Olympia’s newly-redeveloped West Hall has officially opened in time for the London International Horse Show, 13 December.
The redeveloped West Hall is a two-storey, 8,361sqm event facility, now with an extra floor and links to the Grand Hall and Olympia Two behind the restored fascade. The improvements are part of a £20m investment in Olympia by EC&O’s parent company, Capital & Counties (Capco). The old Earls Court exhibition halls, however, are still being set for demolition post-London 2012.
Nigel Nathan, EC&O Venues Managing Director said: “Our vision for Olympia respects the fabric of this historic building whilst also making the internal space easier to access and more flexible for organisers to use. These enhancements protect our heritage and position the Olympia complex for the future.”
“Of course, Olympia is not only a world class venue: it is also a local business employing local people. We are grateful for all the support and patience we have received from our neighbours during this construction phase. We are delighted to see the facility open in time for the ever popular London International Horse Show.”
Karim Halwagi, Chief Executive of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), believes these enhancements will help stimulate the London event market.
He said: “The expansion of space at Olympia is a positive step as it will help both large and small shows grow.”
Councillor Stephen Greenhalgh, Leader of London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, also welcomed the completion of the works.
He said: “The Olympia Exhibition and Conference Centre generates income for local businesses, contributes to the West London economy, brings continued prosperity for Hammersmith and Fulham and receives great support from the surrounding community. I am delighted to see it enter a new phase in its impressive history.”
Completion of the new West Hall comes as EC&O Venues concludes negotiations with Transport for London (TfL) to save weekday tube services for at least 20 shows between January and June 2012.
The Earls Court (EC) Properties Masterplan for developing the 77-acre Earls Court Opportunity Area (ECOA), meanwhile, will need to address a string of recommendations from the London Mayor, before Boris Johnson and his planning chiefs are prepared to endorse them.
Johnson said last week the plans currently on the table need to be amended to comply with the strategic London Plan and he highlighted areas of the proposals proving a sticking point for planning officials, including affordable housing provision, children’s play areas, design, transport and urban design.
However, the Mayor offered his and his officials assistance to the developers to help them meet the capital’s standards.
“Development plan policy for the area does not require the retention of the Earls Court Exhibition Centre,” the mayor said in a letter, dated 7 December. “The applicant is investing in the Olympia Exhibition Centre, also in its ownership, to significantly improve this facility and intends to decant suitable events to this venue prior to the closure of the Earls Court exhibition centres.”
A spokesperson for EC Properties welcomed the Greater London Authority (GLA) report and feedback on its plans and said it didn’t expect the decision to create any delays.
EC Properties is the combined face of Earls Court site owners Capital and Counties, Transport for London and London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF). The redevelopment also affects the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC).
“As is usual for a Stage 1 report, GLA identifies areas they would like us to look at again. We are happy to do so,” an EC Properties spokesperson said. “We are shortly submitting revisions to the Masterplan as is normal for an application of this size, and these revisions will take the comments of the GLA into account. They will be consulted on in the New Year.”
Residents affected by the redevelopment plans have until 23 December to comment on the latest ‘Supplementary Planning Document’ (SPD) for the West Kensington Opportunity Area.
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