Reimagining Earl’s Court: Culture, Creativity & Community with Tom Branton
In episode 17 of Talking Place, host Tanisha Raffiuddin ‘talks place’ with Tom Branton, Development Director at the Earl’s Court Development Company (ECDC), about one of London’s most ambitious transformation projects.
Once home to legendary concerts and exhibitions, Earl’s Court is now being reimagined as a new neighbourhood rooted in culture, creativity, and community. Together, Tanisha and Tom explore how this transformation is unfolding — and what it means for the legacy and future of London cities.
Culture as a Foundation, Not a Finish
Too often, culture is treated as an add-on — a mural here, a meanwhile project there. But at Earl’s Court, Tom explains, culture is baked into the DNA of the masterplan.
By putting culture at the heart of the site, ECDC hopes to create more than buildings. Culture becomes the driver of identity, belonging, and vibrancy — giving people a reason not just to visit, but to stay and feel at home.
Building Trust with Communities
Large-scale regeneration can spark scepticism. At Earl’s Court, community engagement isn’t an afterthought — it’s essential.
Tom shares how ECDC is working closely with local residents, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure development responds to real needs through initiatives like the PRIP (Public Realm Inclusivity Panel). By listening, adapting, and co-creating, the project is aiming to build trust and foster long-term stewardship.
Creativity in Action
The transformation of Earl’s Court will take time, but creativity is already shaping its future. Through meanwhile uses, events, and installations, the site is being activated today — turning vision into something tangible.Whether its through venues like Paddle Social Club or shows like Come Alive, The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular or the BBC Earth experience with David Attenborough.
These early creative interventions allow ECDC to test and validate ideas, showcase ambition, and demonstrate that culture and creativity aren’t temporary, but central to the place’s identity.
Lessons from Earl’s Court
Earl’s Court offers wider lessons for regeneration everywhere:
✔ Culture should be at the centre, not the periphery
✔ Genuine engagement builds stronger, more inclusive places
✔ Creativity can bridge the gap between vision and lived experience
✔ Long-term stewardship is just as important as design and delivery
Looking Forward
The Earl’s Court transformation is a project with a longe term vision on a grand scale, but its principles are universal. By placing culture, creativity, and community at its heart, Tom and his team are showing how urban transformation can balance ambition with authenticity - and leave a lasting legacy for London.
🎧 Want to hear more about how culture and creativity are reimagining Earl’s Court?
👉 Listen to the full episode of Talking Place with Tom Branton.
📸: Video and photography content courtesy of Earls Court Development Company