Kensington & Chelsea Council
Earl’s Court Cultural Use Study
In 2021, Kensington and Chelsea Council commissioned CAO to help shape the cultural vision for the redevelopment of the former Earl's Court Exhibition Centre site. CAO was commissioned to undertake research into a study exploring the types of cultural partners that developers could include within their own plans for land use within the site.
CAO developed four distinct cultural strategies for the site, three anchored by specific tenants and a fourth based on a multi-use venue model. The work involved firstly understanding the specific local context, and then balancing the views of Councillors, local residents and other stakeholders to make appropriate recommendations.
CAO considered the quality and nature of the cultural offer, how it could shape the character of the development, how it builds on and enhances cultural activity in the borough and London more widely and, how it could benefit the local economy and local communities.
The final designed report presented the four scenarios, outlining the benefits and drawbacks of each approach, including potential infrastructure requirements. The study provided a blueprint for the Council and developers to create a cultural destination that is both world-class and deeply rooted in the Earl's Court community. The full report is available to download from Kensington and Chelsea Council website here.