Grosvenor's plans for the 10-acre plot are likely to comprise a mixed use-development which could include housing and employment, green space, retail and a community or cultural venue. The company currently owns 6 acres of the development site and is planning to approach Transport for London about possibly relocating Victoria Coach Station to free up the remaining plot.
The developer has been working with research institute Urban Land Institute (ULI) in the preparatory phase of the development. An advisory panel has been set up and has interviewed local residents, businesses and other stakeholders.
The next step will be a consultation called "Making Eccleston Place" which will be launched this month. It will ask local people to help create a vision for the area and have a number of pop-up events on the streets. Focus groups and exhibitions are then planned to run from October until the end of the year.
The consultation processes and research will be used to create a masterplan for the area next year. It is the aim that a planning application for the first phase of the project will be submitted by the end of 2013.
“We want to create a place that sets new standards in London for community and environmental sustainability," said Grosvenor's executive director, Giles Clarke."It is extremely rare for so much potential to exist in such a central location surrounded by the diversity and vibrancy of the neighbouring areas of Belgravia, Victoria and Pimlico.”
“The area currently under-performs for locals and visitors alike," said ULI Europe chief executive Joe Montgomery. "With good community engagement and vision, Eccleston Place could be transformed into a dynamic mixed use neighbourhood which both complements and benefits from the nearby developments at Victoria and Chelsea Barracks. Our panel has created a menu of suggestions and examples from around the world which we hope Grosvenor will find helpful”.
