Since acquiring the site ECDC has invested heavily in cultural and community programmes to open up the site and demonstrate its vision to bring the wonder back to Earls Court.
We have brought festivals, events, art, community activities, jobs and training. In 2022, we generated over £7m of social value and over £2.1m of economic impact into the local area.
BBC Earth Experience
The BBC Earth Experience featuring Seven Worlds, One Planet, an immersive experience narrated by Sir David Attenborough opened on site earlier this year.
Artist in Residence
After a competitive interview process, this January The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) has launched an Artist in Residence programme selecting twelve artists to work with the local community over a three-year period to deliver portraits and community arts projects.
Padel Social Club
An outdoor Padel showcase court, in collaboration with Padel Social Club, is open and available for booking on Empress Space this autumn.
The Community Hub
We have opened a new Community Hub on Aisgill Avenue, in the Gibbs Green Estate, West Kensington!
Earls Court Skills Centre
Transport for London is working in partnership with industry and government through the Construction Skills Fund, offering fully funded pre-employment programmes to provide key skills and training, as well as a taste of working in the construction industry.
The Pop Up
The Pop Up, Lillie Road 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.
The Lost Estate
Immersive theatre at the former Mannequin Factory, West Kensington
Empress Studios
Working with This is Projekt we have turned six derelict Victorian townhouses on Empress Place into 8,500 sq ft (46 studios) of workspace for creatives, who live and/ or work in Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea.
Art Installations
In 2021 ECDC opened part of the site on Warwick Road, where the former entrance to the Exhibition Centre used to be. This temporary space is currently hosting the Art of Change mural installation in partnership with Kensington & Chelsea Festival. Keep your eyes peeled for new installations that are on the way.
20 Things Earl's Court
We are delighted to collaborate with leading architect Sam Jacob and London Design Festival on ‘20 Things Around Earl’s Court’, a curated journey through Earl’s Court that showcases how design and place are seamlessly interlinked.
Lillie Road Shops
Our pop-up high street on Lillie Road, is home to London’s biggest pub garden and some of the best eateries in the city at The Prince, alongside a curated mix of independent retailers and artisans.
Homes Guardianship
In summer 2021 we refurbished and brought homes on Empress Place and Seven Stars, North End Road back into use at discounted rents for key workers and people on low incomes.