Designed by Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC, London’s Olympia is being transformed into a vibrant cultural destination that blends heritage, creativity, and community. Once known primarily for its historic exhibition halls, the iconic London site is evolving into a dynamic neighbourhood featuring theatres, music venues, offices, hotels, restaurants, educational spaces, and public gardens. With a £1.3 billion investment, the project seeks to reconnect Olympia with the city while preserving its rich architectural legacy.
A Masterplan Rooted in Public Spirit
For more than 140 years, Olympia has served as a stage for commerce, culture, and innovation. Inspired by the venue’s original mission of bringing the wonders of the age to the public, the new masterplan prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity. A major transformation includes the creation of an underground logistics hub, freeing Olympia Way from vehicle congestion and turning it into a welcoming pedestrian-focused avenue.
This renewed public realm opens the site to visitors beyond event attendees, ensuring Olympia becomes a destination for everyone.
Elevated Streets, Gardens, and Panoramic Views
At the heart of the redevelopment by Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC is a dramatic rooftop route connecting streets, squares, and landscaped terraces above the historic exhibition halls. Visitors ascend through escalators and stairways to discover a lively elevated promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and green spaces. Sheltering this social hub is a striking curved glass canopy composed of 520 panels, inspired by the vaulted roofs of Olympia’s historic halls.
The structure creates a contemporary architectural identity while respectfully complementing the site’s Victorian heritage.
Contemporary Architecture Inspired by Historic Character
Rather than replicating Olympia’s Victorian architecture, the new buildings reinterpret its defining qualities like light, texture, rhythm, and depth. Heatherwick Studio drew inspiration from the Great Hall’s distinctive pleated glass roof, incorporating similar patterns into the canopy and key buildings such as the British Airways Theatre, citizenM hotel, and Olympia Central offices. The stepped design of Olympia Central reduces its visual impact while creating expansive outdoor terraces with sweeping city views.
Together with new additions including the British Airways Theatre, ARC music venue, Hyatt Regency hotel, and Wetherby Pembridge school, Olympia is set to welcome an estimated 10 million visitors annually, establishing itself as one of London’s most significant new cultural districts.
Image Credit: Heatherwick Studio
