Place shaping

About Earl’s Court

Earl’s Court is well known in London and internationally as the former home of the Exhibition Centre which hosted a range of sporting, music and other cultural events until its demolition in 2013. In the 1970s and 1980s the area was well known as a LGBTQ+ destination.

The high street shops, restaurants and services on Earl’s Court Road that make up the District Centre of Earl’s Court are surrounded by a largely residential, well-designed historic townscape. Earl’s Court station lies at the centre of the high street, providing excellent public transport connections.

Challenges

Earl's Court is an area with rich history and potential but is facing a series of challenges that have hindered its growth and prosperity.

Local businesses have reported a decline in footfall, citing competition from other areas as a significant factor. The streets of Earl's Court have also been perceived by some as dirty and unsafe, with pressing matters such as anti-social behaviour contributing to an unwelcoming atmosphere. Additionally, inadequate public realm and pedestrian infrastructure exacerbate these issues, further discouraging potential visitors and patrons.

Earl's Court possesses notable strengths that provide a solid foundation for improvement and growth. The area's historic significance, transport connections, existing commercial base, and strong community interest can serve as cornerstones for revitalisation efforts.

What we have achieved

We have:

• adopted a Placemaking Framework in April 2023 which sets out the Council’s priorities for the former exhibition centre Opportunity Area
• supported a local business forum
• conducted a BID feasibility research and scoping options
• implemented a Public Space Protection Order and this will be in place until April 2027. The aims of introducing the PSPO are to: 
  • reduce littering  
  • stop street urination  
  • avoid public consumption of alcohol  
  • reduce loitering  
  • avoid inappropriate use of bikes and scooters

Next steps

We have developed a draft Local Action Plan, which presents a collection of small but effective projects that aim to revitalise Earl’s Court Road including: 

• enhancing the station entrance zone for a great first impression
• improvements to public space in Hogarth Road
• shopfront improvements to bring a unified identity
• decluttering the street
• tackling waste and recycling collections
• using lighting to create ambience in the hours of darkness
• amplifying the area’s character and heritage

Consultation

The Earl's Court consultation is now open. Submit a response by Monday 18 November.