On the eve of the IGE/ATEI shows at Earls Court, the venue has been sold to developers. News was released to the media yesterday that the location's owners had placed Earls Court's future in doubt as an exhibition venue.
Earls Court and its neighbouring venue, Olympia, form part of a 70-acre piece of real estate in a prime location in London. The land is owned by Transport for London and Hammersmith and Fulham Council with Capital and Counties, part of Liberty International. The latter organisation has bought up the entire site with a view to developing housing.
Capital and Counties (Capco) envisages a large-scale residential development with up to 8,000 new homes. A spokesman for Capco said: "We are presently exploring the option of an enhancement of our world-class exhibition centre at Olympia rather than replacing the current exhibition centre at Earls Court."
It is not expected that any development will take place on the site until after the 2012 Olympics, when Earls Court will host the volleyball competition.
