Olympia’s £1.3 billion regeneration begins to open
The transformation of Olympia in West Kensington began opening in 2026, led by a 3,800-capacity music venue, with a new West End-scale theatre to follow in 2027.
Published 6 October 2026. Reports dated May and September 2026. Each figure is linked to its source.
The regeneration of Olympia, the exhibition centre on the border of West Kensington and Kensington, is now costed at £1.3 billion. It began opening in phases in 2026 and is due to complete in 2027, adding venues, hotels, restaurants and around 550,000 sq ft of offices. Broadsheet, updated 18 September 2026
The first major venue, British Airways ARC, a 3,800-capacity music venue operated by AEG Presents, opened on 16 June 2026. The 1,575-seat British Airways Theatre is due to open in 2027. Olympia also announced a rooftop food hall and two hotels for summer 2026. FTN News, 19 May 2026
For residents of West Kensington, Brook Green and Hammersmith, the scheme brings a major new cultural and dining destination within walking distance. Any effect on local property values is a matter of judgement rather than published data, so we make no prediction here.