The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has approved plans for major redevelopment in Earls Court and West Kensington in what is a huge boost for jobs, housing and infrastructure in this part of the capital.

The plans for the 32 hectare site will see the development of more than 6,700 homes and a raft of infrastructure and public realm improvements over a 20 year construction period. It is expected that the scheme could generate 36,000 jobs in construction as well as a further 9,000 to 10,000 permanent jobs in the longer term.

The EC Properties project, designed by architects Terry Farrell and Partners, was passed to the Mayor for his consideration after being given the go-ahead by both Kensington & Chelsea Council and Hammersmith & Fulham Council last year.

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The scheme will see development for a wide range of residential, commercial and retail use, including new offices, hotels, a new school, health centre, sports and leisure facilities, a new park and public squares. It will also deliver a range of improvements to public transport links, including at Earls Court, West Kensington and West Brompton tube stations.

West Kensington and Gibbs Green housing estates, and Earls Court Exhibition Centre will be demolished as part of the plans. Developers will work with the boroughs to ensure that residents affected will be properly rehoused in new homes as part of a brand new development.

The developer has also already invested in and made improvements to nearby Olympia Exhibition Centre before Earls Court is demolished to ensure the continued vibrancy of the area's events and exhibitions offering.

(CD/JP)