For much of the twentieth century, Earl's Court Exhibition Centre was one of London's most famous event venues. Hosting everything from international trade shows and concerts to sporting events and exhibitions, the site became an important part of the capital's cultural and commercial life.

Today, the exhibition halls are gone. In their place, the Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) is leading one of the largest regeneration projects in London, transforming the former exhibition centre site into a new mixed-use neighbourhood that will combine homes, workplaces, cultural venues and public spaces.

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The Origins of Earl's Court Exhibition Centre

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The history of Earl's Court as an entertainment and exhibition destination dates back to the late nineteenth century. The area was originally used for exhibitions, fairs and public events, taking advantage of its location in West London and growing transport connections.

The modern Earl's Court Exhibition Centre was constructed between 1935 and 1937 and officially opened in 1937. Designed by the American architect C. Howard Crane, the Art Deco-inspired venue was built to accommodate large-scale exhibitions and events. Over time, it became one of the UK's best-known exhibition centres and a landmark within London's events industry.

The venue was later expanded with the addition of Earls Court Two in 1991, increasing its capacity and allowing it to host even larger events and conferences.

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What Was Earl's Court Originally Used For?

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The exhibition centre was designed as a venue for major public events, trade exhibitions and entertainment. Throughout its history, Earl's Court hosted a wide range of exhibitions covering industries such as travel, technology, construction, boating and motor vehicles. It also became a major concert venue, welcoming internationally recognised artists and performers.

The site played host to numerous high-profile events, including the Ideal Home Show, the London Boat Show, music concerts, consumer exhibitions and sporting competitions. During the London 2012 Olympic Games, Earl's Court served as the venue for volleyball events, introducing the historic building to a global audience.

For decades, the venue contributed significantly to London's economy and was regarded as one of Europe's leading exhibition and conference destinations.

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Why the Exhibition Centre Closed

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By the early twenty-first century, changing exhibition requirements, competition from newer venues and wider redevelopment ambitions led to discussions about the site's future.

Plans emerged to redevelop the 40-plus acre site, with proposals focusing on housing, commercial space and new public amenities. Following planning approvals for redevelopment, Earl's Court Exhibition Centre closed in 2014. Demolition work began later that year and continued over the following years.

The closure marked the end of nearly eight decades of exhibitions, concerts and public events at the venue.

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The Earls Court Development Company and the New Vision

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A new chapter began in 2019 when the site was acquired by a partnership involving Delancey, Dutch pension fund APG and Transport for London. The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) was established to lead the regeneration of the former exhibition centre site.

Unlike earlier redevelopment proposals, the current masterplan places greater emphasis on public space, sustainability, cultural uses and community integration. ECDC describes its vision as bringing "the wonder back to Earls Court" while reconnecting the site with the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The regeneration project covers approximately 40 acres and is one of the largest cleared development sites in central London.

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How the Site Will Be Used in the Future

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The former exhibition centre site is being transformed into a mixed-use neighbourhood rather than a single-purpose venue. Current proposals include approximately 4,000 new homes, with a proportion designated as affordable housing. Alongside residential development, plans include office space, retail units, restaurants, cafés, community facilities and cultural venues.

A significant amount of public open space is also planned. The masterplan includes new parks, landscaped public areas and pedestrian routes designed to reconnect parts of West London that were previously separated by the exhibition complex and surrounding infrastructure.

The development is also intended to support employment, with substantial workspace proposed for businesses, including companies operating within climate innovation and technology sectors.

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Preserving the Legacy of Earl's Court

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Although the exhibition halls themselves have been demolished, elements of Earl's Court's identity are being incorporated into the regeneration plans. The masterplan includes dedicated cultural spaces intended to reflect the site's long history of hosting exhibitions, performances and public events. Plans also reference the area's reputation for innovation, creativity and large-scale entertainment.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of extensive public realm. Where exhibition halls and service areas once stood, visitors and residents will have access to parks, squares and landscaped gathering spaces designed to encourage community activity and public events.

The redevelopment therefore represents a significant change of use. A site that once welcomed visitors for temporary exhibitions and events is being reimagined as a permanent residential, cultural and commercial district.

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Looking Ahead

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The transformation of Earl's Court reflects wider changes in how large urban sites are used in modern cities. While the exhibition centre served London for nearly 80 years as a venue for events and entertainment, the regeneration project aims to create a new neighbourhood that combines housing, employment, culture and public space.

As construction progresses over the coming years, the site is expected to become one of London's most significant examples of large-scale urban regeneration, while continuing the area's long-standing role as a destination for people, activity and innovation.

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Sources

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Images kindly provided by The Earls Court Development Company.

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• The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC): https://earlscourt.com.

• New London Architecture – The Earls Court Development Company: https://nla.london/members/the-earls-court-development-company.

• Evening Standard – Earls Court Developers Submit Plans for £10 Billion Regeneration: https://www.standard.co.uk/business/earls-court-delancey-regeneration-capco-b1182820.html.

• Property Week – Revised Masterplan for Earls Court Regeneration: https://www.propertyweek.com/news/revised-masterplan-for-4000-home-earls-court-regeneration-unveiled.

• OnLondon – Earl's Court Regeneration Update: https://www.onlondon.co.uk/earls-court-regeneration-update.

• The Times – Earls Court Redevelopment Gets Go-Ahead After Ten Years.

• Historic England – Earl's Court Exhibition Centre Archive Records.