EC&O (Earls Court and Olympia) Venues has been given the greenlight for investment of a further £10m in improving and upgrading projects at the Olympia Exhibition and Conference venue in 2012, beginning next month.
The new investment follows last year’s redevelopment of the West Hall.
The new development projects beginning in April will run alongside the planned programme of events at the venue, according to EC&O management.
The schedule of works to the Olympia Two Building, which is due for completion in September 2012, will include:
- Enhancing the facilities in the conference centre on the third floor by adding retractable walls to the East Hall. This will offer greater flexibility to conference organisers by providing versatile space for smaller breakout sessions.
- Refurbishment of Level One and infilling the atrium on Level Two. The existing escalators and stairs between these floors will be removed to produce more effective exhibition space.
- Reconfiguration of the ground floor space to create a large traffic marshalling area within the building to help improve the working environment for organisers. This will also improve traffic conditions for local residents by taking more vehicles off the surrounding roads.
Nigel Nathan, EC&O Venues Managing Director, said: “These projects are further positive steps in helping Olympia sustain its position as world-class venue.
“In 2012, Olympia celebrates its 125th anniversary. We continue to build on is prestigious history and invest to assure its future as the industry’s favourite venue.”
Welcoming the investment, Karim Halwagi, Chief Executive of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), said the enhancements would stimulate the London event market.
“Olympia continues to be a popular and well-equipped venue and these improvements will further enhance its offer and reputation for event and conference organisers.”
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