Venue correspondent Kristyna O’Connell sits down with Nick Graham, head of sales at Olympia Events, to discuss the £1.3bn redevelopment project set for completion in 2025 and 2026, exploring its timeline, sustainability initiatives, and vision for the venue’s future.
With a history stretching back to 1886, Olympia London is one of the UK’s most iconic exhibition and event venues. Over its 137-year history, it has hosted a diverse range of events, including trade fairs, concerts, cultural showcases, and more. The original Olympia Grand, designed by Henry Edward Coe, featured a remarkable glass and iron structure with the largest clear-span roof in Europe at the time. It has also played a key role in London’s cultural scene, hosting legendary performances by artists like Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, solidifying its place as a versatile and iconic venue. Today, the venue’s £1.3bn redevelopment project aims to transform it into a modern entertainment, culture, and community hub while preserving its architectural heritage, with a phased opening scheduled for 2025 and 2026.
The project, designed by renowned firms SPAPARC Architects and Heatherwick Studio, introduces cutting-edge concepts and talent to reimagine Olympia London as a vibrant community space. It includes a 1,500-seat theatre, a 1,000-seat performing arts venue, two hotels, 62,245 sqm of creative office space (including co-working spaces), and major upgrades to the existing exhibition and event spaces.
On track for completion
Nick Graham, head of sales at Olympia Events, shares updates on the redevelopment timeline, saying, “The conference facility, which was closed to facilitate the development, is on track to open in early Q2 2026. The rest of the site, including hotels and restaurants, will have a phased opening starting from the second half of next year.”
Overcoming the challenge of starting construction during COVID worked in the venue’s favour, as it allowed much of the noisy, disruptive demolition work to take place while the venue was closed. Graham says, “No building project is without its challenges. By using Laing O’Rourke, a tier-one contractor, we’ve kept disruption to a minimum. We’ve worked closely with our ownership group, local authorities, residents—everyone—to try and minimise impact. Our existing organisers were fantastic and worked collaboratively with us throughout the whole process.”
He continues, “An older building does come with challenges, but one of the first developments on site was a new energy centre designed to power the entire estate, including the venues, hotels, restaurants, and 550,000 square feet of office space. Despite its scale, the development seamlessly integrates with the original venue, maintaining its aesthetic while prioritising sustainability. The office spaces, for example, are being built to achieve a BREEAM Excellent standard, a highly regarded rating. Significant insulation has been added throughout, ensuring energy efficiency and minimising waste, dirt, and disruption. It’s a major project, but one that truly respects both the site’s heritage and its sustainable future.”
First bookings reflect future potential
With any project, the first booking is key. Olympia London is on schedule for completion, already booking in its first event. Speaking to Graham on the venue’s first conference booking, he says, “We’ve confirmed the British Orthopaedic Association for late 2026 and are working closely with ASM Global Europe to explore opportunities in the association market, which is critical to London’s events industry. This research-driven approach has helped us develop facilities tailored to organiser and attendee needs.”
Sustainability as a core mission
A leader in event sustainability, Olympia Events has been making strides since 2011. In 2023, the venue published its Grand Plan Report, outlining its ongoing commitment to sustainability through three pillars: environment, community, and collaboration. Graham says, “We’ve been instrumental in shaping industry standards, including writing the first ISO 20121 sustainability framework. Every event at Olympia London receives a post-event sustainability report, allowing organisers to track their progress year-on-year and make informed improvements.”
Adding to this, he says, “Our commitment extends to using local suppliers, like a nearby butcher and specialist supply chains such as London Larder, which helps us reduce our carbon footprint. Our goal is clear: to reopen in 2026 as the UK’s most sustainable venue.”
Sustainability is at the heart of the venue’s operations, and the team is committed to driving it through industry collaboration with their clients, partners, and service providers. Graham explains that they work closely with these groups to advise on reducing waste and improving processes, aligning their efforts with the venue’s sustainability reports.
He says, “For instance, we’ve showcased our recycling initiatives at client exhibitions, including the introduction of a coffee cup recycling station. This system allows liquids to be poured away while lids and cups are separated into designated tubes, making recycling far more effective. Like many companies, we’re also striving to go digital. Before COVID, our contracts generated a lot of paper waste, but we now use DocuSign for all contractual work. Across the site, we’re adopting innovative solutions to improve sustainability, such as QR codes offering site-wide information and app-based catering orders for exhibitors and room bookings. These initiatives allow users to order their catering needs with ease, reducing unnecessary waste and inefficiencies. Our goal is clear: when we reopen fully in 2026, we aim to be the most sustainable venue in the industry.”
Interest from the global market
Olympia London’s location offers unparalleled convenience, with Barons Court providing direct access to Heathrow Airport and other key transport links. Graham highlights the venue’s appeal to international audiences, saying, “London is incredibly popular in markets such as France, Germany, Spain, and North America. With on-site hotels, we provide added convenience for attendees, allowing them to enjoy the city while participating in events. Whether visiting the nearby museum quarter or exploring the West End, there’s something for everyone.”
A curated destination for modern events
London’s fragmented event landscape often poses logistical challenges for organisers and attendees. Olympia London’s redevelopment addresses this by creating a cohesive destination where dining, accommodation, and leisure facilities are all integrated into one site. This curated ecosystem ensures events extend beyond the show floor. Graham points out, “Research shows many deals in this industry are made off the show floor. By incorporating restaurants, on-site hotels, and leisure spaces, we’re creating a seamless environment for networking, collaboration, and relaxation.”
With the inclusion of two on-site hotels, Hyatt Regency and citizenM, and its proximity to London’s cultural landmarks, Olympia London is set to redefine the event experience for both domestic and international audiences. As Olympia London embarks on its £1.3bn transformation, it is redefining what a modern event venue can offer. By blending innovative spaces, integrated amenities, and a strong focus on sustainability, the redevelopment meets the needs of organisers and attendees alike. With its rich history preserved and a clear vision for the future, Olympia London is set to become a global leader in the events industry, offering a world-class destination that raises the bar for venues everywhere.
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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