The plans to transform London Olympia from an exhibition centre to an arts, entertainment, events and creative business quarter has just won planning approval.. The 132-year-old architectural landmark has been due for a refresh and award-winning practices Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC have been collaborating on a striking design that will turn the venue into a unique cultural hub for the London capital.
The large-scale project will consist of two hotels and several restaurants, a 1,000-seat performing arts venue and a separate theatre, a cinema, and state-of-the-art office space – ensuring there's something for everybody. The scheme will also create a striking 2.5 acres of new public space.
The project is led by celebrated practices Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC
‘We’re excited to have the opportunity to work on this important but neglected piece of historic London, transforming Olympia into a revitalised place, not only for exhibitions but also for arts, culture, and entertainment’, says Thomas Heatherwick. ‘Celebrating the original architectural innovation of the 132-year old exhibition halls, our vision aims to enhance the public experience of the site by creating over two acres of new publicly-accessible space for visitors and the local community to enjoy.'
Meanwhile SPARCC principle Trevor Morriss has highlighted how inspiring the project's context and rich history has been to the team, during the design process. ‘[The scheme] will position Olympia London as a thriving hub for creativity and innovation', he adds.
The ambitious plan is set to begin next year, with the first tenants scheduled to start moving in by 2023.
The transformation is set to begin next year
The large-scale project will include leading hotels and restaurants, performance venues and state-of-the-art office space
The complex will also include a striking sky garden at the top
INFORMATION
For more information visit the website of Heatherwick Studio and the website of SPPARC
-
At last: a London hotel that’s great for groups and extended staysThe July London Victoria, a new aparthotel concept just steps away from one of the city's busiest rail stations, is perfect for weekends and long-term visits alike
-
Three new smartwatches showcase new frontiers in affordable timepiece designLong may you run: smartwatches from Withit, Kospet and OnePlus favour function and value above all else, demonstrating just how much the smartwatch has evolved in recent years
-
Debuts, dandies, Demi Moore: 25 fashion moments that defined 2025 in style2025 was a watershed year in fashion. As selected by the Wallpaper* style team, here are the 25 moments that defined the zeitgeist
-
Arbour House is a north London home that lies low but punches highArbour House by Andrei Saltykov is a low-lying Crouch End home with a striking roof structure that sets it apart
-
A former agricultural building is transformed into a minimal rural home by Bindloss DawesZero-carbon design meets adaptive re-use in the Tractor Shed, a stripped-back house in a country village by Somerset architects Bindloss Dawes
-
RIBA House of the Year 2025 is a ‘rare mixture of sensitivity and boldness’Topping the list of seven shortlisted homes, Izat Arundell’s Hebridean self-build – named Caochan na Creige – is announced as the RIBA House of the Year 2025
-
In addition to brutalist buildings, Alison Smithson designed some of the most creative Christmas cards we've seenThe architect’s collection of season’s greetings is on show at the Roca London Gallery, just in time for the holidays
-
In South Wales, a remote coastal farmhouse flaunts its modern revamp, primed for hostingA farmhouse perched on the Gower Peninsula, Delfyd Farm reveals its ground-floor refresh by architecture studio Rural Office, which created a cosy home with breathtaking views
-
A revived public space in Aberdeen is named Scotland’s building of the yearAberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens by Stallan-Brand Architecture + Design and LDA Design wins the 2025 Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award
-
The Architecture Edit: Wallpaper’s houses of the monthFrom wineries-turned-music studios to fire-resistant holiday homes, these are the properties that have most impressed the Wallpaper* editors this month
-
A refreshed 1950s apartment in East London allows for moments of discoveryWith this 1950s apartment redesign, London-based architects Studio Naama wanted to create a residence which reflects the fun and individual nature of the clients
