017 - Reimagining Earls Court: Culture, Creativity and Community with Tom Branton

What does it mean to reimagine a place as complex and stories as Earls Court?In this episode of Talking Place, Tanisha Raffiuddin speaks with Tom Branton, Development Director at the Earls Court Development Company, about the ambitious transformation of the former exhibition centre site and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Together, they unpack how culture, creativity, and community engagement are being woven into the masterplan to create a vibrant, inclusive new district for London.In this episode, you’ll learn:- How Earls Court aims to honour its past while building trust with future residents - Why culture is central to the transformation of Earls Court- How to meaningfully involve communities in shaping long-term visions- The role of ‘wonder’ and creativity in building trust and identity in development projects- The gritty realities of large-scale development and creating long-term impact.About Our Guest:Tom Branton is the Development Director at the Earls Court Development Company, leading on the delivery of one of London’s largest and most high-profile regeneration projects. With extensive experience in complex urban development, Tom is passionate about creating places that are rooted in community, enriched by culture, and built for the future.Whether you're a developer, placemaker, urbanist, or curious Londoner - this episode is packed with insights on how cities can be reimagined with creativity, care, and community at their core.📸 Video and photography content courtesy of Earls Court Development Company🔗 Links & Mentions:Earls Court Development CompanyWebsite: https://www.earlscourt.com/Tom BrantonLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-branton-b8313226/Follow ECDC on Instagram: @earlscourtdevcoTo learn more about Tanisha – visit here:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tanishaa Website: www.conceptculture.co Twitter: @tanisha.rr Instagram: @tanisha.rrTo learn more about Talking Place – visit here:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/talking-place-podcast Website: https://www.conceptculture.co/talking-place-podcast Instagram: @talkingplacepodcast X (Twitter): @tppodcast_ Bluesky: @talkingplace TikTok: @talkingplacepodcastTo learn more about Concept Culture – visit here:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/concept-culture-uk Website: www.conceptculture.co Twitter: @_conceptculture Instagram: @_conceptcultureTimestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why Earls Court matters 05:00 – Embedding culture in regeneration 12:00 – Community engagement in practice 20:00 – Lessons from large-scale development projects 28:00 – Building trust through creativity 36:00 – The future vision for Earls CourtSupport the showTo learn more about host Tanisha Raffiuddin:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tanisharaffiuddin/Website: www.conceptculture.coInstagram: @tanisha.rrTo learn more about Talking Place:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/talking-place-podcastWebsite: www.conceptculture.co/talking-place-podcastInstagram: @talkingplacepodcastBluesky: @talkingplaceTikTok: @talkingplacepodcastTo learn more about Concept Culture:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/concept-culture-ukWebsite: www.conceptculture.coSign Up to Our Newsletter — mailchi.mp/conceptculture/newslettersignup