Max SteventonOlympia has announced a series of openings beginning in June following the event complex’s £1.3 billion redevelopment.
The West London site, known for its exhibition halls, is being redeveloped into a mixed-use destination including restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, public spaces and offices.
British Airways ARC, a 3,800-capacity live entertainment venue operated by AEG Presents, will open on 16 June. Self Esteem will headline the opening shows, followed by performances from McFly, Zac Brown Band, Van Morrison and Khalid later this year.
A group of restaurants and bars will open on 15 June under Olympia’s rooftop Canopy development. New venues include Bar Arriba, Wolves of Tokyo and Lillie’s, alongside food hall Arbour, which will include Fry Baby, The Rambler, Whammy Burger and Café Modo.
The openings add to the existing Pillar Hall development opposite Kensington (Olympia) station, which includes restaurant Idalia, bar Pepperbird and live events venue Upstairs at Pillar Hall, scheduled to open in the Autumn.
Olympia also confirmed that the 1,575-capacity British Airways Theatre is scheduled to open in 2027. The venue will be operated by Trafalgar Entertainment and The Shubert Organization.
Two hotels are due to open this summer: the 204-room Hyatt Regency London Olympia on 6 July and the 146-room citizenM London Olympia in early summer.
The redevelopment also includes 2.5 acres of public space, including the Canopy rooftop area, Olympia Way pedestrian route and Emberton Walk. An 83-metre digital screen known as the Canvas is expected to launch later this summer.
The venue will also host London Premier Padel P1 for the first time from 4-9 August.
Later phases of the project include One Olympia, a 550,000 sq ft office building that will house Premier League Studios, an international convention centre and private members’ venue The Addison.
Olympia said the completed development is expected to contribute more than £600 million annually to the UK economy, generate 7,000 jobs and attract 10 million visitors each year.
Olympia Estates CEO Michael Volkert said, “This series of summer openings marks the beginning of a new chapter for Olympia, highlighting its evolution into a destination for culture, entertainment and hospitality.”