Boris Johnson, the mayor of London approved plans of demolishing the historic Earls Court Exhibition Centre amid some opposition from the public. The site will be demolished to make way for a 77-acre residential and commercial estate, which is expected to boost London's economy.
Plans have been approved for the development of four villages and a high street. The development is expected to create 7,500 homes and around 12,000 permanent jobs. The estate will comprise of homes, schools, hotels, malls, hospitals and large public recreation areas like squares and parks.
According to Property Wire, the plan was designed by architects, Terry Farrell and Partners, and was forwarded to the Mayor after being reviewed by Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the Kensington and Chelsea Council in 2012. The project will be developed by Capital & Counties Properties Plc (Capco), an affluent real estate firm of London. The project will take almost 20 years to complete.
"We are pleased to receive the Great London's Authority's approval for the outline planning consent of the Earls Court Masterplan and the Section 106 agreement. The Earls Court project will deliver significant benefits to London. In addition the project will deliver investment in transport infrastructure, community, cultural, educational and health facilities as well as open green space in the form of a new park for London," developers at Capco said in a statement.
Check out the master plan, here.
However, the approval came amid opposition from the public. A residents' group "Save Earl's Court West Kensington & Gibbs Green estates" constantly criticized the move. According to the Independent, the group once tried to get Earls Court listed in 2006. However, the architects reviewing the proposal had deemed it unfit for listing.
The move has also garnered some censure from the political bigwigs. Labour London Assembly Member Tom Copley tweeted that he was "Very disappointed but not at all surprised" with the verdict calling it an "appalling decision."
Green Party London Assembly Member, Darren Johnson said:
"Boris Johnson claims to be a champion of the London economy and making it more attractive to foreign investment. Yet he has backed the demolition of the exhibition centres that are estimated to be worth over a billion pounds to London's real economy that attract one and a half million visitors."
"By backing this proposal, Boris Johnson is condemning this part of London into [being] a playground for the super rich with mostly extortionately priced homes that will not help the vast majority of ordinary people," he added.
About Earls Court Exhibition Centre
Earls Court Exhibition Centre is an events venue in London. Designed by startchitect C Howard Crane, the venue opened in 1937 and since then it has hosted many major events including Pink Floyd shows, Sir Elton John's concerts and the Brit Awards. The volleyball competitions of the 2012 London Olympics were also held at the venue.
Check out the ten most memorable moments held at the venue, here.
