Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West have been appointed as the principal masterplan architects for the Earls Court masterplan, which will deliver a combination of London homes, and commercial space, alongside green and cultural spaces.
The appointment is a 50/50 collaboration between Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West. The London based firms will support The Earls Court Development Company in seeking to deliver a masterplan that sets a new global standard for a sustainable and vibrant mixed-use development. The ambition is greater than the provision of buildings alone: it is to create an environment that is reintegrated with its surroundings for the first time in 100 years and in doing so embraces the hopes and aspirations for the local community and the area.
Following the handing back of the West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates (the estates) to London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the estates will not be included in the masterplan.
The appointment follows a six-month international competition involving world-leading architectural practices.
In the six months since the acquisition, The Earls Court Development Company has been meeting and listening to the local community, including virtual meetings during the coronavirus lockdown, to harness the energy, ideas and commitment of all, to start forming an informed ‘vision’ for the masterplan. The Earls Court Development Company has also been mobilising a wider project team to support the project across a range of disciplines, and further appointments of industry-leading partners will be made imminently.
The Earls Court Development Company and the project team will continue to work on developing the masterplan, with initial details emerging in the coming months.
Jamie Ritblat, on behalf of The Earls Court Development Company, commented: “We are delighted to be working with the London practices of Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West on the emerging plans for Earls Court, an iconic and globally recognised part of London’s landscape. We believe we understand how important it is that our masterplan recognises the past and celebrates the future of Earls Court and of London. As the current custodians of the project, we and the masterplan architects place engagement with the local community and wider stakeholders at the heart of our approach to design and development and alongside Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West we will be consulting every step of the way as the plans develop.”
Graeme Craig, Director of Commercial Development at Transport for London, added: “It is great news that Hawkins\Brown and Studio Egret West have been appointed as masterplan architects at Earls Court. This is a unique opportunity, and we are all excited at being able to work with local people to create a vibrant, active and sustainable community in London, including the affordable homes and workspace that the capital so desperately needs.”