London's newest tourist town in ‘forgotten' district is £1.3bn attraction with hotels, theatre and rooftop bar
Olympia London has undergone the huge renovation to turn it into a new "cultural hub," having become a forgotten district in the city.
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Olympia London is reopening some of its huge £1.3billion redevelopment this year
Credit: Olympia London
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New hotels, restaurants and bars are part of the makeover
Credit: Olympia London
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Olympia Theatre is the biggest new purpose-built theatre in 50 years
Credit: Olympia London
Known for being the home of global events including BBC Good Food Show and Comic Con as well as live music and fashion shows, the major upgrade started back in 2019.
Spread across 14 acres it will be a new "arts, entertainment and exhibition district".
Two new hotels will open on-site, including the 204-room Hyatt Regency and 146-room citizenM design hotel.
A new Music Hall with a 4,000-capacity arena will be run by AEG Presents, the second biggest live music promoter in the world behind Live Nation.
Olympia Theatre, run by Trafalgar Entertainment, is the biggest new purpose-built theatre in 50 years, with space for 1,575 people.
Another 30 restaurants and bars will open including street halls and rooftop venues, alongside a boutique gym.
And a new office space, performing arts school and pedestrianised streets are also part of the plans.
The project is being backed by Deutsche Finance International and Yoo Capital, who are funding the full £1.3billion.
The website states: "We're now looking forward to our next chapter, as we bring new life to one of the UK's most iconic heritage sites and become part of something much bigger."
Yoo Capital added: "The £1.3 billion regeneration of Olympia will create London's newest creative district: a destination for culture, education, entertainment, exhibitions, incredible offices, eateries and over two acres of public realm."
I tried the London tour that lets you make the viral TikTok doughnuts - and you can book for Easter
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Olympia London first opened in 1886
Credit: Alamy
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The huge venue is now home to more than 200 shows a year
Credit: Alamy
Parts of the renovation are opening this year, although others such as the new ICC conference space will open next year.
Olympia London first opened in 1886, following the success of Crystal Palace's Great Exhibition in 1851.
Upcoming events include London Tech Week, London Film and Comic Con and Hyper Japan Festival.
The venue also has its own train station with Kensington (Olympia) having both overground and underground services.
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The complex is known for hosting global events
Credit: Olympia London
Already open is a huge new glass canopy which launched at the end of last year and was inspired by the original exhibition halls.
Designed by Heatherwick Studio, founder Thomas Heatherwick, said: 'Olympia was once a people's palace – a place to come together and experience unusual things.
"Having lost its way over the years, we're now working to bring back its original spirit and make Olympia open and available to everyone."
In the mean time, a new "first of its kind" Titanic attraction is set to open in London.
The UK's only Guinness attraction is opening in London later this year as well.
And we've rounded up 15 attractions across the UK where you can find £1 entry tickets.
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