Olympia, one of London's most storied exhibition venues, is entering a new era as a £1.3 billion redevelopment transforms the 140-year-old site into a vibrant cultural quarter. This summer, the venue unveils a mix of rooftop dining, immersive art, and live performances, positioning itself as a key player in West London's leisure and tourism landscape.
A new cultural anchor for West London
At the heart of the transformation is the British Airways ARC, a 3,800-capacity live entertainment venue operated by AEG Presents. The space is designed to host a stellar line-up of concerts and events, with CEO Michael Volkert expressing enthusiasm for the venue's future. “Olympia has always brought people together,” Volkert said, highlighting the venue's legacy of gathering crowds for exhibitions, trade shows, and now entertainment.
The rooftop level introduces a collection of dining and drinking venues, including Bar Arriba, Wolves of Tokyo, Lillie's, and Arbour. These outlets offer a range of culinary experiences, from Mexican-inspired cocktails to Japanese cuisine, aiming to make Olympia a destination for food and socialising. The rooftop is expected to become a draw for both locals and international visitors, complementing the area's existing attractions.
Art, music, and public spaces
Beyond dining, Olympia's open spaces are being activated with immersive art installations and a programme of free live music and performances featuring emerging artists and DJs. The Square, a central public area, is designed to intersect art, play, and design, creating a dynamic environment for visitors. These cultural elements are intended to position Olympia as a hub for creative experiences, similar to other regenerated districts in London.
The redevelopment also includes two new hotels: Hyatt Regency London Olympia and citizenM London Olympia, both slated to open later this year. These properties will cater to the growing number of visitors drawn to the area for events, exhibitions, and leisure, adding much-needed accommodation capacity in West London.
Economic impact and tourism growth
Olympia's transformation is projected to inject over $720 million (£600 million) into the UK economy annually, create 7,000 jobs, and attract 10 million visitors each year. The scale of this investment underscores the venue's role in driving tourism and economic activity in the capital. As London continues to compete as a global destination, projects like Olympia are critical to maintaining its appeal.
The cultural programming at Olympia aligns with broader trends in destination development, where historic sites are being revitalised to meet modern visitor expectations. By blending heritage with contemporary experiences, Olympia aims to attract a diverse audience, from business travellers attending MICE events to leisure tourists seeking unique cultural encounters.
For travel professionals, Olympia's redevelopment represents a significant addition to London's events and hospitality landscape. The combination of a major entertainment venue, new hotels, and curated dining options offers opportunities for agents and tour operators to package experiences. The venue's proximity to Kensington and Hammersmith also makes it a convenient base for exploring the city.
As the summer season kicks off, Olympia is set to become a testing ground for how historic venues can evolve into multifaceted destinations. With its mix of culture, commerce, and hospitality, it may serve as a model for other cities looking to leverage tourism as a core economic driver. The success of this project will be closely watched by industry stakeholders.
For now, visitors can expect a lively atmosphere, with the British Airways ARC hosting its first performances and the rooftop venues welcoming guests. The full impact of the redevelopment will unfold over the coming months, but early signs suggest Olympia is well on its way to becoming a cultural landmark for the 21st century.
