017 - Reimagining Earls Court: Culture, Creativity and Community with Tom Branton
What does it mean to reimagine a place as complex and storied as Earls Court?
In this episode of Talking Place, Tanisha Raffiuddin speaks with Tom Branton, Development Director at the Earls Court Development Company, about the ambitious transformation of the former exhibition centre site and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Together, they unpack how culture, creativity, and community engagement are being woven into the masterplan to create a vibrant, inclusive new district for London.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✔ How Earls Court aims to honour its past while building trust with future residents
✔ Why culture is central to the transformation of Earls Court
✔ How to meaningfully involve communities in shaping long-term visions
✔ The role of ‘wonder’ and creativity in building trust and identity in development projects
✔ The gritty realities of large-scale development and creating long-term impact.
About Our Guest:
Tom Branton is the Development Director at the Earls Court Development Company, leading on the delivery of one of London’s largest and most high-profile regeneration projects. With extensive experience in complex urban development, Tom is passionate about creating places that are rooted in community, enriched by culture, and built for the future.
🔗 Links & Mentions:
Earls Court Development Company: https://theearlscourtdevelopmentcompany.com
Follow ECDC on Instagram: @earlscourtdevco
Tom Branton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-branton-ecdc
Whether you're a developer, placemaker, urbanist, or curious Londoner - this episode is packed with insights on how cities can be reimagined with creativity, care, and community at their core.
Join the Conversation:
What role should culture play in large-scale regeneration?
Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or LinkedIn @TalkingPlacePodcast.
📸: Video and photography content courtesy of Earls Court Development Company
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Website: www.conceptculture.co
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