A new 3,800-capacity music venue is set to open at London‘s iconic Olympia as part of a £1.3billion redevelopment.
The booking diary is now open for a new venue, named British Airways ARC, which is located above the existing west exhibition hall in Olympia.
Operated by AEG Presents UK, the venue is due to open next year, while a 1,575-seat theatre is set to open in 2027.
The redevelopment will also include 30 new bars, restaurants and eateries, two hotels and 550,000 sq ft of office space.
Plans were first approved by Hammersmith and Fulham Council in 2019, but the project has faced delays, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Located in West Kensington, between Shepard’s Bush and Earl’s Court, the centre was originally built as an events and exhibitions venue almost 140 years ago.
The site is steeped in a rich musical history, with artists including Jimi Hendrix, Sir Rod Stewart, Primal Scream, and The Cure having played there.
Andrew Spencer, chief operating officer at AEG Presents Europe, said: ‘This is a pivotal moment as we open the diary for bookings and reveal the name of British Airways ARC.
A new 3,800-capacity music venue is set to open at London’s iconic Olympia as part of a £1.3billion redevelopment (CGI image)
The booking diary is now open for a new venue, named British Airways ARC, which is located above the existing west exhibition hall in Olympia (CGI image)
Plans were first approved by Hammersmith and Fulham Council in 2019, but the project has faced delays, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic
‘Olympia is a place that has an incredible musical history which we want to honour whilst creating a venue that is thoroughly modern with world class facilities for artists and fans alike.’
British Airways’ chief customer officer, Calum Laming, said: ‘We’re incredibly proud to champion British originality in everything we do, so we’re thrilled to be building on our further support for the arts and culture scene on our doorstep here in our hometown, London.
‘Together with AEG Presents UK, not only are we creating unique experiences for audiences, we’re also helping shine a spotlight on the next generation of talent.
‘As the flag carrier for the UK, it’s important to us that we represent modern Britain at home and all around the world, and we’re so excited to be a part of Olympia to showcase the very best homegrown and international entertainment.’
Michael Volkert, CEO of Olympia Estates, said: ‘This new partnership with British Airways is testament to Olympia’s heritage, and to its future.
‘For the last 140 years, Olympia has played a massive part in Britain’s cultural life, from welcoming one of the very first cinema screenings in the country to hosting performances from the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd.
‘Now, as we inch ever closer to opening the doors of our fantastic new venues, we are delighted to be partnering with another iconic British brand to bring Londoners and visitors from all over the world the best music, premium theatre and hospitality the capital has to offer.’
