Historic London venue Earls Court is set to be demolished as part of a proposed rejuvenation of the surrounding area.
Build in 1937, Earls Court is one of London's most iconic venues. Part of the 1948 Olympic Games ceremony, it has hosted countless historic shows across the decades. Used as a base for the BRIT Awards until 2011, the venue also played a part in last year's Olympic Games.
All that, though, could soon be history. Mayor of London Boris Johnson has approved orders to demolish the venue, making way for four 'villages"'and a 'high street' – creating 7,500 high-end homes and thousands of jobs, it's estimated that work on the project will take some 20 years to complete.
Reported by Music Week this morning (July 4th) the decision has caused immediate uproar. The BBC reports that Boris Johnson was "acutely aware of the concerns" raised by residents, but added: "I'm in no doubt that the development will provide a massive boost not just to this part of the capital, but to London's wider economy as well."
Labour London Assembly Member Tom Copley said on Twitter: "Very disappointed but not at all surprised that the Mayor has approved demolition of Earls Court Exhibition Centre… An appalling decision."
According to figures obtained by Music Week, Earls Court currently brings in more than £1billion of revenue and protects more than 1000 jobs.
So what's your opinion? Sad to see it go?
Leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Get the best of Clash on your iPhone – download the app here
