Earls Court. Reserved Matters Application Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Design and Access Statement November 2013

Transcription

1 Earls Court Reserved Matters Application Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Design and Access Statement November 2013 Prepared for EC Properties Ltd by Farrells, KPF, P&P and Arups

2 Earls Court Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement Volume 1 November 2013 Prepared for EC Properties Ltd by Farrells

3 2 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

4 C O N T E N T S EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION 2.1 The Submission 2.2 Structure of the Document CONTEXT 3.1 Client Brief and Vision 3.2 The Masterplan 3.3 Parameter Plans 3.4 Design Guidelines 3.5 The Site Evolution 4.1 West Brompton Village 4.2 The Lost River Park 4.4 Garden Squares 4.5 Residential Courtyards 5 Places 5.1 Earls Court Village 5.2 West Brompton Square 5.3 The Lost River Park North 5.4 The Lost River Park South 5.5 The Crescents 5.6 The Circus 5.7 The High Street 5.8 Earls Court Village West Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

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6 Foreword I am delighted to present on behalf of EC Properties and their consultant team this Design and Access Statement as part of the Reserved Matters Application for Earls Court (EC RMA). I was commissioned by EC Properties in 2010 to create a vision for a new part of West London incorporating the Earls Court site - a vision based upon my profound belief that good master planning builds on context and creates Place. I introduced four villages and a high street to Earls Court, stitching into the existing surrounding grain to create four new centres around existing public transportation. This, in turn, created four new residential neighbourhoods. The outline masterplan application was lodged with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham councils in 2011 and achieved outline consent in Such an ambitious endeavour is enriched by the work of many hands and this is my guiding tenet for developing the masterplan in detail. Based on this principle EC Properties have gathered an impressive team of collaborative architects, urban designers, landscape designers and engineers who have developed the concepts in the approved outline masterplan submission and have created, in my opinion, a world class new Place resulting in a wonderful array of new streets, squares, public open parks and buildings of real quality, originality and sensitivity. Each of the architects has developed their detail designs with a clear understanding of and sympathy for the immediate surrounding context and has worked hard to design contemporary buildings that reference the quality and feel of the best of the surrounding built environment. All of the designers have been in regular dialogue with each borough s planning officers. The results are carefully crafted design responses that meets both the aspirations of the vision and the parameters and guidelines set out in the masterplan outline approval. This is the first stage of the full masterplan. I am absolutely confident that the hard work of the designers has come together for Earls Court (RMA) and has proved the promise of the masterplan vision. I am committed with the collaborative design team to delivering the next stages of the masterplan through further Reserved Matters Applications in due course. Sir Terry Farrell CBE Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

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8 1.0 Executive Summary London s growth through the ages is unique. Whilst there are patterns in the form of the city driven by geology, geography and social governance the city has evolved organically with multiple stimuli creating a rich layered tapestry of urban form and public space which underpins the great metropolis we know today. The Earls Court Vision has at its core this very essence of London, namely the contribution of many or the Work of Many Hands. This philosophy seeks to create variety and diversity at each stage and is much of a process as, it is a manifestation in built form. There are 3 architects designing the RMA buildings, Farrells, KPF and Pilbrow & Partners, together with a number of garden designers coordinated by Arup Landscape. who have been responsible for the landscape. In addition, Pilbrow and Partners are also responsible for the buildings that make up a new improved entrance to the scheme known as West Brompton Village. The EC RMA approach is about placemaking and not about the design of individual buildings. This Design and Access Statement attempts to define these places by describing the buildings and landscape that they sit within. A key objective and principle of the masterplan is its integration; the knitting of the new places into the existing West London urban structure, street pattern, public realm and building typologies. The RMA Site serves to begin this process and integrates into the West London grain as well as linking Earls Court and West Brompton tube stations. By engaging with the edges, the development makes an early statement for social cohesion, benefits the local people, inherits character, delivers the first part of a new London park and creates recognisable places in the initial stages of the masterplan. The Places created as part of the RMA design exercise and described within this document are as follows: West Brompton Village - A major new public square acting as the southern gateway to Earls Court Village (ECV) Lost River Park South - A new linear park above the West London Line. Restaurants within the south park supports al fresco eating and the dining in the park concept. Lost River Park North - As the new linear park extends north the space becomes more serene in nature. This area supports a number of naturalistic play areas. Crescents - Curved buildings extend the existing urban fabric creating a new London residential street. The Circus - A formal and elegant entrance to the ECV development, the Circus draws people to the High Street and the heart of the development. The High Street - The new High Street will become the lifeblood of the development. As well as a range of shops, bars, and restaurants, it is proposed that the High Street will be a focus for the community. Earls Court West - Along the Broadway sit the Earls Court West buildings which are characterised as high density and urbane. Two large feature buildings create the gateway from the west. Denotes RMA Boundary Line A large quantity of open space has been proposed within the Masterplan itself and the RMA Site brings forth the principle green area which is the Lost River Park. Approximately two thirds of the park will be captured by this RMA, creating a major new destination for the local area as well as London. This with a number of other landscaped spaces will create an exciting new vision and a legacy of positive change for this area of London. As submitted under a separate application Fig 1.1.1: Work of Many Hands Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

9 2.0 Introduction 2.1 The Submission This Design and Access Statement (DAS) is submitted in support of the Earls Court Reserve Matters Application (RMA) made on behalf of EC Properties. The document also refers to West Brompton Village which will serve as the entrance to the RMA, the details of which form part of a separate planning application. The Farrells Masterplan is based on the concept of Four Villages and a High Street which recognises the capital s unique urban fabric as its inspiration. Subsequent to its approval, work has been carried out by Farrells alongside Kohn Pedersen Fox architects (KPF) and Pilbrow and Partners to form the RMA to which this application relates. It makes up the first phase of the Farrells Masterplan and comprises a significant part of Earls Court. The Masterplan as approved by two Outline Permissions is fully described in a number of documents which were submitted with the outline applications. The proposals will create a remarkable environment inspired by London; it will deliver new homes and jobs, quality open space, community and cultural facilities to benefit the local neighbourhoods. This RMA comprises the area shown in fig It covers the majority of the Earls Court Village area (as referred to in the Outline Planning Application), aside from Exhibition Square and Development Plot WV03, which will be subject to separate RMA applications as well as West Brompton Village (previously Counter s Place), which, due to alterations proposed, is being brought forward by way of a separate detailed planning application. It also includes plot BW07 and half of plot BW05. The DAS should be read in conjunction with the Parameter Plans, Design Guidelines and the previous Design and Access Statement which formed part of the outline planning submission which was approved in October This overarching volume, provides an overview of the masterplan and the strategies that underpin its rationale. It also goes on to describe how the RMA Development Site has embraced the philosophy of the work of many hands, a process that involves a number of different architects and landscape architects to create diversity and variety across the scheme. Application Red Line Boundary Development Parcel (Building) Development Parcel (Landscape) Administrative Boundary of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and the London Borough of Hammersmith West Brompton Slot In Application Fig 2.1.1: Development Parcel Plan 8 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

10 2.0 Introduction 2.2 Structure of this document This document provides a synopsis of the approved outline masterplan and the context for the RMA. There are six volumes to the Design and Access Statement. Volume 1 Overarching Volume This document gives a synopsis of the consented outline masterplan. Its purpose is to orientate the reader with an overview of the project, the places is creates and the building typologies within these places. Volume 2 Volume 3 Volume 4 Volume 5 Volume 6 Volume 7 Buildings This volume is made up of a series of parts, which describes the buildings that make up the RMA Landscape This volume describes the landscape proposals in which the buildings are positioned. Below Ground / Basement This volume explains the basement and below ground areas Technical Appendices Volume 5 contains a set of appendices that comprise the supporting technical documentation to Volumes 2 and 3. Development Parcel Drawing List & Drawings Volume 6 contains the drawings submitted for approval. West Brompton Square Volume 7 contains the DAS for the West Brompton Village drop in application Fig 2.2.1: Document Structure Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

11 3.0 Context 3.1 Client Brief and Vision The Earls Court Masterplan has been created by Farrells and proposes the transformation of the Earls Court Project Area into four new urban villages and a High Street, blending the spirit of the past with the best of tomorrow. The villages will include around 7,500 much-needed new homes for people on a range of incomes, as well as new work spaces and offices which will generate up to 12,000 new jobs. The Earls Court RMA is the first of the exciting new villages to come forward and establishes a worldclass public realm supported by finely crafted buildings to create an exceptional new London setting. It represents the first phase of development for the Earls Court project. Situated mainly within RBKC (approx. 60% is located in RBKC with the remaining 40% in LBHF) and adjacent to both Earls Court underground station and West Brompton underground and overground stations ECV will set the benchmark for quality for the remainder of the site. The submission is made up of 8 Development Plots within which mansion blocks, apartment buildings, townhouses and feature buildings sit. The village has been designed with two main entrances, one from Warwick Road and the second from Old Brompton Road in the full course of time. It encompasses two main civic squares Exhibition Square and West Brompton Square together with the southern portion of the Lost River Park and a series of private garden squares. It also encompasses the start of the High Street which, when complete will provide a key link between Warwick Road in the east to North End Road in the west. The first section of the High Street in the EC RMA s will provide a mix of retail and food and beverage. Fig 3.1.1: View of the Circus Creating a busy, diverse and vibrant place at the outset is a key objective of the RMA design. The Client required the EC RMA Applications to develop the spirit and parameters of the masterplan into detailed design proposals that bring to life the areas of Earls Court they describe through landscape design, public realm and architectural proposals. Fig 3.1.2: View of the Lost River Park 10 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

12 3.0 Context 3.2 The Masterplan Farrells proposals for Earls Court are based on the belief that urban developments should blend in with existing urban setting and become thriving, vibrant neighbourhoods in their own rights. The masterplan design proposes the transformation of the Earls Court & West Kensington Opportunity Area into a new urban district. Inspired by the best characteristics of London, the masterplan will provide sustainable urban living comprising new homes, offices, hotels, work space, education and community facilities, and a new destination for leisure and culture. The masterplan concept strives to create a place that: Transforms largely under-used land in central west London into a vibrant new district that is a beacon for sustainable living Knits into the existing urban grain by integrating with existing communities Improves connectivity and permeability throughout the site Provides a series of accessible open spaces that are productive, sustainable and have many uses Includes the best elements of London and improves them ( London Plus ) Introduces a new metropolitan front door to the capital Has a timeless beauty that delights and inspires Promotes neighbourly values The design philosophy has been to capture the best of London, with each village having its own personality and style. The proposals include a range of open spaces, squares and gardens with play areas for children of all ages, typical of this sophisticated part of the city. West Kensington Village Earls Court Village North End Village West Brompton Village Fig 3.2.1: The four villages and key connecting streets and green links Fig 3.2.2: Illustrative Masterplan showing 4 Villages and a High Street Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

13 3.0 Context 3.3 Parameters Plans The parameter plans provided parameter based information related to the layout and scale of the development. The plans show how the siting of development plots, routes and open spaces will be provided and situated. They describe the geometry of the development plots, routes and open spaces according to defined limits if deviation. All building designs in Volume 2 are broadly in accordance with the Parameter Plans. 3.4 Design Guidelines The Design Guidelines provided a manual for the design of the Earls Court site and comprises of both written and diagrammatic instructions. The instructions build on the Parameter Plans and provide the next layer of design guidance. The Design Guidelines were created to ensure a holistic approach to place making and a consistent approach to the building design throughout all phases of development. These guidelines set the design context which volume 2 describes in more detail. For further details on how the designs respond to the Design Guidelines, please refer to the Design Guidelines compliance matrix in Volume 5. Top Setback Shoulder Height Middle Visible Height Base Legend The Top Shoulder Height EC RMA Maximum Parameters Earls Court Masterplan The Middle Character datum line The Base Maximum Plot Envelope Maximum Deviation Fig 3.4.1: Illustrative 3D View Shoulder Height Set-backs and Visible Height Fig D Maximum Parameter Heights for EC RMA 12 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

14 +106.1m AOD 3.0 Context 10 storey West Kensington Estate towers North End Road 10 storey West Kensington Estate +32.9m AOD towers North +5.8mEnd Road AOD +5.8m AOD +3.9m AOD +32.9m AOD +3.9m AOD West Kensington Estate West Kensington Estate Empress State Building m AOD Empress State Building +3.5m AOD +3.5m AOD 3.5 The Site CLEAR CHANNEL The RMA redline has an area of approximately 6.5ha within the masterplan site. This includes the area currently taken up by the buildings EC1 and EC2 as well as a large part of the West London Line. WEST CROMWELL ROAD EARLS COURT STATION ASHFIELD HOUSE North Concise contextual information and masterplan Road End Pub & Existing site Buildings background +16m AOD analysis can be located District District +41.7m AOD in Section Line Line Depot 2.4 of the June 2011 Design and Access Statement. West Kensington Site Levels Station +8.5m AOD North +5.2mEnd Pub & Existing Road AOD Buildings +16m AOD +0.4m AOD West Kensington Station +8.5m AOD +5.2m AOD The existing levels across the site vary dramatically from +3m AOD +4.2m AODto +12m AOD due to +4.0m the lower +0.4m AOD +0.9m +2.5m AOD AOD AOD lying area towards the west and the deck installed to support the existing Earls Court Exhibition buildings. The +12m AOD level deck ensures sufficient clearance of the West London Line (WLL) running under the EC2 building. Further complicating the section, are the railway cuttings running below the +3m AOD. The annotated sections below provide further information. +4.2m AOD Ashfield House +41.7m AOD Ashfield House District Line +0.9m AOD District +4.0m Line+2.5m Depot AOD AOD Philbeach Gardens +5.7m AOD Philbeach Gardens +5.7m AOD WEST KENSINGTON STATION NORTH END ROAD PHIL BEACH GARDENS ROOTSTEIN BUILDING LILLIE BRIDGE DEPOT GIBBS GREEN ESTATE EARLS COURT ONE EARLS COURT TWO WEST KENSINGTON ESTATE EMPRESS STATE WARWICK ROAD EARDLEY CRESCENT Overall Development Site ECV RMA Fig 3.5.4: Earls Court One, viewed from Warwick Road. Infrastructure North Several modes of transport infrastructure Road End Estate WLL pass through the site and provide significant constraints on Depot Private Philbeach 11 storey +35.7m West AOD Gardens Gardens future development. Including the following rail lines. North End Road +3.8m AOD West London Line railway tracks at grade District Line tracks to Kensington Olympia District Line tracks to Ealing Broadway +3.8m AOD Piccadilly line 11 storey West Kensington Estate West towers Kensington Kensington Estate towers +4.2m AOD +35.7m AOD +4.2m AOD West Kensington Estate +4.0m AODepot +4.0m AOD WLL +2.5m AOD Piccadilly Line +9.0m Piccadilly AODLine Private Philbeach Gardens Gardens District Line +9.0m +2.5m AOD AOD District Line WEST BROMPTON STATION KIDDI CARU THE MET COLLECTION LILLIE ROAD Fig 3.5.2: The existing site and EC RMA Boundaries overlaid Fig 3.5.5: Lillie Bridge Depot and Earls Court Two Exhibition Centre Earls Court Station District Line +7.6m AOD District Line Earls Court Station +7.6m AOD Transfer Beams Transfer Beams +64.5m AOD height at ridge Earls Court One +64.5m AOD height at ridge +12m AOD Earls Court One +12m AOD +12m AOD to achieve clearance over mainline +43.3m AOD Earls Court +12m AOD to achieve Two clearance over mainline +43.3m AOD Earls Court Two m AOD Empress State Building m AOD Empress +12m State AOD end Building of deck +12m AOD end of deck +3.7m AOD West Kensington Estate West Kensington Estate 10 storey West Kensington Estate towers 3 storey existing street edge 10 storey West buildings Kensington Estate towers North End Road 3 storey existing street edge +32.9m AOD buildings WEST KENSINGTON +32.9m AOD North End Road +5.5m AOD EARLS COURT Fig 3.5.6: Warwick Road +3.7m AOD +5.5m AOD West London line running north under EC2 West Kensington Estate sits in hollow at minimum of +3.0m AOD Slope up to road edge West London line running north under EC2 West Kensington Estate sits in hollow at minimum of +3.0m AOD Slope up to road edge West Cromwell Road District Line West Cromwell +6.5m Road AOD +6.5m AOD District Line Ashfield House +41.7m AOD Ashfield House +41.7m AOD +1.5m AOD LUL Depot LUL Depot +17.0m AOD +17.0m AOD +9.7m AOD WLL +12m AOD to achieve clearance over mainline +12m AOD to achieve +9.7m AOD WLL clearance over mainline +64.5m AOD Earls Court Two +64.5m AOD Earls Court Two Earls Court One Earls Court One Bus stand +3.2m AOD Bus stand Lillie Road Hotel Lily Hotel Lily +4.1m Lillie AOD Road WEST BROMPTON +1.5m AOD West London line running north under EC2 +3.2m AOD +4.1m AOD Fig 3.5.1: Sections Through Existing Site Fig 3.5.3: Plan of train lines through the site Fig 3.5.7: West London Line - Railway Corridor West London line running north under EC2 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

15 4.0 Evolution Since the Outline Applications were submitted, the EC RMA site has evolved in a number of ways: 4.1 West Brompton Square As the gateway to the Lost River Park, Counter s Place has become West Brompton Square. Creating a public entrance square, framing the gateway of the Lost River Park to the south and extending to the southern side of Lillie Road. The square is framed by two flanking buildings perpendicular to Lillie Road, creating a set piece which encloses the square and announces the entrance to Empress Crescent. West Brompton Square is a London Square with mature trees, a welcoming central grassed area, surrounded by planting and water features and with space for sitting out and occasional events. The detailed scheme for West Brompton Square, as noted previously, is being brought forward as a separate application to this RMA (Refer to the West Brompton Village DAS in Volume 7 for further information). Outline Planning Permission Scheme WEST BROMPTON SQUARE Fig 4.1.1: Sir Terry Farrell Sketch of West Brompton Square Proposed Scheme Fig 4.1.2: Sir Terry Farrell Sketch of West Brompton Square Fig : West Brompton Square Evolution 14 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

16 4.0 Evolution 4.2 Lost River Park The design of the Lost River Park has been developed from the outline by engaging with UK based landscape designers to create a space along the lines of a series of rooms, transitioning from a more formal space in the South to a more natural captured landscape in the North. Ecology, play and mature tree planting are a common theme throughout. The design evolution has seen the introduction of a meandering central route through the park providing improved connectivity with West Brompton Square; passing through a series of formal and less formal events giving the park variety. A clear hierarchy of routes and spaces has been introduced providing easy access to both retail and residential entrances fronting the Park. The character of the uses to the edges of the Park has evolved in places; with the introduction of additional ground floor retail uses in the Southern Garden Square, south of the High Street. The intersection of the Lost River Park and the High Street has evolved, creating a central focal point, framed by buildings on all corners as a nodal public square. THE LOST RIVER PARK The spaces which were previously adjacent to the Lost River Park, namely the two Garden Squares, were designed as private spaces. These areas have now been integrated into the Lost River Park increasing its area and making the additional space available for the public. Outline Planning Permission Scheme Detailed Scheme Fig 4.2.1: Sir Terry Farrell Sketch of The Lost River Park Fig 4.2.2: The Lost River Park Evolution Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

17 4.0 Evolution 4.3 Garden Squares Initially the Garden Square massing in the Outline Masterplan was developed into a pair of L-shaped buildings that framed a residential garden square. This superblock was then transformed into a cluster of mansion blocks. Each block was then split into three buildings which consisted of 2 L-shaped Park mansions adjacent to the Lost River Park. A smaller residential courtyard acts as a threshold between the garden square and the residential drop off courtyard. These spaces provide lawns, attractive planting and contemplative spaces for both the public visitors and the residents. The set piece frames a series of courtyard spaces, mirroring the southern side of the High Street. The Northern Garden Square has evolved to become more of an integral part of the Lost River Park, providing a transition to the more informal gardens of the Lost River Park North. It s private courtyard provides residential entrances and access to the basement car parking. NORTHERN GARDEN SQUARE Southern Garden Square has evolved to include retail use along its edges, in close proximity to the High Street. This introduces the concept of dining in the park integrating café and restaurant spill out space adjacent to the public realm. B R O A D W A Y L O S T R I V E R P A R K B R O A D W A Y L O S T R I V E R P A R K SOUTHERN GARDEN SQUARE S U P E R B L O C K S M A N S I O N B L O C K S Outline Planning Permission Scheme Detailed Scheme - LOW PERMEABILITY - FRAGMENTED SPATIAL HIERARCHY - LONG CONTINUOUS FACADES - 20 CORNER APARTMENTS - HIGH PERMEABILITY - CLEAR SPATIAL HIERARCHY - MORE PERIMETER / WINDOWS - 35 CORNER APARTMENTS Fig Permeability of Garden Squares Fig Garden Square Evolution 16 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

18 4.0 Evolution 4.4 Residential Courtyards to WV04 & WV06 The design for the private residential courtyards has evolved following detailed consideration of the underlying site constraints. This pair of courtyards have become more formal in design providing usable and adaptive spaces for residential amenity and play whilst also contributing an attractive visual amenity to the residential units above. Outline Planning Permission Scheme RESIDENTIAL COURTYARDS Detailed Scheme Fig Previous Concept Design Fig Residential Courtyard Evolution Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

19 5.0 Places 5.1 Earls Court A key objective and principle of the masterplan is its integration; the knitting of the new development into the existing West London urban structure, street pattern, public realm and building typologies. The RMA Site serves to begin this process and integrates into the West London grain as well as linking Earls Court and West Brompton tube stations. By engaging with the edges, the development makes an early statement for social cohesion, benefits the local people, inherits character and creates recognisable places in the initial stages of the masterplan. Both entry points to the RMA will be signified by the creation of significant areas of public space, at West Brompton Square and in time, Exhibition Square. The Earls Court RMA has been developed around the concept of Place creation. Place creation requires an integrated approach to the design of buildings and landscape. Visitors to the scheme will be drawn by the design of the landscape and the various building uses that support this. The building architecture will frame these spaces and create a high quality back drop to each of the places. Volume 1 of the DAS sets the scheme in context through describing these places, where as Volume 2 looks more specifically at the buildings that make up each place. The High Street The High Street is a new street providing a much-needed new east-west connection through the site. It will link North End Road on the west of the site with Earls Court Station on the east of the site. This street will be the active heart of the overall Masterplan providing cultural, community, retail, commercial and recreational facilities. The High Street passes through North End Village and Earls Court Village and intersects the Broadway and Lost River Park. The first stretch of the High Street is to be created with the RMA site. It will become a destination which will integrate with the existing context as well as providing a strong base for future phases. The majority of this street will be accessible by vehicles; however the focus of the street will be on pedestrian activity. There will be a small section of the street which is only accessible to pedestrians with the aim of reducing the impact of new vehicular connections onto Warwick Road. Cohesive Public Realm Life within a space, the environmental conditions and the architectural quality all support and complement each other to create a total impression - a place where we want to stop, to be, to live. An integrated and cohesive public realm is comprised of spaces which people inhabit and enjoy, places which are attractive, safe, uncluttered, work effectively and are inclusive for all. A driving ambition of the EC RMA Design is to promote a legible and cohesive development through a hierarchy of streets and spaces which provide recognisable routes, places and landmarks that help people find their way around. The landscape design proposals for EC RMA will create an exciting new vision and a legacy of positive change for this area of London. The external landscape creates places to explore and discover, relax and play inspiring and enabling sustainable lifestyles for resident and visitors alike. This project will help reconnect people with nature by creating a new urban landscape for this London community. The public realm has been designed to provide a unified space through the development. The carefully selected palette of hard materials, street furniture, lighting and planting have been designed to enhance and highlight the different character areas to create a rich tapestry of connecting streets and spaces for people to explore and enjoy. Fig 5.1.2: RMA Landscape Proposal 18 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

20 Places LOST RIVER PARK NORTH THE CRESCENTS BROADWAY BUILDINGS THE CIRCUS LOST RIVER PARK SOUTH WEST BROMPTON VILLAGE THE HIGH STREET Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

21 5.0 Places 5.2 West Brompton Village West Brompton Village will form the southern gateway to the EC RMA and will be the first part of the masterplan to be realised. The space fronting Old Brompton Road and West Brompton underground station, lies at the confluence of the Lost River Park and Empress Crescent. West Brompton Vilage is the first view visitors and residents will have of the Earls Court scheme, from the underground station and Lillie Road; it represents the beginning of the Lost River Park and the future Earls Court Development. A distinctive,site specific, prominent art work will be commissioned for the central lawn, creating a landmark in the space. The landscape design proposals for West Brompton Village will create an exciting new vision and a legacy of positive change for this area of London. Drawing on the masterplan, the landscape proposals have been developed by a collaborative team of top international garden designers and landscape architects to create a diverse public realm and landscape design that seamlessly links to exisitng and proposed network of open spaces, beautiful parkland and spaces for nature. The design will create a major new London public square that integrates a coherent framework of buildings with rich landscaping, animated by active uses. The qualities of the of the square reflect its immediate context: quieter, informal, more residential and greener character than that proposed at the more civic space at Earls Court on Warwick Road. The square is conceived as a neighbourhood centre for West Brompton Village. Small-scale local shops, restaurants and cafes animate the frontages to the Square itself and to the Old Brompton Road. Generous terrace areas to the sunnier north east of the space provide the opportunity for external cafe seating or small scale market uses. Fig 5.2.2: West Brompton Square Fig 5.2.1: Sir Terry Farrell Concept Sketch Plan of West Brompton Village Fig 5.2.3: Sir Terry Farrells Concept Elevation of West Brompton Village 20 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

22 Fig 5.2.4: Creating Place: West Brompton Village Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

23 5.0 Places 5.3 The Lost River Park South The Lost River Park traces the historic alignment of Counter s Creek providing an abundance of green above what is today the West London Line. Organised as a series of urban gardens, the linear green space provides generous public realm for residents and visitors alike and has been designed as a new park for London which flows from the proposed West Brompton Village northwards. A series of wide steps and associated ramps will lead residents and the general public further into the southern section of the park from its entrance of West Brompton Square. Inspired by the course of the Lost River (Counter s Creek) the park here forms an attractive gently meandering open space. A series of long lawns and low clipped yew hedges will wind through the park. The planted beds will be framed by hedges and provide a backdrop of ornamental grasses and perennials for year round colour and interest. The park is punctuated by a variety of tree species set in attractive and naturally spaced groups. Unified by their creative planting and wealth of trees, the interconnected spaces support different characters and functions and the Lost River Park South and its defining buildings have been designed to support al fresco eating and the dining in the park concept. Located adjacent to restaurants and smaller local shops the spaces allow one to pause and to sit, eat and drink with friends or simply take time out to enjoy the setting and its exceptional landscaping. The gardens play an important role in the development creating one of the first public realm settings; establishing not only a standard and quality for the whole development but inaugurating the vision for Earls Court. The proposed buildings have a strong spatial relationship with each other and together they bracket a very distinct garden and public room between them. With the concept of these rooms and visual connection to the Lost River park established, a design solution has been developed which works coherently on either side of the park, both in scale and in materiality. Fig 5.3.2: Lost River Park South: Retail and Dining Fig 5.3.1: Sir Terry Farrell Concept Sketch: Lost River Park South Fig 5.3.3: Dining In The Park 22 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

24 Fig. 1.1 Park Mansions at Lost River Park Fig 5.3.4: Creating Place: Lost River Park South Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

25 5.0 Places 5.4 The Lost River Park North This part of the Lost River Park shares in the attributes and philosophy of its southern neighbour but is distinct in its landscape and character. The space is more serene in nature being flanked by residential homes and the green space is layered with private gardens adjacent to the residential properties. These in turn contribute to the abundance of green sharing visual amenity. The containment of the space is created by buildings of some stature, with the eastern frontages stepping up in scale from West Brompton Village to the south and their layered facades including balconies that afford spectacular views over the green space. At ground level the public spaces are welcoming encouraging people to relax on the expanses of grass or pause on one of the many benches or integrated seats provided. An important transition occurs at this point with a contemporary language of walls, hedges, railings and trees drawn from the London square aesthetic blending eastwards and northwards to a more relaxed landscape capturing gentle rolling mounds, less structured planting and softer tree silhouettes. These areas support naturalistic play environments which blend with the more agrestic landscape. The fluidity of the planting and three dimensional form of the groundscape encourages inquisitive young minds to explore and play whilst more structured play environments cater for older children, near the culmination of the northern crescent. This theme of landscaping is then continued northwards towards West Cromwell Road in the later phases of development. Fig 5.3.2: Lost River Park North Fig 5.3.1: Sir Terry Farrell Concept Sketch: Lost River Park North Fig 5.3.3: Residential Amenity 24 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

26 Fig. 1.2 Park Mansion Courtyards Fig 5.4.4: Creating Place: Lost River Park North Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

27 5.0 Places 5.5 The Crescents The considered design of the Crescent buildings demonstrate the concerted effort to reflect the proportions of the adjacent townhouses, both in the width of the bays as well as the horizontal datum, and visually extend the urban fabric of the existing crescents into the new forms. The Crescent buildings follow the arc of the masterplan defined by the railway infrastructure that runs beneath the site. These buildings share frontage on a primary circulation route from Warwick Road to West Brompton Square, with the four storey townhouses of WV02 and WV05 that weave the masterplan into the existing context. These buildings provide the critical transition from the small-scale individual terraces to the larger mansion block typology deeper within the masterplan and define the character of this Place. At the same time the Crescents maintain the important character and feeling of a residential terrace with a hierarchy of private and shared entrances activating the peaceful residential street. The radial grain of the townhouses fabric is carried into the modular bay of the Crescent and the height echoed in the façade articulation. The public realm, like the building forms, draws heavily from its Kensington setting and the crescents capture the best elements of London s finest streetscapes. Mature trees create containment, verticality and rhythm, providing an order to the curved progression from the hard space to the east to the two softer greener spaces to the north and south. High quality materials and sensitive integration of car parking will create a characterful pedestrian environment appealing to visitors and residents alike. Fig 5.5.2: View along the new Cresent Fig 5.5.1: View from Empress Crescent from West Brompton Fig 5.5.3: Creating Place with a residential crescent 26 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

28 Fig 5.5.4: Creating Place: The Crescents Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

29 5.0 Places 5.6 The Circus The Circus buildings form the primary frontage of the masterplan due to their prominent location facing Development Parcel WV03 behind Exhibition Square and Earls Court London Underground Station. The dynamic curving shape, acknowledging the history of the site, makes it one of the most distinct features of the development while its symmetrical façade draws people to the High Street and the heart of the development. The Circus acts as a gateway into the rest of the masterplan with flanking retail units at ground creating a threshold to the High Street beyond. The civic scale of the open space in front is reflected in the architecture, creating a more formal and elegant entry into the development. As the first of three primary nodes working west through the masterplan, the Circus buildings strategically transitions from the more public character of Warwick Road to the residential neighbourhoods beyond. The buildings comply with the massing envelope set by the Masterplan Guidelines and the approved Parameter Plans, including setback at upper floors and the dynamic curve towards the adjacent parcel and Exhibition Square. The Circus buildings evoke the curve of the EC1 building that occupies the site and have been articulated to be screen-like with a more planar expression. The Circus acts as a gateway into the rest of the masterplan with flanking retail units at ground creating a threshold to the High Street beyond. Fig 5.6.2: View across the Circus Fig 5.6.1: View from Empress Crescent from West Brompton Fig 5.6.3: Precedents: Creating a Place with a Circus Fig 5.6.4: Precedents: Covent Garden 28 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

30 Fig 5.6.5: Creating Place: The Circus Fig. 4.1 Plot WV04 and WV06 Ground Floor Uses as per Design Guidelines Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

31 5.0 Places 5.7 The High Street The mixed use character of the High Street creates an exciting commercial energy that draws people through Circus gateway. The scale reduces from the Circus to focus on the pedestrian experience and the combination of coloured brick and different retail facades create a more intimate village feel along the street. The character, containment and materiality has been carefully controlled and varied so that the High Street, whilst providing a singular east west connection, delivers an evolving experience. Spatially, buildings approach and retreat to create intimacy and spectacular longer distance views as the route responds and relates to breaks in buildings, private courtyards and junctions with north/ south routes. Anchor components and vertical massing at either end of the High Street frame a calm residential façade set back above the more lively base and accentuate the retail activity along the street. The setback and framing all emphasize a different and more intimate spatial experience within the sequence of public spaces across the masterplan and reinforce the quality of a special exterior room which generates an enlivening buzz for the neighbourhood. This is especially noticeable at the juncture of the High Street and the Lost River Park where two strategic features of the plan meet. A plaza is created at this point, with the abundant green suppressed momentarily to create a node in the public realm. Akin to Seven Dials in Covent Garden a central sculpture focuses the space and reinforces its pedestrian nature slowing and diverting the cars and continuing its high quality paving throughout. In addition to being the primary east-west connection across the site, the High Street buildings promote a mix of primarily retail uses and offers a very different spatial experience within the sequence of public spaces across the site. The buildings form the backdrop of the High street as an important place within the Masterplan. Fig 5.7.2: View along the High Street Fig 5.7.1: Sir Terry Farrell sketch of the High Street through the heart of Earls Court Fig 5.7.3: Precedents: animated ground place with residential above 30 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

32 Fig 5.7.4: Creating Place: The High Street Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

33 5.0 Places 5.8 Broadway Buildings The Broadway buildings are characterized as high density and urbane. The buildings themselves are a response to their position at the intersection of the key north-south and key east west axis of the masterplan and are designed to establish a civic character. The elevations along Broadway has been carefully considered with respect to the sloping ground plane and activation of the street level whilst maintaining the character of this part of the masterplan as a Place. They are also important components in the transitions of scale between the existing fabric at Lillie Road and the tall building cluster which is anchored by the Empress place building. The tallest of these transition buildings, the paired feature buildings of BW05 and BW07 form a gateway into the development from the west in the short term, balancing out the circus buildings to the east, however, they have also been designed for the eventual completion of the High Street and the Broadway in the longer term. By extending the key materials and articulation of the feature from the top to the ground, the entire building becomes the point of reference and spatial orientation is magnified from distant views at pedestrian level as well. The feature buildings are of a different typology and character to the Mansion blocks, they form vertical towers located at the intersection of the masterplan s busiest thoroughfares and is identified as an urban node. With the increased urban character, the use of stone as a more civic material clearly marks this junction of the High Street and acts as a point of reference within the masterplan. Fig 5.8.2: View along the new Cresent Fig 5.8.1: View of the Broadway Feature Buildings Fig 5.8.3: Residential Precedent Fig 5.8.4: Broadway Building Elevation 32 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013

34 Fig 5.8.5: Creating Place: The Broadway Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November

35 34 Earls Court Project Reserved Matters Application Design and Access Statement - Volume 1 November 2013