[LONDON] Olympia London | Historic Venue Reinvented

[Anna Klein]

Overview​

Olympia London is undergoing a monumental £1.3 billion transformation that reimagines this historic exhibition center into a vibrant cultural, business, and entertainment hub. Situated in West Kensington, Olympia has hosted exhibitions, trade shows, and events since 1886. The redevelopment project aims to respect its storied heritage while propelling it into the future as a global destination for culture, hospitality, and the arts.

The new Olympia will feature state-of-the-art venues, hotels, theaters, and public spaces, blending historical architecture with cutting-edge design.

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Key Features​

• New Venues:
  • A new 1,575-seat theater operated by Trafalgar Entertainment.
  • A 4,400-capacity live music venue managed by AEG Presents.
  • Multiple event spaces for exhibitions, conferences, and performances.
• Hotels and Hospitality:
  • Two new luxury hotels: Hyatt Regency London Olympia and CitizenM.
• Retail and Dining:
  • Over 30 restaurants, cafes, and bars.
  • New retail spaces designed to enhance the visitor experience.
• Public Realm Enhancements:
  • Landscaped gardens and pedestrian-friendly promenades.
  • Rooftop terraces and open-air venues.
• Architecture and Design:
  • Led by global firms Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC.
  • Focus on blending the historic exhibition halls with contemporary additions.

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Timeline​

• 2017: Redevelopment plans announced
• 2019: Planning permissions granted
• 2020-2024: Construction phases
• 2025 (expected): Full completion and opening

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Urban Impact​

• Cultural Destination: Olympia London will become a new cultural quarter, attracting millions of visitors annually.
• Economic Growth: Estimated to generate £2 billion annually for the London economy.
• Job Creation: Around 3,000 new jobs during construction and 5,400 permanent jobs post-completion.
• Sustainability: Incorporating green roofs, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable materials.

The revitalization is expected to have a significant positive impact on West London’s economy and urban landscape.

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Official Links​

• Olympia London Redevelopment:
  
  https://olympia.london/our-future
• Heatherwick Studio:
  
  https://heatherwick.com/project/olympia/
• SPPARC Architecture:
  

  SPPARC

  SPPARC is a renowned London based studio of architects, designers and thinkers.

  spparcstudio.com

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YouTube Videos​

1. Olympia London: From Victorian Marvel to Modern Icon