Voice of London

In its heyday major acts such as Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd played the Olympia now under new plans it is set for a triumphant return to its roots

Olympia will return as the home for live music, it has been revealed. A £1.3 billion makeover of the exhibition centre is set to include a live music venue with a capacity of 4,400.

Plans show the new venue will be built above the existing west exhibition hall. The capacity will see it become west London’s biggest, overtaking Eventim Apollo and its seated capacity of 3,341.

Olympia London owners Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International have said that they have now signed a deal with AEG Presents, a live entertainment company who promotes such events as the British Summer Time at Hyde Park and the Coachella Festival in California under. The company also represents some of the best selling touring artists in the world such as Ed Sheeran and The Rolling Stones.

Steve Homer, chief executive of AEG Presents, has said: “This is a very exciting opportunity. Olympia is steeped in British music history as far back as Jimi Hendrix in the 60s. AEG Presents are delighted to be part of the new development and we plan to create more iconic shows for London audiences.”

The development will also see two hotels at the complex as well as a four-screen arthouse cinema, a 1,500-seat theatre, restaurants and shops.

This news is a great relief to many music lovers.

After a year of imposed restrictions and forced closures many of the capitals most beloved music venues are struggling financially and face closure.

News of a new venue will bring reassurance to those who wish to see live music and theatre return in its full glory.

Words by: Jack Sanders | Subbing by: Grace Staley