were designed into the Ground Floor of the Detailed buildings, with the Retail Strategy taking note of the requests for provision of such uses

12.0 Detailed Buildings

Detailed Buildings Feedback from Phase 8a

The methodology for this phase is set out in Section 12 of this SCI. 439 comments were received in relation to the question on the first Detailed buildings, which was phrased as:

"What do you think of the emerging concepts for our first buildings in Phase 1?"

The majority of comments were assessed as positive or neutral with around a fifth expressing negative sentiment.

Sentiment PercentageExample of response

Positive 56%

Positive, but with concerns 9%

"Yes, like the height graduation." "Looks great, just get on with building it."

"Nice, but you will have to think about the impact on Warwick Road." "Good start but needs more trees, greenery and shading and less hard open surfaces."

Neutral 15%

"Responses neutral in sentiment and making another comment e.g. design suggestion." Negative 20%

"I still think the development is too dense and the buildings too high for the area."

Key response themes are detailed below, noting that although people were asked about emerging concepts for our first buildings, they often chose to comment on a wider set of issues.

12.0 Detailed Buildings

Height and density

Height and density continued to be the topic that generated the most comments.

Of those people that mentioned height specifically (around a fifth), around three quarters did so requesting a reduction. Of these, a small number mentioned concerns around fire safety and a similar number raised specific concerns about overshadowing.

Conversely, a quarter of respondents citing height and density wanted density increased to deliver more affordable housing.

Affordable housing

Many respondents noted the high cost of housing within the local area and expressed a desire to see homes that are affordable to people on lower incomes provided within the development. As well as those noted above, additionally many people raised this without making a specific link to the height and density issue, and some positively appreciated the balance in the proposed development so far.

“I strongly disagree with skyrise type buildings.”

“Still far too many tall buildings. These are a serious risk post Grenfell.”

“Don't give in to the NIMBYs – we need the housing, I don't care how tall it is.”

“I hope there is a wide range of price points and lots to rent rather than just for sale.”

“You need the apartments to be filled by people who live there and don't just sit empty owned by foreign investors.”

“A mixture of homes promotes a sense of community where people of all ages can support each other.”

“Just provide more homes first before anything else.”

The project's transport consultant explaining the transport assessment process to workshop attendees

12.0 Detailed Buildings

Open space

A number of comments were made on open space provision, largely positive, or requesting even more.

Transport and infrastructure

Some raised concerns about increased traffic on local streets and the impact on local station capacity. People also requested more information on plans for Warwick Road and the junction with the Proposed Development at Warwick Square. Visitor parking, and cycle lanes were also mentioned.

Retention of heritage features

Respondents were keen to see retained heritage features incorporated in the design, for example the neon signage that was on the front of the Exhibition Centres, and the Lillie Road train depot, citing King's Cross as a good precedent. They also appreciated the art-moderne stylistic references in the design and there was a recognition that the architects had taken a contemporary interpretation of these classic features.

“I like the greenery, open spaces and places for people to sit.”

“Need more trees, greenery and shading and less hard open surfaces.”

“Get some activity spaces that promote community and team spirit and healthy movements.”

"Rooftop gardens on lower levels are great!"

"I really like the use of nature and greenery being incorporated. It gives a sense of home and open space. It is important to include greenery as it enhances the appearance of the area."

“My biggest concern is around traffic… will bring a lot of people in the area – I hope that it will not worsen the traffic in streets miraculously still quiet like Eardley Crescent.”

“I hope that public transport facilities, in particular the tube stations at Earl's Court and West Brompton, will be strengthened.”

“More detail needed to understand where Warwick Square is in relation to everything else.”

“Missing a distinctive sign like the large red Earl’s Court letters.”

“If there were any historic parts of the old Exhibition Centre saved (e.g. plaques or signs) a local history space or even a small museum would be great.”

“Build like King's Cross to create a lovely space.”

“Use Coal Drops Yard as a successful concept.”

12.0 Detailed Buildings

Design

A wide variety of comments were received in relation to the design of the buildings, noting that the information provided in this first exhibition was at a sketch level of detail rather than fully rendered.

Some comments were very appreciative, and others requested a more traditional approach. Not unexpectedly, a range of opinions on design and style were expressed.

Specific buildings

There were some comments specifically about WB04, the tallest landmark building in LBHF. These requested a high quality of design and were positive about the 'tiered' effect on the building but also noted that the contrast between the horizontal base and the vertical tower could be improved.

Materiality

A number of comments on the Detailed buildings consultation images requested more traditional materials, including at the base of buildings. There were requests to 'soften' buildings with planting and detailing and there was support for the imagery where this was indicated. There were also requests for more detailing and variation in the design including of texture and materials.

“I love the inclusion of design aesthetics from the surrounding suburbs.”

“They are generic and do not reflect the architecture of the area.”

“I strongly support it and would like to see interesting high quality AAA architecture. The tallest landmark tower needs to be especially high quality and distinctive, yet timeless.”

“The Art deco inspiration/concept seems fun, but the place and architecture should be coherent.”

“Supportive of variation in design / articulation across the buildings.”

“I really like the landmark building, but the ground area around it seems very flat, so this huge contrast makes it feel like it's missing something.”

“Based on the proposed images the horizontal art deco lines suggested will sit uncomfortably with the rest of the structure if designed as suggested.”

“The building should grow out of its base.”

“Timber structures for the podium feel appropriate.”

“Can we have more interest in the texture and materials?”

“The more you can use plants to soften the building materials, the better.”

“Too much glass and steel, use of London stocks within the lower-level construction would make it feel more London.”

“The tiered effect on building softens it. Like having greenery there.”

“Decorative flourishes! No plastic! Stone etc. not cladding!”

12.0 Detailed Buildings

Detailed Buildings Feedback from Phase 8b

On 11 March, ECDC unveiled an updated exhibition in Consultation Corner including more information on the Detailed buildings, the planning application structure, the evolution of the Design Code and the evolving approach to construction traffic routes. These materials were updated on the ECDC website, and a new brochure produced.

Accompanying this was a survey which ran for three weeks and finished on 2 April 2024.

The updated exhibition and survey were promoted by:

- Leaflets were distributed by hand and Royal Mail to 63,673 local addresses in RBKC and LBHF (see Appendix 3)

- Paid and organic social media campaigns running throughout the consultation

- Email marketing campaign to our database of over 2,000 people (see Appendix 7)

The questions asked were:

- What do you think of the design of the buildings? (sentiment tracking question)

- Tell us more (open answer box)

- Do you have any comments on the Design Codes? Is there anything you would like adding? (open answer) – the response to this question is in the following section.

- We are showing how traffic could potentially get to the site. Do you have any comments? (open answer)

- Do you have any other comments? (open answer)

Key thematic headlines from 8b survey were as follows:

- Height of buildings continues to be raised as an issue for some respondents

- Mixed response to the emerging designs, with some favourable and others less so

- There were several responses who simply urged urgency as is usual in these surveys

- Some very thorough responses to the Design Code were received.

- Several respondents flagged concerns with Warwick Road, Earls Court Road regarding the proposed traffic configuration

12.0 Detailed Buildings

The material presented provided more detailed information on the Detailed buildings and Design Code, including material samples. This was harder to condense into online social media and survey material. It was therefore notable that there was a tangible difference between in-person and online surveys in terms of sentiment, with the former having a more positive reaction to the proposals, most likely because of the opportunity to digest this new material fully in Conversation Corner.

Out of 83 respondents, 47% were happy or satisfied with the design of the buildings. It should be noted that this was from a much smaller survey response than the previous phase and many of the negative responses came from those who had seen a post on social media rather than those who had attended the exhibition in person.

62 respondents replied to the 'Tell us more' free text entry question, with key themes analysed in the table below.

Sentiment

Positive 24%

Positive, but with concerns 10%

"Love the art deco inspiration. Great way to differentiate from other new build areas like Elephant and Castle, King's Cross etc."

"Rooftop gardens on lower levels are great!"

"Organic feeling, friendly, modern, soft rounded edges, welcoming; however, the last building was a bit grey/boring."

"Broadly good/attractive designs, however the tower blocks need more design symmetry between them."

Neutral 13%

Negative 53%

"Responses neutral in sentiment and making another comment e.g. design suggestion."

"Tallest tower blocks look really huge. Nothing else in the area is that tall."

12.0 Detailed Buildings

Key response themes are detailed below.

Height and density

39% of respondents raised the height and density of the proposals, with a number raising concerns about how daylight to their homes and gardens would be affected.

Construction traffic routes

25 responses were received to this question, which elicited some general concerns about congestion and specific concerns about the impact on Warwick Road (20% of responses) and North End Road (16%).

Suggestions were made about using rail lines to move materials or delivering outside of peak times to manage congestion.

Design (positive and negative)

27% of respondents did not like the design, with some arguing that it clashed with the local vernacular or that it seemed like 'new council housing'.

By contrast, 26% of respondents did like the design, with many complimenting the materials and general look and feel.

“The materials used bear little resemblance to the tonality of the surrounding conservation area.”

“Very smart, and well thought out.”

“They look beautiful and are wonderfully designed. They fit with the local area.”

The project's transport consultant explaining the transport assessment process to workshop attendees

12.0 Detailed Buildings

Workshops

Any other comments

32 responses were received to this question. General comments included concerns about height, general support, and urgency for the project to get going. Some specific suggestions were made which are shown in the table below.

Workshop 23: The Earls Court masterplan – the first phase (24 April 2024)

On 23 April 2024, a workshop on the design proposals for the Detailed buildings was held. This workshop was attended by 22 local residents and stakeholders including local ward councillors, the Fulham Society, Kensington Society, Earl's Court Society, West London Line Users Group, and the Earl's Court Area Action Group amongst others.

presentation from the project team, a wider discussion took place where residents had the opportunity to ask questions to the project team.

Theme Quote

More green spaces

"Seems no green space around West Kensington station."

New routes on Aisgill

"Create new substantial, routes through to Aisgill Gardens in several different locations."

Following a presentation presented by the project team there was a wider discussion with attendees. Feedback from the session indicated the architectural designs were appreciated and were debated in detail, including aspects such as the materiality, glazing details, balcony design, and the interpretation of art-deco/art-modern as a style.

Attendees asked questions about the need for community space in the masterplan, impact of noise and vibration on neighbours, and the impact of balconies on the EC21 (Cluny Mews) plot on overlooking neighbouring properties. Residents also reiterated the importance of sharing information with Philbeach Gardens residents and suggested an access route beneath the A4 for pedestrians and cyclists.

Workshop 25: West Kensington #4 (13 May 2024)

Pro-hotel use

"Please also do think about including a 5* hotel into the plans, so that this place truly becomes a destination as well as a great place to live."

There was a discussion around the challenges of different residential tenures within the same building, public access to lower storeys, funding models for the new Community Hub, and fire safety and evacuation in the taller buildings.

Workshop 24: The proposals for Cluny Mews #1 (30 April 2024)

On 30 April 2024, the first workshop to discuss the proposals for Cluny Mews were held. This was attended by eight immediately located residents and Cllr Linda Wade (Liberal Democrat, Earl's Court ward). Following a

On 13 May 2024, a fourth workshop took place with West Kensington residents. This was attended by 23 residents. Following a presentation from the project team, a wider discussion took place where residents had the opportunity to ask questions to the project team.

Attendees asked questions about the height of proposed buildings and tenures, the future of the Community Hub and advertising jobs to local people, lighting of the public spaces and security, and the size of the music venues and types of acts.

Cinema "Cinema would be welcome."

12.0 Detailed Buildings

Workshop 26: The proposals for Cluny Mews #2 (14 May 2024)

On 14 May 2024, the second workshop to discuss the proposals for Cluny Mews was held. This workshop continued the conversation from the previous meeting and was attended by three residents who lived adjacent to the Site. During the session, a presentation was delivered by ECDC, and feedback received from attendees. The Design Team continued to refine the illustrative proposals for this part of the Site.

Workshop 27: Transport and movement (22 May 2024)

On 22 May 2024, a transport and movement workshop took place in light of feedback and specific questions about these topics in earlier workshops. The meeting was attended by 38 people including Cllr Tim Verboven, as well as the project team. During the meeting the project team introduced the project's transport consultant and facilitated a Q&A discussion. Attendees asked questions about TfL's involvement in the project, rail passenger projections and phasing, parking provision, and cycling access to North End Road and South Kensington.

Exploring the emerging plans around transport and movement

13.0 Design Code

13.0 Design Code

Introduction

In developing the Design Code for Earls Court, ECDC has followed the consultation principles set out in the National Model Design Code (NMDC), the Government's guidance on producing Design Codes to promote successful design. It expands on the ten characteristics of good design set out in the National Design Guide, which reflects the government's priorities and provides a common overarching framework for design. While this guidance is primarily aimed at local authorities, ECDC followed best practice in its role as a development manager by applying these to the Site. This guidance recommends involving communities at each stage of the process and this chapter sets out how ECDC has implemented this. While our consultation approach is generally set out in the introductory sections of this SCI and the eight distinct consultation phases described earlier in

this report, key stages relevant to the National Model Design Code Guidance and the development of the Design Code are summarised in this section.

Inputs are summarised throughout this chapter demonstrating how consultation directly informed the development of the Design Code through the process steps set out in the NMDC guidance:

- Area analysis and vision

- Architectural preferences

- Definition of areas

- Consultation on the emerging code

A summary of these issues is included in the table to the right with further detail given in the rest of this chapter.

Design Code

Feedback summary Design response

Area analysis and vision:

Community feedback requesting more public open space, opening up the site and cultural venues to bring the wonder back

Development of the Design Code to establish the extents of public open spaces, north-south and east-west routes and cultural Ground Floor uses

Architectural preferences:: Codes that reflect community preferences for local typologies

Definition of areas:

Feedback supporting differentiation of Character Areas and identifying edge condition issues

Consultation on the emerging code:

Specific feedback on pedestrian/cycle segregation, inclusivity in the public realm and green infrastructure

The Design Code incorporated contemporary approaches to local mansion block and crescent typologies, stepping down at the edges and variety in the materials

The Design Code differentiated between the Character Areas and how to address the edge conditions and neighbourly matters for specific areas

The Design Code addressed these topics within the landscape sections including incorporation of measures identified by the PRIP

13.0 Design Code

Area Analysis and Vision

As per the NMDC guidance. the project team spent extensive time analysing the Site, the local area and establishing the priorities from all stakeholders as follows:

Open space

From the earliest survey in 2020, the highest priority was given to increasing the amount of public open space in the design proposals for the Site.

Connectivity and opening up the Site

The importance of reinstating connections across the Site, north-south and east-west was also an issue that was identified early on with residents and stakeholders, both from survey data and from early masterplan workshops in March 2022 where residents sketched routes on plans and began to discuss how the barriers to movement could be addressed.

Feedback from tours held in Phase 3 and workshops in Phase 4 onwards emphasised the importance of opening up the Site and creating a development that faced outwards and stitched sensitively back into local neighbourhoods.

Asking people who live and work locally what they wanted to see

13.0 Design Code

Area Analysis and Vision

Bringing the wonder back

People recalled the positive associations and memories they had of the former Exhibition Centres and the excitement it brought to the area. The idea of 'wonder' was tested in workshops and people fed back that they wanted the sense of 'buzz' and 'experiences' to be brought back both in a strong cultural offer and in open spaces that offer a sense of discovery, with a variety of things to do.

Culture and employment

Local people's recollections of what they valued about the Exhibition Centres directly informed the project's incorporation of indoor and outdoor cultural and event spaces to the masterplan, as well as more employment space and opportunities.

Relevant clauses within the Design Code reflecting community input to the area scoping and vision are set out below.

Feedback Design Code clause

More open space

Open up the site

SW.P.36 Minimum size of Table Park – the minimum extents must be achieved

Key north-south and east-west routes are set out in Design Code SW.L.21–23

Culture to bring the wonder back

SW.P.51 Cultural uses in Ground Floor use plans – where indicated cultural use must be provided as the predominant use.

Design Code SW.P.51 prioritises the inclusion of cultural uses at ground level where possible

Architectural Preferences

The community masterplan workshops in Phase 5 were key to understanding the architectural preferences of people in the local area and their thoughts on building typologies. In line with the NMDC guidance, the following workshops focused on approaches to architectural design. This is a summary and further info can be found in sections 9 and 10 of this document.

Workshop on the Earls Court masterplan – exhibition consultation materials (12 & 13 July 2022)

This workshop included discussions about massing of tall buildings and a variety of opinions were expressed, with some preferring a mid-rise approach to height and others supporting landmark taller buildings.

Workshop on Architectural design and context (20 & 21 September 2022)

This workshop included the first discussions about local character, including West London mansion blocks and their characteristics e.g. horizontal lines, base, middle and top and some support was for a contemporary reinterpretation of these design features in the masterplan.

Workshop on Beauty (25 & 26 April 2023)

These were key workshops for understanding architectural preferences and tested the idea of 'beauty' and 'beautiful buildings'. Points for discussion included:

- A reflection of local identity

- A family of buildings

- Order, rhythm and proportion

- High quality facades

- Details

- A defined base, building and top

Architectural Preferences

Views and thoughts on architectural design were further defined through the November 2023 exhibition and consultation. Feedback on the design principles for the Detailed buildings and Character Areas gave insight into visual references and building typologies.

These conversations and feedback have directly influenced the following aspects of the Design Code relating to architectural preferences:

Feedback Design Code clauses

SW.B.51 Tall buildings as a distinct cluster

Stepping down at the edges

Building typologies including mansion blocks

SW.P.29 Stepped massing adjacent to Eardley Crescent. Build form in Development Zone B should be sloped towards Eardley Crescent

WC.B.3 Articulation of building should incorporate steps away from Warwick Lane... to minimise impacts to the adjacent properties on Philbeach Gardens

S.W.B.1 included as key building typology for the eastern edge of the masterplan.

S.W.B.4 Mansion block/Office block typology framing West Brompton and Warwick Crescents

This typology frames West Brompton and Warwick Crescents and contributes to the West Kensington frontage. They must:

- Transition from the scale of the surrounding blocks

- Reinterpret characteristics of local typologies such as mansion blocks

- Adopt a materiality that responds to the local context

- Provide a facade rhythm and composition that reinforces a consistent character for the crescents

- Enable flexibility in building use

Order and calmness in the composition

Crescent typology

SW.B.43 Buildings' façades should have a considered approach to order in the composition. This could be achieved through vertical alignment in the overall composition. To respond to local character and create a calm environment.

WB.B.1 Expressing Curves and WB.B.2 continuity along the crescent

Building facades addressing the crescents should contribute to the legibility of the curve and have a consistent approach to order in the composition

Visual interest in the design

SW.B.49–50 suggests a primary material palette to reinterpret the materiality of local context, and secondary materials to provide variety and visual interest

13.0 Design Code

Definition of Areas

The exhibition update in November 2023 and the following workshop series set out to the public, for the first time, seven distinctive Character Areas. These provided further detail about how the development would stitch into surrounding neighbourhoods and responded to the points made in earlier workshops about including local street typologies such as crescents.

The exhibition included imagery and a statement of key design principles for each Character Area and survey data asked for feedback on this generally, as well as providing an interactive online map which allowed people to comment on each specific area. The results from these surveys are shown in Appendix 17.

General comments

Some comments appreciated the importance of the code itself in unifying the Site.

History, wonder, public art

Some comments mentioned the need for excitement, a central focal point, and public art to emphasise character.

“Importance of design guide for buildings and landscape. Cohesive design and architecture across the site.”

“Good ideas. Importance of maintaining character diversity.”

“I feel that separating the areas for different uses makes sense e.g. Aisgill Gardens next to the residential area which includes West Kensington/ Gibbs Green Estates. Families can relax and children can play away from the busier commercial areas.”

“One sculpture in the centre of each 'created area' reflecting its character.”

Over 1,500 written responses were submitted throughout the consultation phases

Feedback on Character Areas and edge conditions directly influenced the following sections of the Design Code:

Feedback Design Code clause

Various codes are concerned with providing definition of Character Areas, two examples are:

Character Area

definition

Neighbouring matters

Ensure the development steps back to the crescents on the eastern edges of the site

Managing light and overlooking of existing properties

- SW.L.119 – trees defining Character Areas – trees must help foster distinct landscape Character Areas

- S.W.L.166 place-specific public art

SW.P.29 Stepped massing adjacent to Eardley Crescent. Build form in Development Zone B should be sloped towards Eardley Crescent

WC.B.3 Articulation of building – building should incorporate steps away from Warwick Lane... to minimise impacts to the adjacent properties on Philbeach Gardens

SW.P.41 Cluny Mews – design should include consultation with residential neighbours and/or St Cuthbert's church (with view of pursuing a connection between St Cuthbert's land and Cluny Mews)

SW.L.52 Boundaries to existing houses

Any proposed treatment of boundary conditions adjacent to existing houses should include consultation with neighbours

SW.P.31 Balconies projecting beyond the Maximum Envelope (indicates areas where balconies must not project beyond the maximum envelope)

SW.B.22 Building massing must be arranged with consideration of the daylight and sunlight amenity to existing neighbours

LS.L.28 Interface with existing edge – the design of Aisgill Lane must consider the interface with the existing boundary edge

Western boundary

Aisgill Gardens buildings that promote interaction

LS.L.30 Permeable edge – designs should explore increasing permeability of existing boundary condition. Proposals could include appropriate breaks through the existing wall replacing with a hedge or planted linear landscape with SuDS features

AG.B.8 Aigill Gardens CA – Permeable, open and welcoming frontages

Ground Floor facades should have a high level of transparency

Consultation on the Emerging Code

The request for more, high quality, publicly available open and green space was a key theme of community feedback in all stages of engagement. The important role of nature and biodiversity, and a desire to see people prioritised over vehicles has led to Design Codes reflecting what was heard.

This feedback has influenced the following Design Code clauses shown in the table on the right:

Inclusivity in public realm

SW.L.70 Biodiversity strategy must deliver certain habitats

SW.L.95 Features for insects landscape designs must include features of benefits to insects such as standing dead wood, metal features, insect homes and rock piles

SW.L.141 resting places furniture within streetscapes and pedestrian priority routes should be designed to provide resting places alongside key desire lines. A diverse range of seating should be provided for a wider range of users

S.W.L.145 designed for range of abilities

The design of resting areas should provide appropriate accessible space for wheelchair users to be integrated within the seating provision

Playgrounds S.W.L.160 Destination play three areas identified in the masterplan and Design Code

Water features

TT.L.61 Interacting with water. Water as playful elements of the public realm must be included in the Cascades

North-south and east-west routes Key routes are set out in Design Code

Ensure there is pedestrian and cycle separation

23

SW.L.9 12 Boulevards/ Crescents/Lanes/Passages must have pedestrian footpaths on the side of a central movement route (to support public realm hierarchy)

SW.L.29 Demarcated cycle route

SW.L30 Cyclists on pedestrian-led public realm safety must be prioritised through arrangement of planting and appropriate levels of lighting

Consultation on the Emerging Code

Further to the inputs received from the Character Areas consultation and workshops, ECDC also sought further feedback on Design Codes from the updated exhibition in March 2024. This included additional materials and explanation of Design Codes including sample codes.

The survey asked: Do you have any comments on the Design Codes? Anything to include?

22 responses were received to the question asking for comments on this element of the exhibition. Some comments related to general themes including height and density or were generally supportive. Many comments related to green infrastructure and energy generation, or the clean and climate technology ambition.

“The clarity of the ambition to create a clean and climate tech hub is visionary, timely and one of the boldest developer mission statements of our time.”

Specific suggestions are set out below with the relevant code clauses that relate to these.

Theme Quote Design Code clause

"Maximising solar PV generation wherever possible, including on any carports, covered walkways, etc."

Solar panels

"Are you making the best use of all roof spaces, e.g., solar panels."

Removal of high wall on Aisgill Avenue

"This high wall should be removed altogether with new substantial wide and well lit boulevards."

The Site-wide energy strategy for the masterplan relies on a large amount of rooftop plant for air source heat pumps (ASHPs) which connect to an ambient loop

LS.L.30 Permeable edge

Examples:

Outdoor seating

Optimise contribution to green infrastructure

"Outdoor seating for food/drink businesses is a must for creating a vibrant area."

"Buildings should maximise urban greening factor irrespective of targets met on their behalf by sitewide ground level landscaping."

"Use roof gardens, nature spaces, green canopies."

The Cascades

"The winding route of the Cascades must be inclusive, accessible and allow for assisted mobility."

TT.B.22 Spill out space adjacent – to Ground Floor active uses and others in individual CAs

SW.L.104, 105, 106 codes relating to urban greening including green and blue roofs

EP.B.23 useable green terraces

TT.L.58 The design of the Cascades must be as inclusive as possible. This could include adjusting the layout of ramps

13.0 Design Code

PRIP Input to Design Codes

The Public Realm Inclusivity Panel has met regularly since July 2022, extensively developing their knowledge and capacity in their first year (as detailed in the following section of this SCI). They have built up their experience to be able to contribute meaningfully to the development of design briefs for specific areas of the public realm, and the review of public realm aspects of the Design Code.

The PRIP Session 16 in December 2023 was specifically focussed on introducing the design coding process. In this and subsequent sessions the PRIP reviewed Design Codes on materiality, street furniture, signage, and access and movement.

The following is an example of how PRIP feedback on the draft Design Code has influenced the final proposed Design Code.

PRIP comment on draft code for public realm seating:

Final proposed code, incorporating PRIP suggestion:

PRIP input on seating

PRIP sessions often included collaborative making activities

Final code on seating

13.0 Design Code

In some cases, PRIP comments have been incorporated along with recommendations from others including planning officers and other specialists. The below Code relating to signage is one such example where the PRIP's influence is clearly demonstrated.

PRIP recommendation on inclusive signage:

Final Design Code on inclusive signage:

In total, the PRIP made 16 suggestions in reviewing the Design Code which have influenced the drafting of the final Design Code, text clarifications or changes to the images used to illustrate the code. PRIP comments in combination with planning officer comments resulted in a more explicit inclusivity and movement section being added to the Design Code (SW.L.15 onwards).

More information on the PRIP process is given in the following section of this SCI and a full list of PRIP Design Code recommendations can be found in Appendix 18.

Final code on signage

Members presenting their feedback to the wider group

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

Introduction

ECDC wanted to take an exemplary approach by establishing a dialogue with 'hard to reach' members of the local community, who do not traditionally engage with planning consultations. In early stages of consultation (2021), the specialist consultancy ZCD Architects ran a series of workshops with members of local youth groups, disability support groups and older groups in both boroughs to take a closer look at the local area with them (see section 6.2 of this SCI). The sessions included walking tours and helped form a clear picture of some of the needs of these groups. This proved to be a positive process in helping us understand seldom heard voices and for them to directly feed into the project, which then transitioned into a formal and regular panel.

Participants from these earlier sessions were invited to join a Public Realm Inclusivity Panel (PRIP) in July 2022, facilitated by ZCD Architects. The PRIP involves a diverse range of people from the boroughs of RBKC and LBHF, aged 15 and above, who have a range of lived experiences, requirements and support needs.

Meeting approximately every month, PRIP members have regular conversations with key members of the Design Team. Using a creative approach the panel has acted as a critical friend, inputting into the design brief and testing proposals as they were developed. During the first year, the Panel members were supported to develop analytical skills and knowledge of the built environment, which has enabled them to take on a more advisory role in the last 12 months, providing more detailed input into the masterplan and Hybrid Planning Application.

Working together, the PRIP aims to co-create a place that:

- Is both an everyday place and a special/ exciting destination

- Is inclusive, fully accessible and works well for people with disabilities, young people, older people and carers

- Works for everyone and that everyone can enjoy and spend time in

- Is welcoming and embraces differences

Bringing a range of voices together

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

Introduction

Sessions and meetings

The panels for 2022–23 and 2023–24 both had 15 members, some of whom were returning members. All members of the PRIP are compensated for their time. At the time of this report, we have held a total of 22 meetings of the PRIP panel, generally on a monthly basis, together with three meetings of the sub-group which focus on safety.

- Session 1: 20th July 2022

- Session 2: 15th September 2022

- Session 3: 29th September 2022

- Session 4: 13th October 2022

- Session 5: 3rd November 2022

- Session 6: 29th November 2022

- Session 7: 19th January 2023

- Session 8: 23rd February 2023

- Session 9: 23rd March 2023

- Session 10: 27th April 2023

- Session 11: 25th May 2023

- Session 12: 21st June 2023

- Session 13: 14th September 2023

- Session 14: 12th October 2023

- Session 15: 16th November 2023

- Session 16: 14th December 2023

- Session 17: 18th January 2024

- Session 18: 22nd February 2024

- Session 19: 14th March 2024

- Session 20: 25th April 2024

- Session 21: 23rd May 2024

- Session 22: 20th June 2024

Members visiting the location of the steps to the former Exhibition Centres in September 2023

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Session 1: 20 July 2022

The aim of the first session was to define what inclusivity meant and to start to think about people and their different needs in outdoor spaces.

During the discussion on 'What is inclusivity?', 28 answers were received from the attendees. Some recurring themes were accessibility, diversity, openness, welcoming and accepting everyone. Some answers were to the point and others more descriptive, but all very powerful. Most answers were theoretical, whilst others were spatial, such as 'shared gardens' and 'shared place for everyone'. Some of the participants defined inclusivity as 'policies', 'economic inclusion' and '... to understand the local land', emphasising the built environment's socioeconomic and legal framework.

The group also explored the idea of 'moving around' with the aim to gain a better understanding of movement around the local area and what some of the issues and opportunities on the Site itself might be.

Coming together as a group for the first time

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

Some of the recurring themes that arose were:

Opportunities:

- Connections through the Site to provide better publicly accessible routes

- Well-lit, safe spaces and pathways

- Variety of lighting fixtures/initiatives as part of the visual experience

- Open yet safe public spaces – passive surveillance

- Increase the connectivity between the two adjoining boroughs

- Retain bus routes that are proposed to be scrapped

- A walkable/wheelable development

- Provide multiple, yet separated modes of transportation (i.e. cycling, scooters), not just buses and walking

- Provide shade and shelter from the elements

- Provide seating accessible to all people (provision of both arm(s) and backrests is preferred by elderly people)

- Designated play area suitable for children with disabilities – good management is key

- Gym and swimming pool available to everyone

- Play facilities such as swings should be accessible to people in wheelchairs too – 'we also want to have fun'

Concerns:

- Concerns over loss of bus routes

- Concerns over privatised green spaces

- Concerns over accessibility within the public realm especially relating to thresholds between retail shops and the street.

- Concern over the interaction between people on bikes and scooters and those who are not, particularly those with disabilities

- Avoid metal surfaces on street furniture such as seating, preference for natural and tactile materials to be used

Exploring the theme of 'moving around' in the first session

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

Towards a Public Realm Inclusivity Statement

Following the first session, a report was produced and considered by ECDC. It was agreed that the PRIP would write an Inclusivity Statement and that, where possible, the Design Team would aim to incorporate the group's ideas, asks and suggestions into the design of the public realm within the masterplan.

PRIP Session 2: 15 September 2022

The aim of this session was to build on the work from the first session, in particular, continuing to work on a joint Inclusivity

Statement. The session was also an opportunity for the panel members to meet members of the Design Team who presented an overview of the parks and open spaces within the Proposed Development.

The panel members were then encouraged to start thinking about what they would like to see in the parks and open spaces. Suggestions from members included incorporating ramps instead of stairs to aid wheelchair users, including evenly spaced lampposts to make it easier for people to move through the Site when dark, and provide quiet spaces for people who experience sensory overloads.

In this second session, a collaborative process led to the drafting and adoption of the following statement:

A diverse group of local people, aged 15 and up, who have a range of lived experiences, requirements and support needs

We are working together to help The Earls Court Development Company co-create a place:

- That is both an everyday place and a special/exciting destination

- That is inclusive, fully accessible and works well for people with disabilities, young people, older people and carers

- That works for everyone/that everyone can enjoy and spend time in

- That is welcoming and embraces differences

We are all equal and will work together to make sure everyone on the panel is heard.

We agree to be:

- Respectful and accepting of each other's ideas and experiences

- Listen well and support each other

- Be open in our communication and use different formats and languages

- Represent others

Public Realm Inclusivity Statement

Members working with the Design Team in the second session

The Public Realm Inclusivity Panel (PRIP) are:

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Session 3: 29 September 2022

The aim of this session was to explore the idea of play, recreation, and sport. During the session, the Design Team delivered a short presentation about the proposals for Aisgill Gardens, to help members begin to think about the proposed space. A short walk around the local area also took place.

Members shared their favourite play memories as children to help them think of the possibilities of Aisgill Gardens. Materials were provided to create models to imagine what could be included in Aisgill Gardens and how people could access and move between the spaces. When asked to describe their model and spaces in a few words, members responded with words including 'inclusive', 'multi-use', 'connected' and 'adventurous'.

Aisgill Gardens – responding to the PRIP design brief

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Session 4: 13 October 2022

The aim of this session was to agree the Inclusivity Statement, for members to think about the different people who would use the public spaces, and for the Design Team to provide updates about the Table, with an opportunity for members to provide feedback.

During the session, members created different character profiles to describe the type of people who may use the public spaces. Using the models that had been created in the previous session, members were asked to talk through their design and how their character would interact with the space.

Members welcomed a variety of spaces and activities and suggested ideas to include places to host concerts and cinemas, fitness trails, and an outdoor gym. The Inclusivity Statement was finalised and presented to ECDC for endorsement, and the PRIP agreed to review any proposals presented to them against this statement.

PRIP Session 5: 3 November 2022

The aim of this session was for ECDC to respond to the panel's feedback and to provide more detailed information about the masterplan and the project. This was facilitated through presentations delivered by ECDC and SLA (landscape architects).

Members welcomed the idea that spaces would be open and vibrant during night-time and had positive feedback on Aisgill Gardens including nature being an important part of the scheme. There were some concerns that level changes could be hard for wheelchair users and questions about how affordable the retail spaces would be.

Exploring landscape proposals using a large-scale model at the Earls Court Project Rooms

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Session 6: 29 November 2022

The aim of this session was to allow ECDC to respond to questions remaining from the previous session on the scope of the PRIP and their involvement in review of the masterplan. The session was also an opportunity to select a logo to represent the PRIP, and to get feedback on the initial ideas of the landscape architect, SLA, for the Warwick Road Apron.

During the session a presentation was delivered by Rob Heasman (ECDC CEO) who presented his vision for the project and discussed his aspiration for the PRIP's role in contributing to development of the masterplan. He subsequently answered questions about the phasing of the development and temporary uses, and concluded by fully endorsing the PRIP's Inclusivity Statement.

Feedback from members on the Warwick Road Apron included making the space adaptable to seasonal activities (e.g. Christmas), using the space to host a weekly market, and using the existing steps for seating.

PRIP Session 7: 19 January 2023

The aim of this session was for members to provide guidance to one of our architects, dRMM, on the design of a new Community Hub near Aisgill Gardens and West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates, in particular the look and feel and the entrance space.

dRMM is one of three architects delivering the design for the Detailed Component of the LBHF Proposed Development, and during the

session a short presentation was delivered by dRMM on initial proposals for the Community Hub. Members could subsequently look at images from the presentation and put coloured dots next to the images to indicate what they felt worked in the space and what did not.

Feedback from members included a suggestion to avoid auditorium seating as it could limit the number of wheelchair users, inclusion of skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows to help bring the outside in, and to include bright and vibrant colours within the outdoor spaces.

Members created posters showing their ideas for a public space at the Warwick Road gateway to the Site

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

The following five PRIP Sessions (Sessions 8-12) were held between February – June 2023 at which time Phase 7 of the masterplan consultation was in progress. This presented a key moment for the PRIP to review the evolving masterplan and assess its performance against their recommendations.

PRIP Session 8: 23 February 2023

On the second day of the masterplan launch, ECDC invited the PRIP to view the exhibition, ask questions and provide detailed feedback. The PRIP had fed into the brief, through creative exercises and presentations, from which they had compiled a list of 33 masterplan brief recommendations. The focus of this session was to present the draft masterplan so the panel could assess how it performed against their recommendations.

Masterplans are by their nature 'high-level' and set out parameters and a framework for future design and development. There were therefore some areas of limited design detail that were difficult to directly assess the recommendations against, however the panel

felt almost half of their recommendations were being met. There was also very positive feedback about the exhibition and the role of the PRIP to date.

PRI P Session 9: 23 March 2023

This was the ninth session and was cofacilitated by Dinah Bornat from ZCD Architects and Ellie Cosgrave from Publica, a London-based urban design and public realm practice. In this session, Ellie introduced the topic of gender inclusivity. The panel discussed the ways in which a gendered city impacts each of them in different ways. Members spoke of the importance of having a space where someone can be themselves without fear of judgement and for spaces to be adequately lit to feel safe.

Working in pairs, the members developed a storyboard which explored the theme of 'belonging', using a framework called 'morphological analysis'. The storyboards explored how people's desires for the space could be accommodated through the design of the Proposed Development.

Discussing gender inclusivity and acceptance in relation to the public realm

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Session 10: 27 April 2023

This was the tenth session, which explored the topic of access and movement. Ahead of the session, members took a picture of a pathway they use often to assess how good or bad the route is from an accessibility perspective.

Following a presentation from Tommy Clark, landscape architect at Studio Egret West (SEW), the panel and Design Team members discussed how streets and pathways across the masterplan can be more inclusive and what is necessary to achieve that. Some suggestions included incorporating contrasting textures between pathways and vehicle routes for safety and including tracks for wheelchairs on nature trails.

PRIP Session 11: 25 May 2023

The eleventh session of the PRIP was held 'off site' at Elephant Park in Elephant and Castle. Elephant Park is a recent mixed-use development which will deliver 3,000 new homes when complete and also includes a two-acre park which is the largest new green spaceto be delivered in London for 70 years. The PRIP visited the development as a case study, in order to analyse the new

neighbourhood, and consider if it meets some of the PRIP recommendations for Earls Court.

Analysis of the six spaces at Elephant Park was facilitated by a tour of the area, during which panel members were encouraged to use the understanding they had gained during previous sessions to rate the spaces as 'red', 'amber' or 'green' to determine how safe and inclusive the spaces were for people of different ages and abilities.

Members subsequently completed a survey to give feedback about Elephant Park, to consider the PRIP recommendations and compare a recently completed development to the Earls Court Development proposals. Feedback from the survey detailed what panel members liked about the spaces, whether all spaces were inclusive and if the spaces could be used all year round.

Visiting Elephant Park to assess the public spaces

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Session 12: 21 June 2023

This session saw the panel reflecting on a year of PRIP meetings, and on which activities they considered to be the most valuable. A presentation was given, to provide a recap of the last 12 months, and then the majority of the session was used for a creative exercise with members, creating a wall hanging that represented each member. During the creative exercise, members completed a feedback form and were interviewed by the ECDC Design Team. Members said they had enjoyed the last year, and that it had given them more confidence and knowledge to involve themselves in decisions affecting their local community.

Review of first year

The PRIP's first year of activity concluded in July 2023. All adult PRIP members were asked if they would like to continue to be involved and they confirmed they would. ECDC is keen to ensure that the panel fully represents the diversity of the local community, and over the summer they decided to introduce a small number of new

local residents to the group. The PRIP then agreed to reconvene in September 2023.

PRI P feedback on updated masterplan

The masterplan continued to evolve in late 2023 and following the extensive consultation that had occurred between February and June of that year. The PRIP commenced its second year, with some new members having been introduced, and the PRIP was able to review and input to the evolving masterplan. Between September 2023 and February 2024, a total of six PRIP meetings took place.

PRIP Session 13: 14 September 2023

As this was the first session with new members the aim was for the new members to get to know the existing members and to gain an understanding of the project, and for existing members to get a recap.

During the session a presentation was delivered, and a video commissioned by ECDC was shared. Members also participated in a Site visit, traversing the Site from West Brompton station to Earl's Court station.

At the 12th session PRIP members received a certificate thanking them for their work on the panel

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Session 14: 12 October 2023

This session involved the landscape architect (SLA) presenting the latest proposals for Warwick Apron and the Cascades – two significant areas of proposed landscaping – and to gather feedback from the panel. During the session, SLA presented the latest design for Warwick Square and the panel was introduced to the current plans for the Cascades.

The panel gave feedback on Warwick Square as part of a whole group discussion. Many panel members felt their previous comments had been taken onboard including the addition of greenery, temporary events, markets, seating, and a clear focal point. Some expressed concerns about the lack of specific information regarding lighting and seating types.

Then working in pairs, PRIP members crafted short stories set in the Cascades and using collage, with each pair presenting at the session. Safety measures, such as designated lanes, speed limits, and clear pathways, were considered important to prevent accidents between pedestrians and cyclists.

Some members also expressed concerns about the risks presented by water features. One idea was to include emergency call points, while another suggestion was to ensure that the water level is shallow.

Warwick Square – responding to the PRIP design brief

PRIP Session 15: 16 November 2023

This PRIP meeting took place at the start of one of our major public exhibitions. The aim was for the PRIP members to carry out a detailed review of both the masterplan proposals and the way in which the exhibition was presented in relation to the recommendations which the PRIP had compiled.

Regarding the staging of the exhibition, the majority of members felt this exhibition was much clearer than the last exhibition in February 2023 and had accurately represented the work of the PRIP. Members suggested that more sensory aids could be added and further information was needed about the Table Park. They also noted that more visuals were required to show how Earls Court would look and feel during the winter.

PRIP process

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

Review of PRIP recommendations

Previously to this session, 18 items had been noted as outstanding of the 33 total recommendations compiled in February 2023. Members felt that 13 out of those remaining 18 recommendations had now been met within the updated masterplan.

Members identified five remaining recommendations that were still to be demonstrated within the masterplan. The full results are listed to the right.

Met

Provide a diversity of routes, in terms of width and character, to offer a range of experiences. Narrow paths, wide paths, direct paths and meandering ones

With level changes, make sure ramps and lifts are fully integrated with stairs, not tucked away

Consider paths that are surrounded by lush vegetation that work for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility

Use a landmark or landmarks for people to orientate themselves

Integrate play into level changes. For example, gradual slopes are good for skating

Each space needs a variety of uses, to cater for different activities and experiences

Allow for risky play and exploration

Include quiet spaces, somewhere you can let off steam by yourself

Include water elements

Create a rich biodiverse environment where people can directly connect with nature and wildlife

Make sure it is usable all year round, in all weathers

One person might use a variety of spaces, don’t segregate between people and uses

Create sensory activities

Not Yet Met

Provide places to shelter outside

There will be spaces to do sports

Consider the nocturnal city and incorporate well-designed night-time lighting

Be sensitive to colour and texture as this can be challenging for neuro divergent people and people with visual impairments

Consider minimising the noise caused by trains passing through the Table, as some people are vulnerable to sensory overload

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Session 16: 14 December 2023

The aim of this session was to give members an update on the project and introduce the Design Code process. The session was also an opportunity for members to provide some initial input into sitewide Design Codes on materiality, street furniture and signage.

Ahead of the session, members were given a guide to read which simply explained the planning process at Earls Court and which they could subsequently ask questions about at the start of the session. This provided the basis to then introduce the Design Code in a presentation from one of our masterplan architects, Studio Egret West (SEW).

Working in pairs, members were asked to write down their interpretation of the code. These responses were subsequently categorised into input, image suggestion, questions, concerns, and text amends. Comments included a desire for materials to be weather resistant, questioning what locally resourced means, and concerns over shared surfaces.

PRIP Session 17: 18 January 2024

The aim of this session was to provide input on safety-related elements of the masterplan, and a discussion on safety was facilitated with members being encouraged to think about positive experiences after dark.

During the session, each member created a collage and wrote some words about memories of times when they felt a positive experience during the evening, and particularly when it was dark. A presentation was then delivered by ZCD Architects who showed the latest design work on safety-related elements within the masterplan. The group then had the opportunity to discuss and share their thoughts, with outcomes of the discussion being turned into 14 safety points.

The 14 safety points were categorised under three themes: mobility and usability, freedom of use, and sense of belonging.

ECDC reviewed the panel's wording and suggested some wording revisions and points of clarification. ECDC also shared the panel’s feedback with the masterplan lighting designers, Speirs Major.

Detailed workshop on the Design Code process

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Session 18: 22 February 2024

The aim of this session was to consider routes within and around the Site from an inclusivity perspective. The session also provided an opportunity for PRIP members to provide input to the Design Code for access and movement.

During the session, Design Team members from the masterplan transport consultant, WSP, explained the six local routes that would form the basis of their Safety Inclusion Assessment. Members were asked in preparation for the next session to visit one of the routes to assist WSP's work.

Feedback was also provided from SEW to PRIP members on the Cascades landscape concept, with an explanation of how the work of the PRIP had fed into the latest proposals. Members provided further comments stating they were pleased with the location of the lifts and felt the design was inclusive and accessible.

A similar exercise to the one conducted in the December 2023 session took place where, working in pairs, members were asked to write down their interpretation of the sitewide Design Code. These were similarly

categorised into input, image suggestion, questions, concerns, and text amends. Comments included the suggestion to amend wording to 'people-first' routes rather than 'pedestrian priority' and adding reference to wheelchair and other users' safety.

As set out in the previous section of this SCI, PRIP comments in combination with planning officer comments resulted in a more explicit inclusivity and movement section being added to the Design Code.

Movement through the Cascades was assessed by members and suggestions made to the Design Team

Considering how the coding for the Site could be improved

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Session 19: 14 March 2024

The aim of this session was to gain a thorough understanding of local routes from an inclusivity perspective, including after dark, and particularly from a young person’s perspective.

Following on from the previous session in February 2024, the panel used the information they had collected during their visit to one of the six key routes to create a story to think about the route after dark. Pairs were intergenerational and had to present their story back to the group. Representatives of Spiers Major (the masterplan lighting design specialist) were in attendance to hear the panel's perspective and to incorporate their ideas where possible.

Suggestions from panel members included illuminating landmarks on edges of paths to make movement and orientation easier, including warmer lighting on residential roads and cool lighting on main roads, and avoiding uneven lighting.

PRIP Session 20: 25 April 2024

This session considered safety issues in relation to the nearby Lillie Road, a major thoroughfare to the south of the Site.

Recommendations were made for wider pavements, smoother surfaces and better signage in the area as well as more public spaces like shops or community spaces to act as hubs for safety and comfort.

PRIP Session 21: 23 May 2024

This PRIP session introduced the panel to the Retail Strategy prepared by JLL who joined the session. Discussion was focused around opportunities for ground floor uses in the masterplan as well as asking the PRIP to consider in groups what they would like the first impression of Earls Court to be. In particular exploring how through signage and wayfinding how the place can feel welcoming, inclusive and accessible.

In advance of the session, the panel were asked to visit one or two shops in their local area and share with the panel why those spaces are special to them and their community. This exercise then informed the design of posters, which the panel worked on in mixed pairs during the session. There was a consistent sense of welcoming and positivity in the works created, with clear messaging that social and environmental sustainability will be at the core of Earls Court. Panel members expressed a wish to see that there will be

services, staff members, and systems in place to provide assistance to those with access needs.

The PRIP's recommendations form part of the Retail Strategy which is included within the planning application. This will shape the type of shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and leisure spaces that will be included within the masterplan. Their input has also helped shape the Estate Management Strategy.

Stakeholders from within Hammersmith and Fulham exploring issues around safety raised by PRIP members

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Session 22:

This was the final session of the PRIP's 2023 – 2024 programme before the summer break. The event saw former PRIP members, current PRIP members, friends and family, members of ECDC and members of the Design Team come together for a review session. Councillor Sharon Holder, Cabinet Member for Public Realm, LBHF also joined as an observer.

An overview was presented on what the PRIP have been doing over the last year, the impact that members have had on Design Codes and the masterplan overall. Members of the PRIP then presented to the wider group what happened during each session since September 2023.

For the homework, the PRIP had been asked to source photos of themselves and other people they think represent Earls Court. These were then used in the session to create a collaborative collage inspired by the artist Dick Jewell which we are calling 'The People of Earls Court'.

PRIP members were asked to complete a feedback survey about how they found the process. The intention was to measure how the PRIP is doing and how the process can be improved.

Members were provided with six statements and asked to mark on a scale of 1 (lowest) and 10 (highest) how far they agreed or disagreed with each statement. Feedback from members was positive and the results are set out in the adjacent table.

Safety sub-group

To better understand and explore some of the issues raised by members of the PRIP, ECDC convened a series of smaller subgroups focusing on safety and security. These included representatives of local community groups, each council and other relevant stakeholders. There have been three meetings to-date and more are planned to take place, with outcomes to be reported back to the Panel members.

1. The masterplan has been improved as a result of the recommendations from the PRIP 8

2. The PRIP has had an impact on the latest designs shown for the masterplan (Table Park, Cascades, Aisgill Gardens, etc.) 9

3. The PRIP has been listened to by the ECDC team members who have attended the sessions 9

4. The PRIP has been listened to by the architects and other consultants who have attended the sessions 9

5. Being a part of the PRIP process has had a positive impact on me personally 10

6. The activities in the PRIP sessions address real and important design decisions 9

14.0 Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

PRIP Impact

Over the last two years the PRIP has acted as a valuable critical friend, inputting into the masterplan design brief and testing design proposals for the public realm. As the PRIP members have developed their skills and knowledge, they have adopted an advisory role, interrogating the Design Code from an inclusivity perspective.

ECDC will continue to work with the PRIP to interrogate, critique and refine design principles to ensure an inclusive and accessible approach to landscape and buildings.

“

We have been able to discuss important and sometimes difficult topics in a way that feels both rea and unfiltered, light and simple.

I cannot overstate just how good the process has been and it is all down to the innovative and inclusive ways in which the sessions are being run; well done all.

I thought it would be a lot of being talked to for two hours straight and my opinions wouldn’t be heard.

However I have found the PRIP team very welcoming and we are part of the process from the beginning to the end.

To me this initiative is long overdue and many members of the public have missed out on the added value that PRIP members bring to the table.

My awareness has increased and as I walk along or through new sites, I can see areas that would have improved the building outcomes.

I like the idea that we are helping to sculpt another mini-community, including everyone, and aiming to make a safe place.

I can’t wait to continue and watch the process – as a team.

It is much more inclusive than I had first expected, lots of time is devoted to hearing our ideas and allowing us to share our opinions.

So many decisions are down to us to decide and it allows lots of contributions and different viewpoints.

It has helped me feel like my voice can and does make a difference.

I feel like a unique and very special relationship between the PRIP and the wider project has been created, and I’m honoured to be a small part of that.

I wasn’t expecting to be listened to as much as we are, but I’ve seen how the things we’ve discussed on the panel have been considered and implemented into the design plans which is amazing.

15.0 Conclusion

15.0 Conclusion

Established as a local business, ECDC has spent over four years getting to know and understand the local community. From the earliest stages, working with residents, businesses and stakeholders has been central to establishing the vision for the former Exhibition Centres Site, and to informing and shaping the masterplan as it has evolved.

The long-term success of the project is rooted in the ability to deliver lasting community benefits – for local people, for London and for the UK. Delivering thousands of sustainable homes, workspace, jobs and culture all set within 20 acres of public realm is at the heart of our masterplan.

Seeking to establish gold-standard practice in consultation and pre-application engagement, ECDC invested not simply into masterplan consultation, but into the community itself, opening up a dedicated Community Hub to deliver local services, supporting and spending time with many local organisations, and engaging with people across different age groups and demographics. These initiatives proved

instrumental to reaching and engaging with a wide audience.

The listening exercise carried out throughout the first phases, and the following consultation, comprehensively engaged communities to establish what they valued about the history and character of Earls Court.

Through multiple workshops, surveys and interviews we asked local people what they wanted to see happen on this long-stalled Site. Through this extensive dialogue, we learnt what the Exhibition Centres meant to local people and how the Site could once again be an integral part of London’s urban fabric, delivering for existing communities as well as the new residents who will be welcomed in.

Working with hundreds of schoolchildren, dozens of local groups and charities and welcoming thousands of people into our buildings and spaces has allowed the ECDC team to develop strong and lasting relationships, and a deeper understanding of the issues pertinent to local people.

With the Site having been vacant for over a decade, the loss of the jobs and economic activity following the demolition of the Exhibition Centres remains keenly felt. From the outset, opening the Site up, bringing culture, performance and activity back to Earls Court was a priority. Over 675,000 people have now visited the Site, spending over £27m locally in just the past two years. These activities and their impact are outlined in the supporting Annual Social Value and Economic Impact Report.

15.0 Conclusion

We brought local people directly into the process, embracing co-design principles through community workshops and establishing a Public Realm Inclusivity Panel, a group of individuals empowered to challenge the team and generate new ideas. Feedback from the collaborative engagement process informed the vision, and the proposals for the first Detailed buildings which are presented in the Planning Application.

Throughout the process, we have sought to evidence how engagement has shaped the thinking of ECDC and the Design Team, setting out clearly where changes have been made. See Appendix 17 for a table summarising feedback received across all phases and the design response. This process of collaboration will continue through the subsequent stages of the project as it moves from masterplanning through to Reserved Matters, construction and beyond.

The 'People of Earls Court' artwork created together by members of the PRIP, ECDC and Design Team – July 2024'

Through genuine dialogue and collaborative working across local priorities, the masterplan evolved to deliver:

– New connections, removing barriers to movement across the Site

– An inclusive, people-first public realm co-designed with the PRIP

Open space and nature, responding to the consistently top priority heard for the provision of publicly accessible, green open space

– Homes and facilities for all stages of life

Appropriately located, beautiful buildings with clear Design Codes to sensitively manage the edge conditions

– Retention and re-use of existing structures and recognising local typologies

– Embedding culture and employment into the masterplan

When surveyed about the updated Illustrative Masterplan shown in November 2023, 76% of people who responded said they were either happy or satisfied with the proposals (results detailed in Section 12 of this SCI).

The submission of the Hybrid Planning Application is an important milestone in the consultation process with the community, but it does not mark its end. Pending determination of the application, there will be further extensive engagement and consultation on the future applications for Reserved Matters Approvals (RMAs), in which more detail will be provided on the design of the buildings and the detailed public realm.

We will continue to work with our Public Realm Inclusion Panel to interrogate, critique and refine the design principles to ensure an inclusive and accessible approach to landscape and buildings. Workshops and collaborative engagement will continue to drive our design approach alongside our ongoing community outreach and investment.

Through this ongoing approach, we will ensure our neighbours and the wider community remain part of the journey as we make Earls Court a place to once again discover wonder.

The Cascade

15.0 Conclusion

Four years of extensive engagement and consultation is summarised below. The changes made to the masterplan based on what we heard through this process are set out in detail in Appendix 17.

Since 2020 the project has:

Ensured a visible presence that allows us to welcome consultees in an environment close to their homes and places of work

Visited 3,353 addresses during door knocking activities, resulting in face-to-face conversations with 814 households

Project and engagement timeline

December 2019

Purchase of the Site from the previous owner, Capco.

Hosted 1,917 visitors at ECDC exhibitions, including at Conversation Corner, held over a total of 116 exhibition days

Received 2,707 Commonplace survey contributions (including hard copies) from 1,518 unique respondents

Mailed out 10 newsletters and 19 flyers – from 2023 to a mailing lists consisting of up to 63,673 addresses

Involved 12 local schools and 722 local children and young people in design workshops

Developing the vision

Winter 2021

Engagement on our vision to ‘bring the wonder back’ to Earls Court. (Phase 4)

2020

Establishment of The Earls Court Development Company.

Autumn 2021

Stakeholder tours that informed the development of the emerging guiding principles for the Site. (Phase 3)

Winter 2021

Series of walks and workshops with local groups involving young people, older people and those with disabilities.

Listening and understanding local priorities

Spring/Summer 2020

The first of eight engagement and consultation phases began, focused on building a rich picture of the Site and its history. This included an open day event in March 2020, the first Commonplace survey, stakeholder interviews and market research questionnaires. As this partially took place during Covid-19 restrictions, online and open air methods were used. (Phase 1)

Summer 2021

Three family fun days with a range of activities took place, both on and off the Site. Members of the project team were on hand to provide information and encourage attendees to provide feedback via a survey. (Phase 2)

Consultation on framework principles

Spring 2022

Community masterplan workshops begin.

June 2022

Launch of the first public consultation on the initial Framework layout; masterplanning workshops for local residents and businesses. (Phase 5)

Held 50+ tours with local people and other key stakeholders

Received 160,416 unique visitors to the ECDC website, where a summary of all consultation materials and findings are displayed

Sent regular email updates to over 2,500 community and political stakeholders, including members of the public who have engaged with the consultation and requested regular updates

Welcomed 532 attendees to 27 community masterplan and area-based workshops with the Design Team to understand their views and give local people the opportunity to shape development of the masterplan

Held 25 meetings of the project’s dedicated Public Realm Inclusivity Panel (PRIP) and the associated Safety Panel. The 22 different people who have served as members of the PRIP have dedicated over 800 hours of their time to meetings and research as part of the Panel, with the ECDC team and Design Team spending 198 hours with the Panel members

Consultation on the draft Illustrative Masterplan

February 2023

Draft released for consultation. (Phase 7)

Summer 2023

Continuing PRIP and community masterplan workshops.

Illustrative Masterplan update and consultation on Character Areas and Phase 1 buildings

September 2022

Conversation Corner reopened to update people on feedback received to date. (Phase 6)

November 2023

Updated Illustrative Masterplan and Detailed buildings proposals presented for consultation. (Phase 8)

2022

Public Realm Inclusivity Panel (PRIP) formally launched.

March 2024

Updated exhibition of Detailed proposals for Phase 1 buildings and the Design Codes, and series of near-neighbour workshops.

April/May 2024

Community masterplan workshop on transport and movement and near neighbour workshops.

July 2024

Hybrid Planning Application submitted.

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Exhibition Boards

Appendix 2 – Exhibition Brochures and Handouts

Appendix 3 – Flyers

Appendix 4 – Newsletters

Appendix 5 – Mailing Radii

Appendix 6 – Posters

Appendix 7 – Public Email Updates

Appendix 8 – Earls Court Community Fund Reports

Appendix 9 – Annual Social & Economic Impact Reports

Appendix 10 – Political Stakeholder List

Appendix 11 – Consultation phases 1 to 3 survey results and promotional materials

Appendix 12 – Consultation Phases 4 survey results and promotional materials

Appendix 13 – Consultation Phase 5 & 6 survey results and promotional materials

Appendix 14 – Consultation Phase 7 survey results and promotional materials

Appendix 15 – Consultation Phase 8 survey results

Appendix 16 – PRIP Design Code recommendations

Appendix 17 – Masterplan Changes in Response to Engagement

Appendix 1.0 Exhibition Boards

Appendix 1.1 – Phase 1 Community Open Day Boards p3

Appendix 1.2 – Phase 4 Exhibition Boards p7

Appendix 1.3 – Phase 5 Exhibition Boards p11

Appendix 1.4 – Phase 6 Exhibition Boards p15

Appendix 1.5 – Phase 6 Exhibition Banners p19

Appendix 1.6 – Phase 7 Exhibition Boards p23

Appendix 1.7 – Phase 8a Exhibition Boards p32

Appendix 1.8 – Phase 8b Exhibition Boards p42

Appendix 1.1 – Phase 1

Community Open Day Boards

About us

The Earls Court project has been many years in the making. Previously home to the now demolished Earls Court Exhibition Centres, the site has had a rich and illustrious history, and is London’s largest, most exciting Zone 1 development opportunity.

Working together

We are seeking to re-write the approach to sustainable, community creating, mixed-use development. We want to embrace the opportunity to reshape how consultation and engagement is approached.

Core values

With

and

as our core values, and with the proven attitude, aptitude and world-renowned reputation for delivering complex projects of this scale, we look forward to stepping forward on this journey, and working with you all, to bring about a new masterplan, which everyone can benefit from and be proud of.

The site

Here East

1,439

Blackhorse View

Appendix 1.2 – Phase 4 Exhibition Boards

How to get involved

Appendix 1.3 – Phase 5 Exhibition Boards

We’ve started to set out early

for the

Consultation

We’ve

Pop-ups

Now we want your views and feedback There are lots of different ways to give us your feedback:

Visit

Share

Scan

1. Record your message

2. Tag us @earlscourtdevco

3. Use the hashtag #ECDCWonder For full terms and conditions visit theearlscourtdevco.com

Follow

earlscourtdevco

Appendix 1.4 – Phase 6 Exhibition Boards

CE L EBR AT IN G EARLS COURT

THANK YO U

Appendix 1.5 – Phase 6 Exhibition Banners

A

BOLD AND AMBITIOUS VISION TO BRING THE

BACK TO EARLS COURT

We are reopening Conversation Corner at 26 Lillie Road to showcase all the exciting things already happening on site – and what’s coming up next. All information will also be available on our website earlscourtdevco.com

Here is our early framework plan which aims to bring back the wonder to Earls Court through the delivery of new green public spaces, layering culture through the site and unlocking new jobs and investment.

The Train Shed at Lillie Bridge Depot

We are looking to make a special feature of the existing Lillie Bridge Depot building. A range of uses are being explored, including food and maker spaces, to create a new London destination. This could form the centrepiece of the western side of the site, with buildings above.

Sustainability

We are developing a plan that celebrates green open space and sustainability at its heart.

The Table

We will retain the deck above the

– which we call ‘The Table’ – and create a new green open space at the centre of the site. The Table itself will be repurposed as a flexible space to host a range of activities and uses throughout the year, with landscaping on both sides.

New homes and jobs

Longer

New cultural spaces

You have asked us to develop

We will manage the changes in levels with stairs, lifts and gentle slopes, creating different areas for play, relaxation and walking. The public open spaces will be fully inclusive and accessible, informed by workshops with those with disabilities and access needs.

Appendix 1.6 – Phase 7 Exhibition Boards

At the forefront of sustainability

Jobs for the future

A commitment to make it happen

Activity from day one

Appendix 1.7 – Phase 8a Exhibition Boards

The

Listening

Our vision has evolved into a masterplan based around four place pillars:

Screen: Masterplan animation

Appendix 1.8 – Phase 8b Exhibition Boards

Bringing Back the Wonder to Earls Court

Phase One: An Earls Court for Everyone

Phase

One: Be Good Ancestors

Phase One: A New West Side Story

Delivering the Masterplan

Give Your Feedback

Introducing Phase One Planning Application

Character Areas

Appendix 2.0 Exhibition Brochures and Handouts

Appendix 2.1 – Phase 4 Exhibition Handout p3

Appendix 2.2 – Phase 5 Exhibition Booklet p6

Appendix 2.3 – Phase 6 Exhibition Booklet p10

Appendix 2.4 – Phase 7 Exhibition Booklet p15

Appendix 2.5 – Phase 8a Exhibition Booklet p21

Appendix 2.6 – Phase 8b Exhibition Booklet p31

Appendix 2.1 – Phase 4 Exhibition Handout

Appendix 2.2 – Phase 5 Exhibition Booklet

Appendix 2.3 – Phase 6 Exhibition Booklet

THANK YO U

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about what we’ve been doing to bring the wonder back to Earls Court.

We really appreciate all the engagement we have had so far and are looking forward to presenting the draft masterplan and hearing your feedback.

In the meantime, if you’d like to feed back on anything, or ask any questions, you can:

Call us on 0330 33 1510

Email us on info@earlscourtdevco.com

Tag us on social media @earlscourtdevco or use the hashtag #ECDCWonder

Follow us on social media for the latest information

Next steps

In the next phase, when we share the draft masterplan, we will hold an extensive programme of events:

Masterplanning workshops Consultation events Community fun days Pop-ups at stations and local markets

Appendix 2.4 – Phase 7 Exhibition Booklet

A fantastic place to live

Evolving our design

Appendix 2.5 – Phase 8a Exhibition Booklet

Evolving the masterplan

reached and hundreds of pieces of feedback analysed. We have made five big changes to our masterplan in response to what we’ve been told.

Questionnaire

In response to the feedback we have heard, conversations with local authorities, technical testing and working with the challenge of live train lines, tunnels and bridges across the site, we have made five big changes to the masterplan we presented in February 2023.

The Table

Delivering the masterplan

Infrastructure to create a better piece of city

Community led design

Introducing Phase One

Introducing Phase One

Warwick Crescent

One

Appendix 2.6 – Phase 8b Exhibition Booklet

Access for construction

What do the design codes cover?

The design codes cover the seven character areas forming the masterplan as well as sitewide codes for the landscape and built form.

sitewide landscape design codes cover:

Character areas The

The character area design codes set out how we want buildings and landscapes in the outline planning application to look and feel. These build on consultation feedback and present emerging illustrative design work. We use these designs to test that our design codes work and that we can deliver on our vision.

The character area design codes cover:

Appendix 3.0 Flyers

Appendix 3.1 – eFlyer Regarding Community Hub in 2021 p3

Appendix 3.2 – Meanwhile Uses April 2021 p5

Appendix 3.3 – Phase 3 November 2021 p7

Appendix 3.4 – Phase 4 January 2022 p9

Appendix 3.5 – Phase 5 June 2022 p11

Appendix 3.6 – Phase 6 September 2022 p14

Appendix 3.7 – Phase 7 February 2023 p16

Appendix 3.8 – Phase 7 April 2023 p19

Appendix 3.9 – Phase 7 July 2023 p22

Appendix 3.10 – Summer Pop-ups August 2023 p25

Appendix 3.11 – Summer Pop-ups August 2023 p27

Appendix 3.1 – eFlyer

Regarding Community Hub in 2021

Appendix 3.2 – Meanwhile Uses April 2021

Bringing the Earls Court site back to life this summer

Through many conversations over the past year we have heard your desire to see the Earls Court development site, closed off for far too long, opened up. We’ve heard you’d like to see things like food markets, theatre, music and other activities take place and so in response to what you’ve said, we’re excited to let you know about what we have been busy working on bringing to the site this summer.

We are looking forward to welcoming you back, celebrating Earls Court’s cultural heritage and vitality with a summer of fun!

London Wonderground at Earls Cour t

World-leading live entertainment company Underbelly are coming to Earls Court this summer (subject to planning and licensing approval). Underbelly have been present at the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2000, and for the last 11 years have run Underbelly Festival on the Southbank, as well as producing Christmas in Leicester Square, West End Live and Pride in London. Underbelly will be bringing you a range of comedy, circus and theatre all taking place in the famous upside-down cow and big top, alongside vintage rides, a beach, independent street food traders, summer drinks, a bandstand featuring local musicians and much, much more. London Wonderground will run from July to September on the site formerly home to Earls Court 2, accessed via Empress Place. There will be something for everyone this summer at Earls Court!

A new public space opposite Earl’s Court Underground Station

We are also opening up part of the long-closed site on Warwick Road, where the former entrance to the Exhibition Centre was. We aim to create a temporary space for people to enjoy. We’re a proud sponsor of the K+C Festival who are working with Underbelly to bring an exciting art installation to mark this space. We will be inviting ideas from the community over the summer on the subsequent plans for this space.

The return of The Prince and West Brompton Crossing

Our range of shops and places to eat and drink at West Brompton Crossing and The Prince have re-opened. Come down and visit London’s biggest pub garden with some of the best independent eateries in the city, alongside our carefully curated independent retailers, artists and artisans who look forward to welcoming you back.

Collaboration / Consideration / Celebration

Activating spaces and places

When we bought the Earls Court development site from Capco we inherited a number of derelict buildings and empty spaces. With the timetable to move out of lockdown underway, we are doing everything we can to open the site up in time for summer, creating jobs and economic activity.

Safety is our top priority, and whilst the plans have social distancing built in, they remain contingent on the latest guidelines and solving the tricky logistics of bringing these projects forward, including securing planning permission for these temporary events.

Thinking longer term, we’re drawing up a brand-new plan for the site under our ownership, taking a new approach to how it will develop. We want the future of Earls Court to be shaped by local people and we will be engaging with you to hear your views, suggestions and priorities for what comes next.

Find out more

We will be hosting a virtual webinar on Monday 26 th April from 6.30pm to 7.30pm to discuss our summer plans in more detail and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have.

To sign up please visit: earlscourtwebinar.com

Contact Us

You can also view more about our plans at: theearlscourtdevelopmentcompany.com

If you have questions ple ase email: info@theearlscourtdevelopmentcompany.com

Or please call us: 0330 333 1510 Keep in touch: @earlscourtdevco

@Earlscourtdevelopmentco

@Earlscourtdevelopmentco

A new public space and art installation (from late June)

London Wonderground at Earls Court (from mid July)

Brompton Station

Earl’s Court Station

Kensington Station

The Prince (from 12th April) and West Brompton Crossing

Appendix 3.3 – Phase 3 November 2021

Help shape the future of the Earls Court site

Join us at one of our public events

For 150 years Earls Court has been known as a global showcase for innovation, entertainment and achievement.

Internationally renowned, it was a source of national and local pride, supporting jobs and investment and helping local business to thrive. The site is now an empty void after the demolition of the Exhibition Centre and it continues to be a physical barrier between neighbouring communities.

We have a bold and ambitious vision to bring the wonder back to Earls Court. We will do this by developing a new plan for the site. We want to hear what you think about our emerging vision and help us shape these plans to bring the Earls Court site back to life.

Turn over to see further information on how you can get involved and have your say.

There are many ways in which you can have your say and get involved.

Come along to one of our consultation events:

Drop-in to any of our in-person events below between 10am and 1pm to meet some of the project team and find out more information.

• Saturday 4th December at St Cuthbert’s Church 50 Philbeach Gardens, SW5 9EB

• Saturday 11th December at Normand Croft Community School Bramber Road, W14 9PA (entrance via the yellow gate on Lillie Road)

• Saturday 8th January at the former Fulham Boys School 9 Beaumont Avenue, W14 9LP

• Saturday 15th January at Earls Court Youth Centre 120 Ifield Road, SW10 9AF

Zoom webinar and Q&A

If you are unable to make it along to a physical exhibition, you can also join us at a webinar which will take place from:

• Tuesday 7th December between 6pm and 7.30pm

RSVP at: www.theearlscourtdevelopmentcompany.com

You can also give your feedback in the following ways:

Visit our website using the QR code below

Email: info@earlscourtdevco.com

Call us on freephone: 0330 333 1510

Scan me to find out more

Collaboration / Consideration / Celebration

Appendix 3.4 – Phase 4 January 2022

Help shape the future of the Earls Court site

Join us at one of our online public events and register your interest in our masterplanning workshops

In November 2021, we launched our vision to bring the wonder back to Earls Court. Continuing this phase of consultation, we are holding two additional online webinars to provide further opportunities for you to have your say on the future of the Earls Court site.

Following this, we will be running a series of community workshops, getting people involved in the detail of the masterplanning process with our architectural and design teams. These are taking place at the point at which there is the greatest opportunity to help shape the plans for the site.

Turn over to find out more

Community Consultation: new online meetings

Join one of our online meetings, which will feature a short presentation on the plans and lots of time for questions and answers with the project team.

We are hosting two additional online meetings:

• Tuesday 25 January 6pm-7.30pm

• Tuesday 1 February 6pm-7.30pm

To register your attendance, please visit our website at www.earlscourtdevco.com, email or call us. Please also complete online survey at www.ecdc.commonplace.is to provide your feedback on our plans.

Masterplanning Workshops

This is an opportunity to participate in a series of workshops with the architects and key members of The Earls Court Development Company to inform the new masterplan for Earls Court. These will be interactive sessions with plenty of time for discussion.

We have planned two 90 minute sessions for each workshop topic to ensure we can accommodate as many people as possible, and ask that you commit to one session per round. The sessions will follow current Covid guidance and protocols, and may take place online if necessary.

These first workshops are the beginning of a longer series that will cover a variety of themes and topics.

Workshop 1: What was the Wonder of the Exhibition site?

• Tuesday 8 February, 6.30pm-8pm, or

• Wednesday 9 February, 6.30pm-8pm

Workshop 2: The emerging masterplan framework

• Tuesday 8 March, 6.30pm-8pm, or

• Wednesday 9 March, 6.30pm-8pm

We would welcome anyone with an interest in the local area, especially those who are keen to participate in discussions, to express an interest by emailing info@earlscourtdevco.com by 31 January 2022 and briefly setting out the reason you would like to be involved and which sessions you would like to attend.

You can also give your feedback in the following ways: Visit our website and complete the online survey using the QR code below

Email info@earlscourtdevco.com

Call us on freephone 0330 333 1510

Scan me to visit our website and find out more

Earl’s Court

Appendix 3.5 – Phase 5 June 2022

Drop in for a chat at ECDC’s Conversation Corner!

We will also be popping up at local Tube Stations and markets over the summer – hope to catch you there!

ECDC’s Conversation Corner is our brand new consultation space at 26 Lillie Road, SW6 1TS, opening Saturday 25 June and Saturday 2 July 11am–3pm.

We will then be at Conversation Corner until the end of July, where you can come and chat to team on: Wednesdays and Thursdays 2pm – 7pm Fridays and Saturdays 11am – 3pm

We are also hosting a webinar: Tuesday 19 July 6pm–7.30pm

To register your attendance please visit our website at earlscourtdevco.com, email or call us.

Collaboration / Consideration / Celebration

ECDC Summer fun days

Over the summer, we will be holding two summer fun days with food, drink, games and entertainment for everyone. The team will also be on hand to talk about the plans for the site.

You can find us at:

• Saturday 2 July 11am–3pm at the Warwick Road Apron (Opposite Earl’s Court Tube, Warwick Road Entrance)

• Saturday 16 July 11am–3pm Mund Street Green on West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates

Details of all our events will be online, where you can also give your feedback in the following ways:

Visit our website and complete the online survey using the QR code below Email info@earlscourtdevco.com Call us on freephone 0330 333 1510

Appendix 3.6 – Phase 6 September 2022

Continuing the conversation about The Earls Court Development

Over the summer, we set out our priorities for the Earls Court site new masterplan and spoke to the community at over 30 events. Thank you for all your feedback - it will help shape the draft masterplan designs which we will share with you this winter.

From Wednesday 28 September to Saturday 15 October

We are reopening Conversation Corner on 26 Lillie Road to showcase all the exciting things happening on site – and what’s coming up next.

All information will also be available on our website earlscourtdevco.com

Look out for the ECDC team at the North End Road Autumn Festival on 24 September, taking place on North End Road between 10am and 5pm.

Sign up to our mailing list to be one of the first to see the masterplan when its published this winter. To sign up, check out our website earlscourtdevco.com

How to find us

You can find Conversation Corner at 26 Lillie Road, London SW6 1TS

You can’t miss us - we’re bright purple! Our team will be there to walk you through our exhibition and answer any questions you might have.

28 September to 15 October: Wednesdays to Fridays, between 4pm and 7pm Saturdays, between 10am and 1pm

0330 333 1510 @earlscourtdevco

Brompton Conversation Corner

Appendix 3.7 – Phase 7

February 2023

We have a vision to OUR

Bring the wonder back to Earls Court

We’re now presenting our draft proposals for the site, formerly home to the Exhibition Centres We want to know what you think.... @earlscourtdevco

This is London’s largest and most exciting opportunity. It will be a place that puts people first, with nature brought back to the site and somewhere everyone will feel welcome.

The new neighbourhood will bring thousands of homes, jobs, a park, community venues, an exciting cultural offer and much more.

0330 333 1510

NOW OPEN Until 1 April 2023

Come and see the plans at our new consultation space, Conversation Corner

Drop in to see the model and view our exhibition until 1 April at the new Conversation Corner on Lillie Road (opposite Hotel Lily).

This is an opportunity to see the draft masterplan designs which the community have helped to shape over the past two years. Get involved and have your say on the future of Earls Court.

Conversation Corner will be open at the following times:

Wednesdays: 12pm–4pm, Thursdays to Fridays: 3pm–7pm

Saturdays: 11am–3pm

Any changes to the opening times will be shared on our website and social media channels.

Or sign up for our webinar:

Monday 20 March, 1.30pm–2.30pm

To register your attendance please visit our website at earlscourtdevco.com, email info@earlscourtdevco.com or call 0330 333 1510.

Scan here for further details and to share your views

Appendix 3.8 – Phase 7 April 2023

Our plans will bring thousands of homes, jobs, parks and gardens, community venues, an exciting cultural offer and much more.

Share your thoughts via our short online survey. Visit ecdc.commonplace.is or scan the QR code.

Three survey respondents will win a £100 voucher

Learn more

Conversation

Appendix 3.9 – Phase 7

July 2023

Help shape the new Earls Court development

We’d like to invite you to join us at an informal workshop to discuss the emerging proposals and give us your views.

Come along to our Community Hub and find out more about the new park, adventure playground and a community centre we want to build on our site here in West Kensington. We’ll also show the emerging plans for the wider development, which include around 4,500 new homes, up to 15,000 jobs, culture and leisure facilities and much more. Our team will be on hand to answer questions and hear your ideas about what you would like to see. Food and drink will be provided and there will be a supervised children’s play area.

To register, please email hub@earlscourtdevco.com , call or text 07849 836 647, or pop in and see the team at the Community Hub at 1a Aisgill Avenue, W14 9NF.

You can see more about the project at earlscourtdevco.com, or scan the QR code

6pm –7.30pm, Monday 10th July

What the new adventure playground and community centre could look like

The Earls Court Development Company’s Community Hub and garden is open Monday to Friday with free and low cost activities taking place daily, including dance, yoga, acupuncture, gardening, Zumba, bingo and much more! The air-conditioned building is home to the 10th Fulham Scouts every Wednesday evening and our latest Artist In Residence, Adam Hennessey, who runs regular free art classes.

The workshop will run from 6pm to 7.30pm on Monday 10th July.

Please get in touch with the Community Hub team using the below to confirm your place:

hub@earlscourtdevco.com

07849 836 647

If you can’t make it on 10th July, please drop by another time – the opening hours and classes programme are listed at earlscourtdevco.com

@earlscourtdevco

Appendix 3.10 – Summer Pop-ups August 2023

A Summer of Art in Earls Court

This year, The Earls Court Development Company has launched a Summer of Art programme to celebrate the area’s creative and cultural offer.

The programme includes a colourful floor mural by local artist Lucy Oates, as part of Kensington + Chelsea Art Week, a portrait exhibition by Sol Golden-Sato at The Gallery on Lillie Road and a recent collaboration with Baker & Borowoski, who have designed wildflower meadowscape hoardings showcasing hand drawn flowers, butterflies, bees and insects at Empress Space, as part of their Graphic Rewilding project.

Earls Court has long been a place linked to wonder. The area has a rich cultural heritage and was a showground of world class ingenuity. From the former Exhibition Centres that welcomed the likes of David Bowie, Pink Floyd and the Olympic Games to being the home of London’s first big wheel in 1895, Earls Court has always been a destination for excitement and innovation.

What’s on offer

Warwick Road

A public space with a floor mural curated by Lucy Oates with involvement from the local community as part of Kensington + Chelsea Art Week. You can also check out – ‘20 Things’ of Earl’s Court – a curated journey through Earl’s Court that showcases how design and place are seamlessly interlinked. Created in partnership with London Design Festival and architect Sam Jacob in 2022.

The Prince An instagramable public house, kitchen and garden in the heart of West London – an inviting, homely space for drinking, dining and relaxing.

The Gallery

Our very own gallery space on Lillie Road currently featuring a portrait exhibition celebrating female leaders in the local community by our former Artist-in-Residence, Sol Golden-Sato.

Lillie Road high street

A brightly decorated high street with a selection of independent retailers and artisans.

Empress Space

Earls Court’s newest public space with mesmerising hoardings created by Baker & Borowski, discover street food from one of the food trucks and enjoy the family friendly outdoor games.

BBC Earth Experience

A ground-breaking, immersive experience uncovering the natural wonders of the seven continents across the world, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

The Lost Estate

Take a trip back to 1930’s Manhattan and uncover the story of Bella Livingston with a marvellous live jazz performance and a delicious three course meal.

Our arts programme marks the importance of inclusive, accessible art, as well as the re-emergence of Earls Court as a top cultural destination for visitors in London.

A

big thank you!

With thanks to the many great businesses and innovators that call Earl’s Court home, we’re pleased to have welcomed you to West London.

BBC Earth Experience @bbcearthexperience

Graphic Rewilding @graphic_rewilding

Kensington + Chelsea Art Week @kcawlondon

London Design Festival @l_d_f_official

Lucy Oates @overnite.oates

Pedal Back Cycling @pedalbackcycling

Sam Jacob @_samjacob

Sol Golden-Sato @solgoldensato

The Brompton Deli @thebromptondeli

The Hoarder @thehoarder

The Lost Estate @lostestateofficial

The Prince @theprincelondon

Carry on the conversation

We’d love to bring you along on our journey as we deliver more exciting activations and events to bring the wonder back to Earls Court. Make sure to follow us across our social media platforms to hear more updates from our project and don’t forget to tag us when sharing.

@earlscourtdevco | #ECDCWonder #SummerOfArt

About Earls Court

The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) is an Earl’s Court based business, responsible for driving the regeneration of the former Earls Court Exhibition Centre site, on behalf of the Earls Court Partnership Limited – a joint venture between Delancey (on behalf of its client funds and the Dutch pension fund manager, APG) and Transport for London (TfL) that was formed in December 2019. It comprises 40 acres of land that formally housed the Earls Court Exhibition Centres and sits within the boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham. theearlscourtdevelopmentcompany.com

Appendix 3.11 – Summer Pop-ups August 2023

Summer Pop-Ups in Earls Court

Join us for an ice cream, enjoy some entertainment and chat about your local area

Following the successful launch of London Wonderground, we are pleased to announce a series of pop-ups in Earls Court this August.

These family-friendly events will have snacks, drinks and entertainment provided! Pop-in to meet the team from The Earls Court Development Company and share your ideas and aspirations for the future of your local area.

Pop-Up Locations & Dates

The Pleasure Garden at Warwick Road Apron (opposite Earl’s Court Tube exit)

• Tuesday 17th August, 3.00pm-7.00pm

Mund Street Green, West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates

• Saturday 21st August, 1.00pm-4.00pm

The Pleasure Garden at Warwick Road Apron (opposite Earl’s Court Tube exit)

• Tuesday 24th August, 3.00pm-7.00pm

Image: The Pleasure Garden at Warwick Road Apron

Join us for our summer pop-ups!

21st August

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Bring your friends and family down to the West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates for an afternoon of fun and entertainment. There will be something for everyone with live music, performances, soft play areas and - most importantly - ice cream!

August

3.00pm – 7.00pm

A great opportunity for neighbours, businesses and residents from the area to enjoy some snacks, entertainment and activities for the kids. Chat with the team about what the future of Earls Court means to you.

Contact us

We hope you can attend one of our fun pop-up events this summer. Please do also get in touch with any suggestions you might have on how the team can reach out to the community. We are keen to hear from as many people as possible.

London Wonderground at Earls Court. To find out what's on, visit: www.londonwonderground.co.uk

What do you like about Earls Court and what do you hope to see in the future?

Complete this short survey and let us know what’s important to you and what you want to see in your local area in the future.

Scan me to find out more

To stay in touch and contact us, you can do so by:

info@ theearlscourtdevelopmentcompany.com

0330 333 1510

@earlscourtdevelopmentco

@earlscourtdevelopmentco

@earlscourtdevco

Collaboration / Consideration / Celebration

Appendix 4.0 Newsletters

Contents

Appendix 4.1 – Winter 2021 Newsletter p3

Appendix 4.2 – Spring 2022 Newsletter p5

Appendix 4.3 – Summer 2022 Newsletter p7

Appendix 4.4 – Winter 2022 Newsletter p9

Appendix 4.5 – Spring 2023 Newsletter p11

Appendix 4.6 – Summer 2023 Newsletter p14

Appendix 4.7 – Winter 2023 Newsletter p17

Appendix 4.8 – Spring 2024 Newsletter p21

Appendix 4.1 – Winter 2021 Newsletter

Appendix 4.2 – Spring 2022 Newsletter

Appendix 4.3 – Summer 2022 Newsletter

Community Newsletter

What’s new on site

Consultation

Listening to the voice of local youth

What’s your name? Abdi Aden. I’m the Earls Court Youth Club (ECYC) Centre Manager.

Tell us about ECYC’s involvement in the Hoarding art project. The Earls Court Development Company commissioned a company called Global Street Art to create workshops and art competitions with us in 2020. They wanted our young people to work on the art that is displayed now on Lillie Road, in front of West Brompton tube.

But that was just the start… The hoardings were the springboard into the youth consultation. By November, they had taken us to a talk at Central Saint Martin’s, University of the Arts London. That included a presentation on how urban planning and grand architecture can positively shape the community it serves. Then they took the children around the area to see what a typical development would look like and visited New London Architecture Gallery. We had 30 children taking part in the programme. Is that how the manifesto came up? think ECDC realised they had the opportunity to just ask our children: ‘What do you guys think of it? Let us have young people’s voice. Because in 20 years’ time, all of us adults will be 70, and you are going to be the service-users of what we’re providing.’

We’ve got children from all walks of life. You name it. And none of them are exempt from poverty. So, this is really meaningful. We see how hard ECDC is working to rebuild the trust with the local community which was damaged by the previous owners. This whole process has started to mend those fences.

ECYC members were offered a session with the ECDC site architects too… We ended up having five consultations. The architects came to us and went through their plans and our young people were given the opportunity to feedback on it: To think about what the area ought to look like. Some children said, ‘If you’ve got 10,000 new children, the youth club isn’t going to big enough. Do you have any facilities for children to do things? Whoever moves in are going to have children. How is it going to have a sense of community for them?’ That challenge was posed to the architects. What do you make of the whole experience? want people to know that the ECDC Community Outreach team are really wonderful. honestly believe it. They’re going out of their way to do more than is necessary.

They’re doing stuff that other developers could do but don’t. Social impact; environmental. They make a huge difference to the community. They take interest. They have long-term-objectives. They’ve asked me, ‘What do you think we could be doing more?’ And just said, ‘You know what? Just keep on doing what you’re doing.’” To find out more about the Earls Court Youth Club, please visit: earlscourtyouthclub.co.uk

Appendix 4.4 – Winter 2022 Newsletter

Opening up the site in 2022

Appendix 4.5 – Spring 2023 Newsletter

ECDC in the community

Appendix 4.6 – Summer 2023 Newsletter

ECDC in the community

Involving local people in design

North End Road Festival

Appendix 4.7 – Winter 2023 Newsletter

Appendix 4.8 – Spring 2024 Newsletter

COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Appendix 5.0 Mailing Radii

Appendix 5.1 – C. 35k Area

Appendix 5.2 – C. 65k Area

Appendix 5.1 – C. 65k

Area

Appendix 5.2 – C. 65k Area

Appendix 6.0 Posters

Appendix 6.1 – Bringing Wonder A3 Poster (19.11.21) p3

Appendix 6.2 – Consultation Poster (23.12.21) p5

Appendix 6.3 – Mund Green Poster p7

Appendix 6.4 – Draft Illustrative Masterplan Consultation Poster 1 p9

Appendix 6.5 – March 2023 Consultation Poster p11

Appendix 6.6 – Draft Illustrative Masterplan Consultation Poster 2 p13

Appendix 6.7 – Phase 6 Vinyls p15

Appendix 6.8 – Phase 7 Vinyls p17

Appendix 6.9 – Phase 8 Vinyls

Appendix 6.1 – Bringing Wonder A3 Poster (19.11.21)

Help shape the future of the Earls Court site

Join us at one of our public events

We have a bold and ambitious vision to bring the wonder back to Earls Court. We will do this by developing a new plan for the site. We want to hear what you think and help us shape these plans. Join us and meet our team to learn more about the emerging vision for the site:

events

Drop-in to any of our in-person events below between 10am and 1pm to meet some of the project team and find out more information.

• Saturday 4th December at St Cuthbert’s Church 50 Philbeach Gardens, SW5 9EB

• Saturday 11th December at Normand Croft Community School Bramber Road, W14 9PA (entrance via the yellow gate on Lillie Road)

• Saturday 8th January at the former Fulham Boys School 9 Beaumont Avenue, W14 9LP

• Saturday 15th January at Earls Court Youth Centre 120 Ifield Road, SW10 9AF

Appendix 6.2 – Consultation Poster (23.12.21)

Appendix 6.3 – Mund Green Poster

Appendix 6.4 – Draft Illustrative Masterplan Consultation

BACK TO EARLS COURT

ECDC Summer fun days

Over the summer, we will be holding two summer fun days with food, drink, games and entertainment for everyone. The team will also be on hand to talk about the plans for the site.

You can find us at:

• Saturday 2 July 11am–3pm at the Warwick Road Apron (Opposite Earl’s Court Tube, Warwick Road Entrance)

We will also be popping up at local Tube Stations and markets over the summer – hope to

ECDC’s Conversation Corner is our brand new consultation space at 26 Lillie Road, SW6 1TS, opening Saturday 25 June and Saturday 2 July 11am–3pm.

We will then be at Conversation Corner until the end of July, where you can come and chat to team on: Wednesdays and Thursdays 2pm – 7pm Fridays and Saturdays 11am – 3pm

• Saturday 16 July 11am–3pm Mund Street Green on West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates

We are also hosting a webinar: Tuesday 19 July 6pm–7.30pm

To register your attendance please visit our website at earlscourtdevco.com, email or call us.

info@earlscourtdevco.com 0330 333 1510

earlscourtdevco

Appendix 6.5 – March 2023 Consultation Poster

Come and see our draft masterplan to

Bring the wonder back to Earls Court

We want to hear from you about our plans.

This is London’s largest and most exciting opportunity.

Earls Court will be a place that puts people first, with nature brought back to the site, and a place where everyone will feel welcome.

EXHIBITION OPENS THURSDAY 23 FEBRUARY

Conversation Corner is moving to a bigger better space

Drop in to see the model and view our exhibition from 23 February - 8 April at the new Conversation Corner on Lillie Road (opposite Hotel Lily).

Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 3 - 7pm Saturdays, 11am–3pm

Any changes to the opening times will be shared on our website and social media channels.

Or join one of our webinars: Tuesday 7 March, 6.30 - 7.30pm Monday 20 March, 1.30 - 2.30pm

To register your attendance please visit our website at earlscourtdevco.com, email or call us.

Scan here for further details and to share your views

@earlscourtdevco

earlscourtdevco.com 0330 333 1510

Appendix 6.6 – Draft Illustrative Masterplan Consultation

Bringing the wonder back to Earls Court

We have published our draft masterplan for the Earls Court site

Come to our exhibition at Conversation Corner to find out more and give us your feedback

Open until Saturday 1 April:

Wednesdays: 12 – 4pm

Thursdays & Fridays: 3 – 7pm

Saturdays: 11am – 3pm

@earlscourtdevco

earlscourtdevco.com 0330 333 1510

Appendix 6.7 – Phase 6

Vinyls

Appendix 6.8 – Phase 7

Vinyls

Help shape the future of Earls Court

A new masterplan for Earls Court This is London’s largest and most exciting opportunity

Opening Day 23 February 12pm-5.30pm

Conversation Corner will be open from 23 February - 1 April:

Wednesdays 12pm-4pm

Thursdays and Fridays 3pm-7pm Saturdays 11am-3pm

Any changes to the opening times will be shared on our website and social media channels.

It will be a place that puts people first, with nature brought back to the site, and somewhere everyone will feel welcome.

It will be a new destination for London, with a park at its centre and a network of pedestrian and cycle friendly streets and square.

The new neighbourhood will bring thousands of homes, jobs, community venues, an exciting cultural offer and much more.

We want to know what you think! Visit the exhibition, view the plans online

Scan the QR code to visit our website at earlscourtdevco.com

info@earlscourtdevco.com

Call us on freephone: 0330 333 1510

earlscourtdevco

Appendix 6.9 – Phase 8

Vinyls

vision for Earls Court will bring wonder to everyday life across four place pillars.

A celebration of nature and its ability to connect and revive.

A cultural ecosystem for the future of talent.

A showcase for climate and clean innovation and skills. An inspiring neighbourhood designed for all stages of life.

Come and visit our latest masterplan exhibition at Conversation Corner.

We have been evolving our masterplan designs which the community have helped to shape over the past three years. Get involved and have your say on the future of Earls Court.

Appendix 7.0 Public Email Updates

Contents

Appendix 7.1 – Email Update for Phase 6 – September 2022 p3

Appendix 7.2 – L aunch Email for Phase 7 – February 2023 p5

Appendix 7.3 – L aunch Email for Phase 8a – November 2023 p7

Appendix 7.4 – L aunch Email for Phase 8b – March 2024 p9

Appendix 7.1 – Email Update for Phase 6 – September 2022

Appendix 7.2 – Launch Email for Phase 7 – February 2023

Appendix 7.3 – Launch Email for Phase 8a – November 2023

Appendix 7.4 – Launch Email for Phase 8b – March 2024

Appendix 8.0 Earls Court Community Fund Reports

Appendix 8.1 – Earls Court Community Fund Year One Report p3

Appendix 8.2 – Earls Court Community Fund Year Two Report p6

Appendix 8.1 – Earls Court

Community Fund

Year One Report

COMMUNITY OUTCOMES

COMMUNITIES & PEOPLE

The school delivered a story-telling project with local elders and pupils to celebrate the diverse community of the school. With the tales captured, pupils created a scene using clay, a collection of which is being published into a book. With Covid-19 the project could not invite elders in-person

2,881

2,028

HEALTH

WELLBEING

OF A PROJECT

PEOPLE GAINED NEW SKILLS 107

PEOPLE ATTENDED TRAINING 99

PEOPLE GAINED EXPERIENCE OR SUPPORT TO MOVE FORWARD ON THEIR PATH TO EMPLOYABILITY

150

1,184

PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN SPORT, EXERCISE AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

“This was a very enjoyable arts workshop for local families. The children were totally absorbed in making the wild wall hangings and we had some great bits of art as a result. Workshops like this help to make the local library a

Appendix 8.2 – Earls Court

Community Fund Year Two Report

THE FUND

FUND REACH

The Earls Court Community Fund

1,400

3,642 TOTAL BENEFICIARIES

673 VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED

PROJECTS DELIVERED DURING INCREASED COST OF LIVING PRESSURES

A common theme across projects was increased need for their services and cost of living pressures affecting both beneficiaries and voluntary groups.

Barons Court Project

“This funding has enabled us to support some of the most vulnerable people in our borough at a time when demand for our support was particularly high. It contributed towards the costs associated with running our drop-in centre and meant that we could continue to provide our support during what was a financially challenging period for the organisation.

In that time we supported 593 guests from throughout Hammersmith and Fulham. We provided them with around 9,000 meals, more than 2,400 showers, and 730 one-to-one support sessions. In these sessions, our Project Workers gave emotional support and advice around mental and physical wellbeing, employment, housing and access to other services. Many guests who attended this drop-in were also referred to our other offers of supports, including our physical and mental wellbeing support groups, art classes and regular day trips. The work we did was vital to the wellbeing of those we supported and had a transformative impact on the lives of many individuals as will be seen.”

COMMUNITY OUTCOMES

2,425

873

60

13

927

1,438

48

“The grant was crucial for launching and sustaining our project. Without this funding, it would have been challenging to proceed. Moreover, the grant has

“Thanks to this project we gave women hope. We are very proud to say that we are becoming an example of community cohesion sharing a sense of a common purpose. This has become our big success. Now we have women coming from 26 different countries in the world, different cultures, background, religions enjoying together.

Priceless. We will continue to offer activities which aim to connect and support women to feel engaged and motivated.”

Minaret Community Centre

Z who is a lady that had been attending Education training and employment support and had been out of employment for over a year since having a child months. Through this project she was able to identify that she had anxiety issues and what she could do to over come them. She said "learning about anxiety disorder and understanding how it was effecting me was a real game changer. ”

Through the MH first Aid [Mental Health First Aid] and then the counselling sessions was able to learn how to over come some of my anxiety which was a barrier in interviews. Ive now been able to secure employment and feel so much more confident as a result of taking part in this project

COMMUNITIES & PEOPLE

A SNAPSHOT

EARLS COURT COMMUNITY TRUST

Funding supported the Earl’s Courtiers Theatre Group’s production of West Side Story at the Beatrix Potter Globe. The production had a cast of over 80 local children from primary and secondary schools in the Earls Court area. Over the four nights, over 2,500 local residents attended the show. These productions give children of all ages an opportunity for theatre.

“A heartfelt thanks to you for the remarkable dedication in giving our children lifelong memories. Your energy, enthusiasm, and love into creating unforgettable experiences is nothing short of extraordinary. You teach them valuable life lessons, in-still confidence, nurture their talents, and inspire them to dream big.” - Audience participant and community member

“Amici is the best...so much fun with my friends. Everyone joins in. Colm (tutor) is so good." - Participant

The group ran Amici dance sessions at a local community space in Earls Court. Adults and children with complex needs, including those using wheelchairs, participated in weekly dance sessions incorporating objects or streamers, textiles and cloths that were introduced.

The classes enabled people with complex needs to have a regular weekly activity based in the community that was fun and focused on wellbeing. They also allowed for carers to have a break, to share stories, seek and give advice and build friendships.

HEALTH & WELLBEING A SNAPSHOT

ACTION ON DISABILITY

Funding supported Action on Disability’s new local hub and activities for people with disabilities to live independently and be confident citizens in Earls Court. Activities offered included creative writing gardening, coffee mornings and workshops around health and wellbeing.

The group reports that this grant has helped Disabled residents improve their confidence, social skills, and involvement across the project, allowing them to express ideas and feel part of its growth and development.

“This project has given me some great opportunities since I joined. I am part of the gardening group, and have learned lots of skills since, and our group is planning a trip to go to Kew

Gardens... am part of the project’s steering board and get to play an important part in the project’s future. Outside of the groups, now do paid work experience with Earls Court Film Festival, and I am part of the Earls Court Public Realm Inclusivity

“The diverse languages in Earls Court is supported through the diversity of our volunteers...Volunteers

YOUNG PEOPLE & TRAINING

EQUAL PEOPLE MENCAP

Appendix 9.0 Annual Social and Economic Impact Report

Appendix 9.1 – Annual Social & Economic Impact Report 2022 p3

Appendix 9.2 – Annual Social & Economic Impact Report 2023 p16

Appendix 9.1 – Annual Social and Economic Impact Report 2022

Annual Social & Economic Impact Report

The Earls Court Development Company came into being during a global pandemic which shone a light on the way in which we live and work, as well as how our local environment can influence and shape opportunities; this has shaped the way in which we operate. Being a local business is hugely important to us, it enables us to meet and work with local communities on a daily basis and we have seen first-hand the amazing work which is being done across LBHF and RBKC, as well as the challenges that organisations and individuals face to deliver services and access opportunities.

Being part of that journey, working with people and having a positive impact on the communities within which we exist is vitally important to us. We firmly believe that we have a responsibility to invest in our local area. Further, as a business responsible for transforming a derelict 40-acre site, we have a unique opportunity to ensure our activities, and our future masterplan, support, enhance and improve the area as a whole, as well as the lives of those people within the area; whether through access to skills, training and employment or through activities and support provided by our Community Hub and our many partners.

We have an ambition to be a global exemplar of responsible, sustainable development, putting people’s health and well-being first, and our priority to create a better, more equitable piece of city begins now. am proud to look back on what the team has achieved in the past year; this is the start of creating long-term partnerships which we will build on year after year, working with both local authorities and the many brilliant organisations around the area. I look forward to seeing what the next few years hold as we work to bring the wonder back to Earls Court.

About Us

Formed in 2020, we are a proud local business responsible for driving the transformation of the former Earls Court Exhibition Centre site, Central London’s most significant redevelopment opportunity. Our commitment to ‘bring the wonder back to Earls Court ’ is unwavering.

We believe in starting local and aiming global, as we look to reinstate Earls Court as a world renowned destination for entertainment, innovation and excitement.

We are focussed on enabling future trends and delivering a positive legacy, but the future starts now and from day one we have prioritised delivering benefits to local communities and Londoners. Our role is to find the optimal solutions for the site which delivers for its neighbours, London and ultimately the world as an exemplary sustainable development.

We are committed to having honest conversations, sharing the facts and explaining the trade-off’s along the way. The end goal is not a planning application, it is a place with personality which is accessible and welcome to all, a blueprint for future generations.

Programmes and Measurement

Since we have arrived in the local area, we have focussed on creating as much benefit for the local community as possible. To deliver this benefit we have focussed on four broad areas:

stakeholders

• Our internal activities meanwhile

Through our meanwhile programme, we have hosted events, refurbished and reused derelict buildings, and helped bring life into the area.

We also wanted to directly support as many people as possible. Our community activities have meant that we have been able to support local institutions and organisations, through our Community Fund, our hardship fund (administered by local charity Dad’s House), and through a number of sponsorships.

We are also aware of the social and economic impacts that our plans for the development site will have on local people. We wanted to hear from as many stakeholders as possible, and to allow everybody to have an influence on the future of the site. We have put on a number of engagement activities, workshops, site tours and newsletters to reach as many people as possible.

Finally, we recognise the importance of being a good neighbour, and contributing to the community through our every day activities.

To understand how these activities have impacted people, around 45 interviews, 31 feedback forms and questionnaires, and 371 survey responses from a range of stakeholders across 38 programmes and activities were carried out by social value consultants RealWorth, and economic consultants SQW. This data was then used to calculate our impact.

Meanwhile Programme

Since we arrived at Earls Court, we have invested in an extensive meanwhile programme. Set out below are key activities that ECDC have carried out in 2022.

Underbelly Festival and Summer Camp

For the second year running, we partnered with Underbelly to put on a large-scale festival over the spring and summer period.

Members of the public were able enjoy live shows, food and drink, outdoor films, a beach, and a positive atmosphere with their families and friends.

Earls Court Community Hub

The Earls Court Community Hub is a community-focused space for activities, workshops and community engagement. The hub runs a programme of events including clubs, workshops, classes and courses.

Empress Studios Empress Studios are six Victorian town houses converted into 46 let able small artist studios and workspaces totalling 8,500ft2 of affordable workspace offered at discounted rate. The studios opened in May 2022.

The Skills Centre

The Skills Centre offers training and qualifications to access the construction industry sector. It is supported by Transport for London (TfL) working in partnership with ECDC, industry and government through the Construction Skills Fund. It offers fully funded pre-employment programmes to provide key skills and training, as well as a taste of working in the construction industry.

Community Programme

Since we arrived at Earls Court, we have invested in an extensive community programme through which we have supported local organisations and causes.

The Community Fund

The Earls Court Community Fund was set up in 2021 to support the development of local projects that deliver community activities and support residents to engage with their neighbours and build community connections around the Earls Court site and surrounding areas of Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea.

The £180,000 Fund provided each project with a grant of up to £15,000. In 2021/ 22, the Fund supported 18 projects to deliver community activities over a 12-month period.

Sponsorships

Alongside the Community Fund, we have financially supported several initiatives in LBHF and RBKC on an ad hoc basis. The projects that were assessed in this evaluation include:

• Afghan Resettlement Project Paint ball Outing

• Blossom Young Minds

• Christmas Lights Activation at North End Road Market

• Earls Court International Film Festival

• Earls Court Youth Club Provisions

• ECDC and Consultants Gifting Tree

• Stars of Earl’s Court (as part of Kensington and Chelsea Art Week)

• The National Portrait Gallery Hospitals Programme

• The KAA Intrepidus Trust Hardship Fund

We provided a £20,000 fund to help those most in need. Administered through Dad’s House, the Fund helped people with energy bill support, vouchers for food shops, and toiletries.

Empress Place and Seven Stars Owned by ECDC, the two sites were let to the Lowe Group and refurbished in 2021, and brought onto the market through a Property Guardianship scheme. The Lowe Group prioritise people working in key sectors offering low-cost accommodation when they would otherwise have to live farther afield.

Warwick Road Apron

Working with Kensington & Chelsea Art Week, ECDC supported the installation of two artworks at Warwick Road Apron, opposite the entrance to the Earl’s Court Underground Station.

The first was Baker & Borowski’s Pleasure Garden, which was later replaced by Azarra Amoy’s Stars of Earls Court. For the Stars of Earls Court mural, the local community was engaged to select eight artists or personalities, past or present, who lived and worked in Earls Court.

Lillie Road Shops

The shops on Lillie Road have been maintained, with £15,000 invested in redecoration, and let to local businesses and community groups.

One of these shops, the Pop Up, allows small businesses to occupy the shop front for free on a short-term basis. Over the course of the year, 14 unique operators occupied this space.

Engagement

In 2022, we spoke to thousands of people about their priorities for Earls Court – at community events, Conversation Corner, through site tours, and more. We estimate the following:

950 engaged in discussions

270 attendees in design workshops across 12 sessions

225 visitors to two family fun day

70 young people took part in the Earls Court Future Programme

125+ people taken on site tours

15 local people form part of the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel

ECDC Activities

As well as the projects and activities it supports, ECDC itself also has a direct economic impact on the local area.

It is an Earl’s Court based business supporting 20 jobs and generating GVA of just under £1 million. In addition to the projects, it funds, ECDC’s operations generate almost £100,000 through its own spending and that of its employees.

Outcomes and Impact Areas

Throughout the delivery of our programme, we have actively recorded and measured information about the affect that each activity has had on a range of people in the area. We have used this information to calculate the social and economic value of the activities.

Social Value

Social value is the relative importance that people and society place on changes to lives that are affected by the social, economic, and environmental influences of development. It is calculated by placing a money value on the changes that have been created by activities across the following 11 categories:

Economic Impact

Economic impact is measured several ways: the net additional expenditure, the Gross Value Added, and employment from the Meanwhile Programme. Each element of the Programme impacts differently on the local economy.

Through a combination of interviews, information provided by each of the projects, reports, and published statistics, we have built up a picture of the overall local economic impact of the programme in 2022.

Our Stakeholder Groups: • The Local Community

Local Young People (12-18)

Migrants and

The health factor produced £3,296,830 of social value. This was the single largest amount of value of all the factors.

The following activities helped improve the health of our stakeholders:

• Earls Court Community Fund

• The Earls Court Community Hub

• Empress Place and Seven Stars

• The Hardship Fund

• Sponsorships

• The Skills Centre

• Underbelly Festival and Summer Camp

There were several health outcomes identified by the assessment including:

• Support with disabilities

• Reduced chances of contracting Covid-19

• Improved nutrition (or reduced risk of malnutrition)

• Increased physical activity

• Improved mental health

FSB City Sports

London Sports Trust received a grant through our Community Fund programme.

Using the funding, three weekly sessions of sporting and outdoor activity for over 150 vulnerable young people were offered on their doorstep during term-time, in addition to four hours of activities each day of the school holidays. Weekly sessions provided a mix of traditional sports and outdoor activities such as climbing and water sports.

Of the over 150 young people involved, 145 reported that they had improved physical fitness contributing to better health after taking part, creating £38,000 of social value through reduced cost to society from inactivity.

Education and Skills

Our contribution to activities in Earls Court helped create £1,247,160 worth of educational value.

The Programme offered educational opportunities by supporting formal education and through informally helping people to learn new skills and gain new knowledge.

The following activities helped increase the education and skills of our stakeholders:

• Earls Court Community Fund

• The Earls Court Community Hub

• Empress Place and Seven Stars

• Community Engagement

• The Hardship Fund

• Lillie Road Shops

• Sponsorships

• The Skills Centre

• Underbelly Festival and Summer Camp

“The Community Fund has enabled us to put on a variety of free sports programmes which the community has requested and enjoy and love. Without that funding that wouldn’t be possible.”

Ulick Tarabanov, London Sports Trust

There were a number of educational and skill development outcomes identified including:

• Support learning new skills

• Contribution to educational attainment

• Positive wellbeing associated with learning

• Contribution to coaching qualifications

• Support with apprenticeship qualification

The Skills Centre

We are working with TfL to support a Skills Centre on our development site.

The Skills Centre offers training and qualifications to access the construction industry sector. By working directly with developers and constructors, students gain an understanding about what it is like to be on a real-life development site. Attendees get a clear pathway to employment upon completing their courses.

The Centre also provides an education programme where built environment professionals can go into schools to teach about STEM and development-related career paths.

Social Connections

The following activities helped improve the health of our stakeholders:

• Earls Court Community Fund

• The Earls Court Community Hub

• Empress Place and Seven Stars

• Empress Studios

• Engagement

• The Hardship Fund

• Sponsorships

• The Skills Centre

• Underbelly Festival and Summer Camp

The outcome that was most significant was:

• Improved wellbeing from greater social connections

Housing and Neighbourhood

Through our activities, the Earl’s Court area improved by a social value of £642,950.

The following activities helped to improve the quality of the neighbourhoods around the development site for our stakeholders:

• Earls Court Community Fund

• Empress Place and Seven Stars

• Engagement

• Lillie Road Shops

• Sponsorships

• The Skills Centre

• Underbelly Festival and Summer Camp

There were several housing and neighbourhood outcomes associated with our activities including:

• Improved wellbeing from living in a better neighbourhood

• Support for rough sleepers

Income and Wealth

The work we did over 2022 helped create £379,210 social value associated with income and wealth.

The following activities helped improve the income and wealth of our stakeholders:

• Earls Court Community Fund

• The Earls Court Community Hub

• Empress Place and Seven Stars

• Empress Studios

• The Hardship Fund

• Lillie Road Shops

• Sponsorships

• Underbelly Festival and

• Summer Camp

There were several income and wealth outcomes associated with our activities including:

• Businesses saving money on rent costs

• Residents saving money on tickets to events

• Improved wellbeing around finances

• Casual work opportunities

• Income support

Safety

Our activities helped make people feel safer. This was worth £171,970 in social value.

The following activities helped improve the safety of our stakeholders:

• Earls Court Community Fund

• Empress Place and Seven Stars

• Sponsorships

• The Skills Centre

• Underbelly Festival and Summer Camp There were several safety outcomes associated with our activities including:

• Reduced risk of antisocial behaviour

• Support for domestic violence victims

• Reduced chance of reoffending for those who have been through the criminal system

• Wellbeing associated with feeling safe

Work and Job Quality

Our activities provided improved work and job quality for stakeholders. This totalled £241,540 of social value.

The following activities helped improve work and jobs of our stakeholders:

• Earls Court Community Fund

• The Earls Court Community Hub

• Empress Studios

• Engagement

• Sponsorships

• The Skills Centre

• Underbelly Festival and Summer Camp

There were a number of work and job quality outcomes associated with our activities including:

• Wellbeing associated with working

• Increased employability

Civic Engagement

The interest that local people showed in participating in the way their area is managed, including the decisionmaking process (Civic Engagement) generated £337,210 of social value.

This factor assesses the extent to which people become involved in their local community, through outcomes such as volunteering, charitable giving, social action or voter turnout.

Traditional Tales

We provided St Cuthberts with St Matthias School with a grant as part of our Community Fund for their ‘Traditional Tales Storytelling Project’.

The project celebrated the diverse community of the school, and Earls Court Square residents, elders, volunteers and parents shared traditional tales. Pupils recorded the telling and researched the tale. The collection will be compiled into a published book.

The project engaged children in the history of their area, whilst adult volunteers participated in a local arts and heritage project.

Money Spent in the Local Area

Our activities over 2022 helped support £2.7 million of local expenditure.

This is the amount of additional money spent in the local area because of our activity.

This could be as a result of spending ECDC funding and purchases, the re-spending of employees wages in the local economy, the expenditure by visitors to the Summer Festivals and other events, or the value of the sales by businesses and artists.

The following activities were the three largest providers of additional spend in the local economy:

• The Underbelly Festival and Summer Camp

• Community Hub

• Empress Place and Seven Stars

Value of the Local Economy

Jobs Created

Empress Studios

Spotlight on — The Community Fund

Earls Court Community Hub

The Earls Court Community Hub opened in July 2022, and since then it has been providing, fun, educational and community-focussed activities which are open to everyone.

The Hub acts as a place where people can come into the Earls Court site and build connections, both with the place and with each other. It is also located in a place where local people can develop a sense

and

the operation of the Hub.

It has the following impacts:

and

Earls Court Community Hub

As a result of the activities of the Hub, stakeholders have:

connections, and how people feel about themselves.

Support

Underbelly Festival and Summer Camp

Continuing to ‘bring the wonder back to Earls Court ’, ECDC built on the success of their 2021 ‘London Wonderground’ event by once again hosting festival events on the grounds over the summer in 2022.

Phase 1: Underbelly Festival, was a programme of live entertainment that spanned comedy, cabaret and circus. It included drag shows, acrobatics, children’s shows, and comedians running from the 5th of May to the 16th of July.

Phase 2: The Summer Camp, was a further event that included a range of activities such as outdoor films, a beach, and food and drink vendors. The event ran from the 23rd of July to the 3rd September. This Phase was un-ticketed and free to access

The events also included the return of the ‘Underbelly Academy’, a skills and work experience programme which recruited three local young people on to a training course in event production and management, and offered real-time experience on the site.

Combined Social and Economic Impact

(totals may not sum up because of rounding)

• 79 new FTE jobs

• Over £2 million gross value added

• Roughly £2.7 million extra spend in the local economy

• Improved physical and mental health of stakeholders

• Skills development opportunities and educational support for young people

• New and stronger social relationships between local people

• Greater quality of and pride in the local area

• More money in local peoples pockets

• Improved life chances in young people

• Increased engagement in the local community in adults

• Increased employability in young adults

• Support for migrants and asylum seekers

Summary

In 2022, The Earls Court Development Company’s range of activities in Earl Court grew in both range and impact.

We created prosocial and economic change through our meanwhile programme, our community programme, and through positive engagement with our stakeholders and our own employees. We have reported that this generated over £7.78m of social value, almost £2.9m in additional local spending, over £1.2m in added economic value and 59 (FTE) new jobs.

However, beyond all of these numerical indicators of success there is one overriding message: Our commitment to working together with the Earls Court community has resulted in positive outcomes for both the organisations we have supported, and the people that have benefited from our activities.

This is our first Social and Economic Impact Report, and we intend to issue a report every year so that our stakeholders can understand what we have been doing in the community, and how effective we have been in helping to change people’s lives.

We would welcome any views on how we can continue to work in the Earls Court communities in the future.

2023

Since we began working with the site in 2019, we have continuously provided support for local people where and when needed.

However, from 2021, we began collecting data to show the impact that we had. This has resulted in our first Social and Economic Impact Report for the period 2021-2022.

In 2022-23, we will continue to support local organisations. The recipients of the 2022-2023 Community Fund are well underway with their projects, and we look forward to supporting more meanwhile activities over the course of the year, including hosting BBC Earth, and our annual Christmas Lights switch-on and Gifting Tree.

We will continue to monitor the impact that our activities on stakeholders, and improve our data collection methods, and publish our findings.

Appendix A: Method

The Earls Court Development Company believe in the importance of using monetary values to help describe and explain our impact to our stakeholders. In the case of social value, monetary values are not always a direct representation of currency but a measure used to translate the significance of an outcome into something understandable and relatable. To ensure that these monetary outcomes properly tell the story of how our programmes have impacted the local community, rigorous data and methodologies have been applied. The assessment of social value has been adjusted to show the ECDC contribution to the overall figure.

Social Value

Social value is the relative importance that people and society place on changes to lives that are affected by the social, economic, and environmental influences of development.

The Role of Factors in Determining Social Value

The social value of the Earls Court Meanwhile and Community Programme was determined by analysing the potential impact across Eleven factors, as seen in the Figure opposite. The process of monetising the social impact of the development can be broadly summarised as follows:

• RealWorth use a range of primary and secondary sources to produce a list of changes to people’s lives (outcomes) as a result of the development.

• Outcomes are then monetised by identifying an appropriate indicator (the unit of measurement), and then applying a suitable monetary value (or proxy) to each indicator.

• The monetary values are multiplied by the numbers of people affected and the amount of time the influence of the project/ intervention was likely to stay with them to produce a gross value for each outcome.

• The gross value of each outcome is then adjusted for contextual parameters, such as the extent that a change would have occurred without the intervention and the how quickly effects may drop off over time

• The total social value is determined by summing the value of each adjusted outcome to get total social value of the development.

Information Sources and Method of Assessment at Earls Court

Several sources of information were used to conduct this desktop study, including:

• Semi-structured interviews with representatives of beneficiary organisations

• Reports and outputs from beneficiary organisations, in particular mid-year and end-of-year grants from Community Fund recipients

• Information provided by beneficiary organisations through email and phone exchanges • Marketing and communications materials produced by ECDC and consultants

• Engagement and consultation outputs

• Local socio-economic information and statistics.

Key Assumptions Used in This Analysis

For many features of this report, RealWorth were not able to speak directly to stakeholders about their experiences. There were a number of reasons for this including safeguarding of participants, time and resource constraints or inconsistencies between reporting deadlines. Therefore, some assumptions have been made to complete this assessment.

The key ones are:

• That individuals interviewed on behalf of recipient organisations have accurately represented the changes to participants’ lives as a result of their activity.

• Information provided by recipient organisations is accurate and representative of the scale and depth of impact on participants’ lives.

• For those projects within the Meanwhile and Community Programme for which RealWorth was unable to get participation numbers, an approximation has been used based on materials provided earlier in the year.

• For many outcomes identified in semistructured interviews, the number of people that experienced each outcome was not known to RealWorth because this data was not collected in the end-of-grant report. Where information is missing, RealWorth have made assumptions based on the total population and national rates of prevalence.

• A default deadweight reduction of 25% for each outcome, to account for the likelihood that outcomes would have happened to some extent anyway without ECDC’s support.

• A default attribution reduction of 50% to account for other parties’ contributions towards each outcome occurring.

Economic Impact

Economic impact assesses the economic activity associated with a particular intervention or set of actions. It is usually measured in terms of the additional expenditure, GVA and employment that is generated within the local economy. In this case we consider the changes in these measures that can be attributed to ECDC’s Meanwhile Use activities.

We measure the flow of investment for each project, and the different routes to each element, which includes direct grants, employment, stimulating business activity, tenant expenditure, construction activity and attraction of visitors. Each of these routes is used to estimate the additional GVA and jobs supported.

This activity also has “knock-on” effects as local businesses and residents spend a proportion of this new income in the local economy. Aggregating these values gives the total local income and jobs supported through ECDC’s investment.

Multiplier

Effects

The additional economic activity will also have knock-on effects through supply chains and as a result of the wages and profits that are re-spent in the economy. There are two types of multipliers:

• Type 1 multipliers reflect the supplier linkage effects (sometimes referred to as indirect effects) arise as businesses increase their demands for goods and services from suppliers. These businesses in turn increase their demands for goods and services and so on down the supply chain: and

• Type 2 multipliers include both the supplier linkage effects described above and the income effect. This is the effect of increased income and profits being re-spent in the local economy, further supporting economic activity.

The value of these multiplier effects varies depending on the geographical area and the connectivity with neighbouring areas. Homes and Community Agency Additionality Guidance1 provides some broad guidance on the values that could be used at different geographies. It suggests a multiplier effect between 1.05 at a neighbourhood level to 1.3 at a regional level. For a local area that is well-connected to the rest of the city, we have generally used a multiplier of 1.15. However, for the Summer Festival and Camp, where we know that most of the supplies and even employment was from outside the study area, we have used a slightly lower multiplier of 1.1. This uplift is applied in the final chapter to give the overall economic impact estimates.

Gathering Data

We have developed a case study for each activity to enable us to understand the way in which each contributes to the local economy. The impact of each activity is different, and its effects have to be considered. This has involved a wide-ranging programme of consultations and reviews of the available data to develop our estimates. It includes consultations with the leads of each of the activities, further interviews with a sample of beneficiaries, surveys, and information provided by ECDC.

The estimates are for the calendar year 2022 and the approach and methodology should allow comparable estimates to be developed in future years.

Expenditure

This is simply the amount of additional money coming into the local area. This can be directly through ECDC funds or expenditure, the additional wages of the residents in Empress Place, the total spent by visitors to the Summer Festivals, or the value of the sales of creative artists in Empress Studios.

However, this is not the same as the added value of any new economic activity. Some of this expenditure is used to purchase inputs from outside the area e.g., construction materials or services such as electricity. Other expenditure that is made in the area goes directly out of the local economy, for example, the expenditure of visitors to the Summer Festival was captured by the franchised outlets and by the festival operators. The salaries and wages paid to residents in Empress Place are used to pay for a wide range of services. Expenditure gives the total value of the transactions in the local economy, while GVA (below) gives the amount of value actually created.

Gross Value Added (GVA)

GVA is a more common measure of economic activity. It is the increase in the value of the economy due to the production of goods and services. In simple terms this the value of sales

5 Earls Court Meanwhile Use minus the inputs used in production (or the value that is added to the inputs). For example, if a shop buys a toy for £8 and sells it for £10, the value added is £2 (which contributes to paying salaries (to support jobs) and profit. GVA is produced by businesses (or other organisations) and is measured where the goods or services are produced. It is not related to where employees live.

Employment

Employment is measured in terms of Full time Equivalent (FTE) jobs for a year. In practice one FTE could be made up of several parttime jobs or a larger number of full-time jobs over a shorter period of time. For example, the Summer Festival employed 61 people at its peak, but only for a few weeks, and in total it supported 26 FTEs. Employment is also recorded where the job is rather than where the employee lives.

Additionality

An important concept in estimating the economic impact is to determine the extent to which these effects are “additional” compared with what would have happened anyway (or the counter factual). Additionality includes consideration of several concepts: Deadweight – would all or some of the

activities and outcomes have happened anyway; Displacement – have any of the activities stimulated by the project been at the expense of activity elsewhere, and Leakage: what proportion of the activities and outcomes occur outside the specific area being analysed.

Some of the GVA or jobs would have been created anyway without ECDC’s intervention. For example, some of the businesses and artists in Empress Studios may simply have worked from home or other spaces. In each case we consider the overall additionality of the activities and apply this to the estimates of economic impact.

Estimating Expenditure, Gross Value Added (GVA) and Employment

Throughout the report we have used a range of sources to calculate the change in expenditure, GVA and employment. This requires a series of assumptions about, for example, incomes, the number of jobs supported by expenditure, the proportion of construction expenditure made within the local area etc. Where possible we use published sources and provide links to the relevant research. In some cases, it is necessary to use our judgement based on the local area and the types of activities. There are several strands of the work where it would be useful to use surveys in future.

Social & Economic Impact Report

earlscourtdevco.com

@earlscourtdevco

@earlscourtdevco earlscourtdevco

Appendix 9.2 – Annual Social and Economic Impact Report 2023

Building on our success from last year, we have focussed on creating as much benefit for the local community as possible. To deliver this benefit we have focussed on four broad areas:

Community Programme

Local engagement

In 2023, we spoke to thousands of people about their priorities for Earls Court – at community events, Conversation Corner, through site tours, and

During the course of the assessment period, we have actively recorded and measured information about the effect that each activity has had on a range of people in the area. We have used this information to calculate the social and economic value of the activities.

Education and skills

Our contribution to activities in Earls Court helped create £1,133,000 worth of educational value. The Programme offered educational opportunities by supporting formal education and through informally helping people to learn new skills and gain new knowledge. The following activities helped increase the education and skills of our stakeholders: —Earls

Housing and neighbourhood

Appendix A: Method

Appendix 10.0 Political Stakeholder List

Listed below are the key political stakeholders for the project. The list includes the local MPs and London Assembly members, Cabinet members and ward councillors from both boroughs, as well as councillors for the wards that neighbour the Site.

Over the course of consultation, some of the holders of the offices listed below have changed due to elections, reshuffles and resignations. The current stakeholder is listed below (correct at time of writing this SCI at the end of June 2024), and previous occupiers of the position are not shown. However, this does not mean they were not contacted whilst they were in position.

LB Hammersmith & Fulham

Felicity Buchan MP Member for Parliament for Kensington

Greg Hands MP Member for Parliament for Chelsea and Fulham

Andy Slaughter MP Member for Parliament for Hammersmith

Tony Devenish AM London Assembly Member for West Central

Councillor Stephen Cowan Leader of the Council

Councillor Ben Coleman Deputy Leader (includes Health & Adult Social Care) & Lille Ward Councillor

Councillor Rebecca Harvey Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety & Planning

Councillor Alex Sanderson Cabinet Member for Children and Education

Councillor Bora Kwon Cabinet Member for Civic Renewal

Councillor Andrew Jones Cabinet Member for Economy

Councillor Wesley Harcourt Cabinet Member for Climate Change

Councillor Frances Umeh Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness

Councillor Sharon Holder Cabinet Member for Public Realm & Lille Ward Councillor

Councillor Rowan Ree Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform

Councillor Daryl Brown West Kensington Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor

Councillor Florian ChevoppeVerdier West Kensington Ward Councillor

Councillor Sally Taylor West Kensington Ward Councillor

Councillor Laura Janes Avonmore Ward Councillor

Councillor David Morton Avonmore Ward Councillor

Councillor Lucy Richardson Fulham Reach Councillor

Councillor Omid Miri Fulham Reach Councillor

Councillor Elizabeth Campbell Leader of the Council

Councillor Kim Taylor Smith Cabinet Member for Grenfell, Housing and Property and Deputy Leader

Councillor Cem Kemahli Cabinet Member for Planning, Place & Environment

Councillor Johnny Thalassites Cabinet Member for Finance & Customer Delivery

Councillor Sof McVeigh Cabinet Member for Communities

Councillor Sarah Addenbrooke Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Public Health

Councillor Emma Will Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Culture & Leisure

RB Kensington & Chelsea

Councillor Catherine Faulks Cabinet Member for Family and Children's Services

Councillor Josh Rendall Cabinet Member for Local Economy & Employment

Councillor Linda Wade Earls Court Ward Councillor

Councillor Tim Verboven Earls Court Ward Councillor

Councillor Hamish Adourian Earls Court Ward Councillor

Councillor Sarah Addenbrooke Abingdon Ward Councillor

Councillor Anne Cyro Abingdon Ward Councillor

Councillor James Husband Abingdon Ward Councillor

Councillor Tom Bennett Redcliffe Ward Councillor

Councillor Sidney Yankson Redcliffe Ward Councillor

Councillor Marie-Therese Rossi Redcliffe Ward Councillor

Appendices 11 to 15: Consultation Phases Survey

Results and Promotional Materials

Appendix 11.1 – Phase 1 Residents Survey 2020 p3

Appendix 11.2 – Phase 1 to 3 Commonplace Survey Results p11

Appendix 11.3 – Phase 3 Emerging Guiding Principles Report p15

Appendix 12.1 – Phase 4 Commonplace Survey Results p17

Appendix 12.2 – Phase 4 Print Advert p23

Appendix 12.3 – Age UK Kensington & Chelsea & Open Age Combined Manifesto p25

Appendix 13.1 – Phase 5 Commonplace Survey Results p28

Appendix 13.2 – Phase 5 Feedback Form

Appendix 13.3 – Phase 6 Lightbox Display

Appendix 13.4 – Phase 6 Pavement Banner

Appendix 14.1 – Phase 7 Commonplace Survey Results p38

Appendix 14.2 – Phase 7 Online Advert p41

Appendix 15.0 – Phase 8 Commonplace Survey Results p43

Appendix 11.1 – Phase 1 Residents Survey 2020

Earls Court Development Company

Demographics

Executive Summary

5

Most respondents have heard about Earl’s Court site redevelopment

• Four in five (82%) respondents say they have heard of the redevelopment, with three in five (60%) having heard and knowing at least a little about it.

The majority of respondents are favourable towards the Earl’s Court redevelopment

• Two thirds (64%) of residents say they are very or fairly favourable towards the redevelopment, rising to three quarters (73%) of ultra-local respondents.

Ultra-local residents are more enthusiastic about the development making the area better, while those in the wider area want more housing

• Approaching nine in ten (87%) ultra-local residents are enthusiastic about green spaces and three quarters (73%) are enthusiastic about new leisure facilities.

• While respondents from the wider boroughs want to see more homes to rent, those from the ultra -local area want to see more homes to buy.

Respondents from the Earls Court area are more likely to want postal communications, compared to wider borough respondents who favour websites and email

• Respondents from the Earls Court area are more

respondents who favour websites and email.

For those that live locally, nearly all (96%) have heard of the redevelopment and a quarter (23%) say they have heard of and know a lot about the redevelopment. Respondents who own their homes are also significantly more likely than those who rent (via council or other) to have heard about and know about the

(68%

Awareness

Ultra - local awareness about the redevelopment has increased in the time since similar research was last conducted.

In 2016, research conducted by Savanta ComRes found that two in five (39%) ultralocal residents had heard of and either knew a lot or knew a little about the redevelopment of the site. This figure has doubled to four in five (79%) respondents in our latest research.

With far more residents aware of the project, there is likely to more engagement from the local community and local interest in expressing their thoughts and wishes for the redevelopment in the future for the Earls Court Development Company.

Perceptions

for my

Respondents in the boroughs like the green spaces, convenient transport links and easy access to local amenities 10

It is just quiet, I like it, people just get on and do what they have to do, love it like that.

Respondents overwhelmingly speak about a few topics when describing what they like about their local area. For those in the Earl’s Court area, the accessibility of the local shops, bars and restaurants is a key feature, as well as the convenient transport links into central London and to Heathrow that Earl’s Court station and the M4 provide.

Respondents in the wider boroughs appreciate the green spaces, cleanliness and quietness of their local areas. With many respondents having lived in their homes for many years, there is a sense from many residents that part of what has kept them around for so long is the formula of convenience, relaxed living and diverse environment.

While there are very clear themes that show what respondents like about their local area, regarding what they dislike, the reasons are a lot broader. Many dislike the criminal elements in their area, be it drug dealing or petty crimes and bike thefts.

Others, especially those local to Earl’s Court lament the amount of traffic and thus pollution that they have to deal with, A few of the people who live on Earl’s Court Road itself speak of the pollution.

Others speak about the lack of recycling facilities as well as the isolating experience they feel caused by empty properties and the lack of a community vibe.

Two thirds of respondents are favourable towards redeveloping the Earl’s Court site, this rises for those who are local to the area

Two thirds (64%) of respondents say that they are either favourable or fairly favourable towards redeveloping the Earl’s Court site. For ultra-local residents, this figure rises to three quarters (73%) who are favourable, with two in five (41%) saying that they are very favourable.

Respondents who had heard about the redevelopment are more likely than those who had not heard about it to be favourable (66% vs 53% respectively). This is important as further engagement with local residents and those across the wider boroughs will not only lead to improved awareness of the redevelopment, but also an increase in those who will be favourable towards the plans.

Desires for the redevelopment

Respondents are most enthusiastic about the potential for new green spaces and parks, transport improvements and new leisure facilities

Ultra - local residents are most enthusiastic about new green spaces and parks, while also being least enthusiastic about new office spaces

Approaching nine in ten (87%) ultra-local residents say they are enthusiastic about the potential for new green spaces and parks being included as part of the redevelopment of the Earl’s Court exhibition site.

Interestingly, local residents are significantly more likely to be unenthusiastic about the potential for a new school being included than those from the Hammersmith and Fulham borough (15% vs 9%).

Additionally, though one in five (19%) say they are unenthusiastic about a new shopping area, enthusiasm for a new shopping area is higher among ultra-local residents (52%) than it is for those who live in the wider Hammersmith and Kensington boroughs (48% and 41% respectively). This suggests that Earl’s Court residents are more receptive to the idea of improving the cultural and lifestyle elements of the area, as they would be the ones who would benefit most from these potential improvements.

On the whole, respondents are more likely to use positive words to describe their feelings, with three in five respondents saying they are curious about the redevelopment of the Earl’s Court site.

Respondents’ feelings towards the redevelopment

While three in five (61%) respondents say they are curious about the redevelopment and over two in five (43%) say they are looking forward to it, a deeper look into the data shows that the positive perceptions of the redevelopment are driven by those who do not live in the area, but rather the wider borough.

Ultra-locals are least likely to say they are curious (53%), while also being least likely to use the words happy (25%), excited (18%) or looking forward to it (41%). Ultra-locals are also half as likely to say they don’t care than respondents from the wider boroughs (6% vs 16% and 22%)

Respondents hope the redevelopment will rejuvenate the area, ultralocals also want to make sure the Earl’s Court exhibition venue is adequately replaced

I hope it will improve the facilities to the local community.

It can generate income and it can make people feel that they are living in a cleaner area.

It will engage with the local community as we do have issues with drug dealing in Earl's Court.

Environmental improvements and fresher air. I hope the housing would provide social housing.

That traffic is not overburdened. Cycling and walking is encouraged.

Jobs and community. Just people coming together.

That it hasn't been in vain, losing the exhibition centre which was much loved.

need. That it creates employment and that it will liven up that area.

The main positive that respondents say they hope will come from the redevelopment is affordable housing. Many have lived in the area for a large proportion of their lives and would like the opportunity to stay in Earl’s Court/ the wider boroughs.

Other respondents hope that the redevelopment will bring new jobs to the area.

There is a group of ultra-locals who lament the tearing down of the old exhibition arena, so for them they want to see something in its place that would compensate for such a huge part of their local heritage.

Respondent’s fears can be separated into short term fears about disruption and noise and longer term fears about gentrification

I don't want the area to

17 Q7. What positives do you hope will come from the redevelopment? BASE: All respondents (n=860)

Many respondents are fearful of what could happen to Earl’s Court. Firstly, there is a fear that the construction will lead to more traffic and travel disruption, construction noise issues and environmental concerns.

Other respondents, especially those from the ultra-local group are worried that the redevelopment will change the fabric of their communities in the longer term. Many are against the idea of the new homes being sold primarily to rich people who may drive up the cost of living for them and force them to move out. They are also worried that if it turns into offices, the former bubbly Exhibition area will end up becoming an empty office district. Respondents

18 Q8. What negatives do you fear will will come from the redevelopment? BASE: All respondents (n=860)

In both of the questions where housing was tested, the vast majority of respondents selected housing over shopping space and housing over bars and restaurants. When looking into what type of housing the respondents would prefer, a slim majority (55%) say they would choose homes to rent over homes to buy (45%).

Respondents would also prefer bigger buildings with more affordable housing over smaller buildings with less affordable housing. Seven in ten respondents would also prefer a quieter place for locals over attractions, hinting a shift away from the exhibition history of Earl’s Court.

Looking at the overall data presents the picture that respondents

(46%) and half of them (49%) would choose smaller buildings with less affordable housing.

They also appear to want to keep the vibrant nature of the area with a third (35%) saying they would want shopping space and nearly half (44%) selecting bars and restaurants over housing.

It is important to remember than many ultra-locals are already settled in the area and are less likely to see any gains from more housing. To these residents, the benefits will come from improving lifestyle access in the area.

Choices for the redevelopment – by area

Respondents are most likely to want to see the temporary space turned into a community garden, pop up park or food market

However, ultra - local respondents are less favourable to the suggestions than those from the wider boroughs

Respondent wishes for temporary site usage

Four in five (81%) respondents would like to see the Earls Court site temporarily used as a community garden. This is especially popular with those aged 1834 where nearly nine in ten (87%) would like this option.

Younger respondents are also highly receptive to the idea of a pop up park (81%) or food market (81%) and generally are the most receptive age group to the various suggestions.

Respondent wishes for temporary site usage –by area

Though a majority of respondents from the Earl’s Court area are still favourable to these suggestions, there is less enthusiasm compared to the respondents from wider Kensington and Chelsea or Hammersmith and Fulham. Ultralocal respondents are 15 percentage points behind those from Kensington on the community garden idea and 18 percentage points behind Kensington for the idea of a pop-up park. When looking at the idea of pop up workspaces, ultra-locals are 24 percentage points behind Kensington residents.

Just under half (46%) of respondents say they would prefer to hear more about the Earl’s Court Development through a website, a figure that rises to 50% of those aged 18-34.

While two in five (40%) say they would like to hear via email, this figure drops for those in the 55+ age bracket, where just a third (33%) want to find out more via this medium, they would prefer receiving communications via post (37%), as would those who rent from the council (41%).

Ultra - local residents are more likely to favour comms via post, while respondents from Hammersmith and Kensington favour a website

Ultra-local respondents are 13 percentage points less likely to want to hear about development news via a website than those from Hammersmith and Fulham. They are also less likely to want to receive news via local events (24%) or through social media (24%).

Respondents from the wider boroughs are receptive to online forms of comms such as a website, social media and email, while being less receptive to postal comms than those who live around Earl’s Court. This will probably be due to a fear of being inundated with post about an area that might be of less importance to them.

However, ultra-locals still want to be informed about what’s going in the area and are half as likely to say none of the above as those from wider the Kensington and Chelsea borough.

Conclusions

Not only are most respondents well aware of the redevelopment, but there is a solid base of locals who are favourable towards the redevelopment and who, if kept a key part of the consultation process, should support plans put forward by the Earl’s Court Development Company. Redevelopment

The majority of respondents are enthusiastic towards the ideas of improving the area for those who already live there. Housing is a key element in the plans, but for those who already live there, new housing for others may take secondary preference to a better quality of life for themselves, their families or their current neighbours.

Wider borough and local residents have a wide range of preferences regarding communications. Thus the ECDC will need to ensure that it is utilising a range of online and offline channels with an understanding of the differing needs of residents.

Appendix 11.2 – Phase 1 to 3

Commonplace Survey Results

PHASE 1 AND 3

Tell us about your area

Tell us about your area

How do you feel about this place?

How do you feel about this place?

125 responses

125 responses

Why do you feel this way?

What would you like to see here in the future?

113 responses

Have your say on the Earl’s Court opportunity area

Have your say on the Earl’s Court opportunity area

Before now, how much have you heard of the planned redevelopment of the Earls Court area?

Before now, how much have you heard of the planned redevelopment of the Earls Court area?

119 responses London Communications Agency, Page 2 of 9

35 responses

35 responses

The Earls Court site was being redeveloped, but this has been on pause for several years. The Earls Court Development Company are looking to bring forward a new masterplan for the site. To what extent are you favourable or unfavourable towards the idea of redeveloping the Earls Court site?

The Earls Court site was being redeveloped, but this has been on pause for several years. The Earls Court Development Company are looking to bring forward a new masterplan for the site. To what extent are you favourable or unfavourable towards the idea of redeveloping the Earls Court site?

42 responses

42 responses

Prioritise the below on what you think is most important to be included as part of the masterplan of the Earls Court site (1 is the most important and 8 is the least important)

42 responses

Which of the following words or phrases, if any, describe how you feel about the redevelopment of the Earls Court site?

Which of the following words or phrases, if any, describe how you feel about the redevelopment of the Earls Court site?

42 responses

42 responses

Looking forward, when the Coronavirus pandemic has hopefully resided and society is able to return to a new state of normality, which of the following would you like to see the Earls Court site being used for temporarily, before the redevelopment starts?

Looking forward, when the Coronavirus pandemic has hopefully resided and society is able to return to a new state of normality, which of the following would you like to see the Earls Court site being used for temporarily, before the redevelopment starts?

42 responses

42 responses

Appendix 11.3 – Phase 3

Emerging Guiding Principles Report

‘EMERGING

GUIDING PRINCIPLES’ SUMMARY REPORT

The third phase of engagement directly followed the public events of Summer 2021 with an amended focus on stakeholder tours of the site.

ECDC organised a safe route through the site to ‘the table’ the concrete structure spanning the West London Line that EC2 used to sit on. The table gives full 360 degree panoramic views of the site and enables visitors to see the complexity of the existing level changes and infrastructure, as well as the active TfL Lillie Bridge Depot.

These tours have continued through phase 4 of engagement (see below) and as of April 2022 over 80 local residents, stakeholders and businesses have been taken on site tours. This has included RBKC Cabinet members, local ward councillors, all three local MPs and amenity societies including the Earls Court Society, Fulham Society and Hammersmith Society.

The stakeholders and groups taken on site during Phase 3 were then shown a presentation which set out ECDC’s eight ‘guiding principles’ for development:

• Create an exceptional place that embeds economic, social and environmental responsibility

• Amplify nature, our emotional hero, our golden thread

• A blended use environment, spaces working hard to deliver principles of a circular economy

• A resilient masterplan; adaptable to future needs, maximising benefit for all

• The most connected place, open and accessible helping to make city life more equitable

• A continued heritage of world class ingenuity, for Earls Court, for London and the UK

• Welcome and surprise – bringing back the Earls Court ‘wow factor’

• Creating a sense of place from day one – living our values

Feedback on these principles from the site tours were then considered, along with feedback from Wordsearch place in phase 1 and comments from the public during the events in phase 2 to create a new public Vision and Four Priorities for the masterplan

We have a bold and ambitious vision: To bring the wonder back to Earls Court

1. Open up the former Exhibition Centre site for the first time in 150 years – giving back to local communities

2. A showground of world class ingenuity – celebrating its legacy and history

3. Create a better piece of city – a blueprint for future generations

4. Addressing the climate emergency – an ambition to go beyond net -zero

This vision and priorities accompanied a 2-dimensional masterplan framework which set out potential routes through the site and was released to the public for consultation in phase 4 as set out in the next section.

Appendix 12.1 - Phase 4

Commonplace Survey Results

Which outdoor spaces and public or private gardens do you visit locally?

7 responses

What is the general quality of these public spaces?

6 responses

What type of outdoor spaces do you feel are lacking in your local area?

7 responses

Local amenities and services

Which of the following would you use more if they were closer to your home?

7 responses

Transport and connectivity

Opening up the site for the first time in 150 years

Opening up the site for the first time in 150 years

How do you feel about walking or cycling around your local area?

We want to open-up the site to surrounding areas. Which new routes would be most beneficial to you?

We want to open-up the site to surrounding areas. Which new routes would be most beneficial to you?

180 responses

180 responses

2 responses

We intend to take a landscape-led approach to the new development. Please select the types of spaces that you would like to see created.

188 responses

A showground of world class ingenuity

A showground of world class ingenuity

A showground of world class ingenuity

We intend to take a landscape-led approach to the new development. Please select the types of spaces that you would like to see created.

Which elements of the historic uses on the site would you most like to see embraced in planning for the future?

Which elements of the historic uses on the site would you most like to see embraced in planning for the future?

188 responses

34 responses

responses

Which elements of the historic uses on the site would you most like to see embraced in planning for the future?

responses

responses

15 responses

Quick fire questionnaire

Quick fire questionnaire

We intend to take a landscape-led approach to the new development. Please select the types of spaces that you would like to see created.

We intend to take a landscape-led approach to the new development. Please select the types of spaces that you would like to see created.

128 responses

128 responses

Which elements of the historic uses on the site would you most like to see embraced in planning for the future?

128 responses

Which elements of the historic uses on the site would you most like to see embraced in planning for the future?

128 responses

We believe cities are more than just places to live. What would you most like to do on this site?

129 responses

We believe cities are more than just places to live. What would you most like to do on this site? 129 responses

Which local environmental issue is most important to you?

110 responses

Appendix 12.2 – Phase 4 Print Advert

Help shape the future of the Earls Court site

We have a bold and ambitious vision to bring the wonder back to Earls Court. We will do this by developing a new plan for the site. We want to hear what you think about our emerging vision and help us shape these plans to bring the former Earls Court exhibition centre site back to life.

Join us and meet our team to learn more about the emerging vision for the site:

Consultation events - Saturdays, 10am-1pm

Drop-in to any of our in-person events below between 10am and 1pm to meet some of the project team and find out more information.

• 4th December at St Cuthbert’s Church 50 Philbeach Gardens, SW5 9EB

• 11th December at Normand Croft Community School Bramber Road, W14 9PA (entrance via the yellow gate on Lillie Road)

• 8th January at the former Fulham Boys School 9 Beaumont Avenue, W14 9LP

• 15th January at Earls Court Youth Centre 120 Ifield Road, SW10 9AF

Zoom webinar and Q&A

If you are unable to make it along to a physical exhibition, you can also join us at a webinar which will take place from:

• 6pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday 7th December

RSVP at: www.theearlscourtdevelopmentcompany.com

www.theearlscourtdevelopmentcompany.com

Please visit our website to find out more and register for the online events. Visit our website at:

Call us at 0330 333 1510 HAVE QUESTIONS?

Email: info@earlscourtdevco.com

Scan me to find out more

Appendix 12.3 – Age UK

Kensington & Chelsea & Open

Age Combined Manifesto

Earls Court Development

Appendix 13.1 – Phase 5

Commonplace Survey Results

PHASE 5

PHASE 5

Bringing the wonder back to Earls Court

Bringing the wonder back to Earls Court

Overall, do you support our vision to bring the wonder back to Earls Court?

Overall, do you support our vision to bring the wonder back to Earls Court?

80 responses

80 responses

We want to work with the existing structures on site, rather than demolish them. Do you support that approach?

We want to work with the existing structures on site, rather than demolish them. Do you support that approach?

74 responses

74 responses

We want to transform the Train Shed at

to be a focus for food and makers. Do you support this approach?

74 responses

We want to transform the Train Shed at Lillie Bridge Depot to be a focus for food and makers. Do you support this approach?

74 responses

The local area today

How satisfied are you with your local area as a place to live, visit or work? (Rate from 1 to 5, with 5 being most satisfied)

London Communications Agency, Page 2 of 4

24 responses

Do you think the area surrounding the Earls Court site has changed for the better in the last 12 months? (Rate from 1 to 5, with 5 being changed for the better)

Lillie Bridge Depot

Do you think the area surrounding the Earls Court site has changed for the better in the last 12 months? (Rate from 1 to 5, with 5 being changed for the better)

London Communications Agency, Page 3 of 4

Have the activities of The Earls Court Development Company influenced how you feel about the local area?

23 responses

24 responses London Communications Agency, Page 4 of 4

Appendix 13.2 – Phase 5 Feedback Form

EARLS COURT TODAY

Appendix 13.3 – Phase 6

Lightbox Display

Appendix 13.4 – Phase 6

Pavement Banner

Appendix 14.1 – Phase 7

Commonplace Survey Results

Our draft masterplan: quick survey

Priority 1: Give back to local communities by opening up the former Exhibition Centre site for the first time in 150 years.

291 responses

Priority 2: Celebrate the legacy and history of the site by delivering a showground of world class ingenuity.

In late 2021, we set out our vision to Bring the Wonder Back to Earls Court. Now you've seen our first draft of the proposals, tell us how far you think they achieve this vision.

280 responses

In late 2021, we set out our vision to Bring the Wonder Back to Earls Court. Now you've seen our first draft of the proposals, tell us how far you think they achieve this vision.

280 responses

Our draft masterplan: tell us more

What do you think about the

Our draft masterplan: tell us

What do you think about our approach to bringing jobs and opportunities to Earl's Court?

Appendix 14.2 – Phase 7 Online Advert

Appendix 15.0 – Phase 8

Commonplace Survey Results

More open space - 20% increase

614 responses

More open space - 20% increase 614 responses

Creating infrastructure for long term sustainability – low cost, zero carbon energy 611 responses

Reducing density: 10% less development and fewer tall buildings

Reducing density: 10% less development and fewer tall buildings

614 responses

614 responses

Maturing a sense of place – three new cultural venues and three workspace clusters planned across the site

608 responses

responses

Do you support our design principles for this area? - Empress Place 73 responses

Do you support our design principles for this area? - Empress Place

Do

Do you support our design principles for this area? - West Brompton 70 responses

Do you support our placemaking principles for this area? - The Table

50 responses

Do you support our placemaking principles for this area? - The Table

Do you support our placemaking principles for this area? - The Table

50 responses

50 responses

Short survey - First phase

responses

Short survey - First phase What do you think of the design of the buildings above?

83 responses

Appendix 16.0: Design Code

Design Code Recommendations

Earls Court Development Public Realm

Inclusivity Panel

Design Codes Summary Report

Materiality

PRIP Input into the sitewide design codes

Over two session, between December 2023 and February 2024, the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel reviewed and provided input into the sitewide design codes. All of their comments and suggestions have been taken on board.

Altogether they looked at 65 and commented on 25 of these. Their comments have been organised into the following five categories:

PRIP Input:

PRIP text amend

PRIP question: ?

PRIP image suggestion:

PRIP concern:

To minimise maintenance and remain attractive throughout the

General notes:

Use ‘people-first’ routes rather than ‘pedestrian priority’, but if that does not work we are happy to agree on a term that suits everyone.

Best to refer to pedestrians, wheelchair and other users rather than just pedestrians.

Materials should be sympathetic to materials used in the surrounding context and on the existing streets.

To ensure that the Public Realm ties into local character.

DRAFT

Locally sourced

Materials should be locally sourced where possible.

To ensure carbon footprint of materials is considered and minimised.

Boulevards, Crescents & Passages

To

Boulevards, Crescents & Passages - Kerbs

To

DRAFT

High-quality

To

SW.L.101

SW.L.102

SW.L.104

Signage

Signage must be highly legible and uncomplicated.

To create an accessible, navigable Public Realm. Durable and robust

Signage

Signage

Signage

PRIP image suggestion: Show image of people with

Signs

To

Signage should use a consistent design language of materials, character and quality.

To create a cohesive Public Realm.

Signage

To

Signage should be incorporated into landscape elements such as paving, lighting columns and seating.

To reduce clutter in the Public Realm.

Access and Movement

Access & Movement

Maintain clear footpaths

PRIP Input:

Signs must be positioned to maintain required footpath width standards.

To ensure signage does not conflict with accessibility.

•

•

• works for everyone

• everyone can enjoy and spend time in

• is welcoming and embraces differences

PRIP image suggestion:

Maintain clear footpaths

Signs must be positioned to maintain required footpath width standards.

To ensure signage does not conflict with accessibility.

Pedestrian priority

Pedestrian-priority routes must strive to reduce vehicle movement through controlled access and limited loading and parking areas.

To ensure limited vehicles access carfree streets.

Pedestrian-priority routes must strive to reduce vehicle movement through controlled access and limited loading and parking areas.

To ensure limited vehicles access carfree streets.

Pedestrian priority Other routes

Other routes

Other routes must have safe pedestrian footpaths that are segregated from cycle and vehicle routes.

To ensure there is safe space for pedestrians even when adjacent to vehicular routes.

Other routes must have safe pedestrian footpaths that are segregated from cycle and vehicle routes.

To ensure there is safe space for pedestrians even when adjacent to vehicular routes.

Cyclists must be able to ride safely on shared access roads. Types of delineation should be dictated by road safety considerations.

To prioritise pedestrian safety.

Shared access roads (undercroft)

Where shared access roads continue as an undercroft, cyclist safety and visibility must be prioritised.

To promote safe cycle networks.

Where shared access roads continue as an undercroft, cyclist safety and visibility must be prioritised.

To promote safe cycle networks.

Demarcated routes through Public Realm

To

Shared surfaces through Public Realm

Where cycle routes are located on shared surfaces, pedestrian and cyclist visibility and safety must be prioritised.

Shared surfaces through Public Realm

To encourage active travel throughout the Public Realm.

Where cycle routes are located on shared surfaces,

Designated cycle route

Designated cycle routes must provide a clear demarcation of the cycle lane and be only used for cyclists.

To separate vehicular and cycle movement.

Cycle parking

Demarcated cycle routes through the Public Realm should be visually defined from surrounding pedestrian zones.

To create safe and convenient cycle parking. Shared access roads

Cycle parking in the Public Realm must be visible, easily located and minimise impact on pedestrian desire lines.

Demarcated routes through Public Realm

To prioritise pedestrian safety.

Demarcated cycle routes through the Public Realm should be visually defined from surrounding pedestrian zones.

To prioritise pedestrian safety.

Demarcated routes through Public Realm

Demarcated cycle routes through the Public Realm should be visually defined from surrounding pedestrian zones.

To prioritise pedestrian safety.

Where cycle routes are located on shared surfaces, pedestrian and cyclist visibility and safety

To encourage active travel throughout the Public Realm.

Designated cycle route

Designated cycle routes must provide a clear demarcation of the cycle lane and

To

SW.L.23

SW.L.27

SW.L.26

SW.L.27

Loading bays must be sensitively integrated into the overall Public Realm design.

To ensure a High-quality Public Realm.

Appendix 17.0 Masterplan Changes in Response to Engagement

Masterplan Changes in Response to Engagement

Vision established with the community

ECDC asked local people what they valued about the history and existing character of Earls Court and what they wanted to see in the future redevelopment of the Site. This shaped the vision to 'bring the wonder back' and the four priorities.

Creating new walkable connections

The community fed back that the Exhibition Centres had been a barrier to movement, and they wanted more connections across the Site, particularly east-west between West Kensington and Earl's Court stations. In response the Framework evolved to incorporate better connectivity, even across the challenging level changes brought about by existing infrastructure.

More open space

A key theme throughout all phases of consultation has been people's desire for more publicly accessible green open space. As a result, the Design Team has progressively increased the amount of open space provision, including enlarging the central open space and extending green connections.

The masterplan was adapted to recognise local people's desire for more green space

Changes to massing and quantum of development

The height and massing of buildings within the Proposed Development has been a common issue of discussion, particularly after the release of the first draft Illustrative Masterplan. As a result of feedback received during consultation with the community and other stakeholders, the amount of development was reduced by around 10% (around 500,000 sq ft) and the height of a number of buildings was reduced. This was shown within the November 2023 consultation material.

In response to feedback from the November consultation on the perceived elegance of the tall buildings, design amendments were made to articulate the tops of some of the taller buildings around the central grouping. This entailed limited height increases to WB03, WB04 and EC05 to mitigate the apparent coalescence of the buildings in a number of views from afar, and to partly redistribute some of the usable floor space that was lost from WB04 as a result of stepping in more levels at the top. The detailed design of these buildings is incorporated within the Hybrid Planning Application.

Inclusion of cultural venues & employment spaces

Local people's recollections of the Exhibition Centres and what 'wonder' meant to them directly informed the incorporation of indoor and outdoor cultural and event spaces to the proposed development. The project team also incorporated more employment space and opportunities, which were not a major feature of the previously consented scheme.

An inclusive public realm for everyone

The Public Realm Inclusivity Panel has acted as a co-design partner and critical friend to the Design Team over the last two years. This has ranged from inputting into the first design briefs for Aisgill Gardens and Warwick Square to advising on the detail of specific design coding for the public realm, ensuring an inclusive approach.

Stepping down at the edges

Feedback from consultation workshops influenced the evolution of the massing of the Proposed Development, reducing and stepping down the massing of buildings to the Site's sensitive edges, and the development of specific Design Codes to manage edge conditions.

Primary school visit to the table

Re-use of existing structures and heritage and local typologies

Consultation has confirmed support for the principle of retaining historic structures including the Lillie Sidings Train Shed, the Table structure over the West London Railway Line and the historic character of Empress Place. Design heritage features associated with the former Exhibition Centres were highlighted, and approaches to a reinterpretation of architecture on the Site was discussed. Feedback also requested the use of local typologies such as crescents and mansion blocks and this has been reflected in the final Detailed building designs and the Design Code.

Neighbourhoods and facilities for all stages of life

Local people asked for a balance of housing types, including the provision of affordable homes, and for community facilities. Survey responses on Ground Floor uses have directly influenced the brief for the permanent Community Hub to include a cafe and flexible spaces for fitness and education uses, and the Retail Strategy for the Proposed Development to include space for a gym or cinema.

When surveyed about the key changes ECDC had made to the revised masterplan issued in November 2023, 76% of people who responded were either happy or satisfied with the proposals (results detailed in Section 12 of this SCI).

ECDC at the Summer North End Road Festival 2024

Summary of Feedback Received and Design Response

The submission of the hybrid application is an important milestone in the consultation with the community, but it does not mark its end. Pending determination of the application by both RBKC and LBHF councils, there will be further engagement and consultation on the Reserved Matters Applications, in which more detail will be provided on the design of the buildings and the detailed public realm.

All proposals will be shown at Conversation Corner or an alternative publicly accessible location.

We will continue to work with the Public Realm Inclusion Panel (PRIP) to interrogate, critique and refine design principles to ensure an inclusive and accessible approach to landscape and buildings.

ECDC will continue holding workshops and public meetings throughout this stage to better inform and improve the proposals based on what we hear from the local community.

Phase Feedback Summary

Phase 1:

Initial listening exercise (Spring – Summer 2020)

Phase 2:

Summer engagement events (August 2021)

Phase 3:

Stakeholder tours (September/October 2021)

Phase 4:

Engagement on the vision to ‘Bring the wonder back’ (November 2021 – May 2022)

Earliest feedback from first survey indicates highest priority is for open green space followed by cultural facilities.

Open green space is the continued number one ask. Land use priorities emerge for housing, leisure and retail. Connectivity identified as an important issue.

Appreciation of the benefits of opening up the Site and reconnecting the area.

‘Wonder tested in workshops with local people feeding back about what this meant to them: a sense of buzz/discovery/ experiences.

Desire for new open green spaces, public squares and walking routes.

Early workshops with a range of representative groups comprising those whose voices are not usually heard, ask for a place for everyone with equitable and inclusive spaces with a variety of things to do.

Support for creative art, food, music and theatre.

Support for retention of historic features including buildings on Empress Place and Lillie Sidings Train Shed.

Support for opening up the Site and being more outward looking, including better east-west connections to Earls Court station.

Jobs and early activation: People wanted the Site to be brought back into use as soon as possible in order to generate jobs for local people.

Air quality is cited as the most important environmental issue for local people.

Design response

These are incorporated into the first framework plan.

This is incorporated into the first framework plan. Design development looking at connections across the Site.

Vision statement includes a priority to open up the Site.

Wonder ’ maintained in the vision statement.

Prioritisation of a landscape-led approach, creating new publicly accessible spaces across the scheme.

Directly reflected in one of the four framework priorities: ‘ a place for everyone.’ and this theme is carried forward in the establishment of the Public Realm Inclusivity Panel in the next phase.

A strong cultural offer was incorporated in both the framework proposals and in meanwhile use activations.

Retention of historic buildings and consideration of food and creative uses in Lillie Sidings Train Shed.

Framework plan includes indicative east-west and north-south routes through the Site.

Temporary activations open up buildings on the Site.

Development of a sustainable Development Charter.

Summary of Feedback Received and Design Response

Phase Feedback Summary Design response

Phase 5 and 6:

Consultation on Framework Principles (Summer – Autumn 2022)

Support for more open space.

PRIP formation and discussion about inclusive design principles such as ‘a walkable/wheelable development’.

Support for re-use of existing structures on Site.

Workshops and events discussed need for a range of cultural venues.

Exhibition and workshop conversations about height and massing of tall buildings at centre/north of and tapering down to edges.

Further information requested on phasing and timing.

Public Realm Inclusivity Statement and principles embedded in the first design briefs for Aisgill Gardens.

Re-use of buildings incorporated in draft masterplan.

Range of cultural venues incorporated in draft masterplan.

Approach to massing is reflected in the draft masterplan and is discussed in further workshops.

Phase 7:

Consultation on the draft masterplan (Spring – Summer 2023)

Strong positivity towards the provision of green open spaces. Specific suggestions including from the PRIP incorporated in an ideas bank.

Building height was mentioned frequently. Some respondents expressed concerns and wanted to see building heights reduced.

Provide more information on the building designs, reflect the character and materials of the area, and be more ambitious and innovative.

Create accessible London streets for pedestrians and cyclists, and tell us more about access routes and parking.

Reduction in the number of tall buildings and overall development area by 10% in the updated masterplan.

Comments regarding local character and materials, and different building styles informed design briefs for the Phase 1 architects. More detail on character areas and Phase 1 buildings was provided in the next phase of consultation.

Feedback was considered on segregated cycle and pedestrian routes, bicycle and car parking and servicing and led to further definition and expansion of the pedestrian priority area in the centre of the masterplan.

More information on new routes was in the next phase of consultation, along with changes to widen some streets to segregate bikes from pedestrians and provide more room for different users.

PRIP inputs on providing inclusive and equitable routes across level changes – such as the location of lifts and resting points incorporated as well as recommendations for specific areas including the Cascades, the Table, and Aisgill Gardens and Warwick Square.

Creating places where local people can meet such as the Community Hub was instrumental in ensuring consultation encompassed the wider community

Summary of Feedback Received and Design Response

Phase Feedback Summary Design response

Phase 8:

Consultation on updated masterplan (Winter 2023 – Spring 2024)

76% support for the five big moves or changes to the masterplan.

Ground floor features and facilities feedback:

Open space: People want to see planting, water features and seating in the park spaces.

Indoor space: Cafés and a cinema were the top requests, along with a range of retail provision.

Sports and leisure: A children’s playground, gym and multiuse sports areas were popular requests.

Community Hub uses: the most popular preferences were for a café; a library/ educational/public information facility; and fitness classes.

Character areas – majority positive response to the design principles and most areas having around three quarters or more agreeing or strongly agreeing with the principles.

Open space features including water features in the Cascades, and seating for groups have been incorporated into the landscape design.

Design development in response to feedback included incorporation of additional space at first floor level of WB04 podium for a gym or cinema, and feedback on other preferences being considered as part of the Retail Strategy

Provision of play space across the masterplan, including three dedicated play areas.

ECDC is exploring with LB Hammersmith and Fulham whether we can repurpose the existing triangular MUGA on Aisgill Avenue and extend it into a rectangular area that can be more widely used for a variety of sports.

Feedback has been incorporated into the brief for the Community Hub, specifically:

A community cafe space has been included

The hub includes flexible spaces that could be used for library/educational uses

The community hall space is suitable for a variety of activities including fitness classes

ECDC further explored masterplan edge issues in a series of local workshops, which resulted in refinement of design codes to protect privacy and overlooking for specific sensitive plots.

Comments received informed the drafting of the Design Code and development of landscape design for the edges of the site, including the decision to remove the western boundary wall.

Phase Feedback SummaryDesign response

Consultation on Phase 1 buildings and design code March – April 2024

Design based feedback included:

Support for modern interpretation of Art Deco style, balconies and decorative features

Preference for traditional materials including brick and stone

Retention of heritage features

A desire for the tops of the building to be more elegant

WBO4 design reviewed including changes to the top of the building and further terracing of the base added to improve the transition between the tower and the base

Specific suggestions relating to design codes including green infrastructure, and inclusivity (arising from PRIP review)

Traditional materials including brick and stone incorporated into Phase 1 buildings.

Heritage features including exhibition centres signage and murals are in storage and will be incorporated in the detailed public realm design.

WB04 design reviewed and further terracing of the base added to improve the transition between the tower and the base.

Incorporation of specific design codes relating to inclusive signage and seating.

Changes to heights of WB03, WB04 and EC05 to allow for design refinements

Thank you