Olympia’s £1.3bn Transformation Opens Sky-High Village
A Landmark Reimagined: Inside Olympia’s New Rooftop District
For 140 years, Olympia Exhibition Centre has been a fixture on London’s cultural map, yet it remained largely invisible to the general public—a fortress-like venue accessible only to ticketed event-goers. That’s changing dramatically. The venue has invested an eye-watering £1.3 billion into a comprehensive transformation, and the results are now visible to anyone willing to ride what may well be London’s longest outdoor escalators to the top.
The centrepiece is The Canopy, a stunning faceted glazed structure featuring 520 individual panes, designed by celebrated architect Thomas Heatherwick—the visionary behind the iconic Olympic cauldron and the Boris bus. Alongside SPPARC architects, Heatherwick has created a landmark that’s both architecturally ambitious and remarkably inviting. Where Olympia once felt closed-off and impenetrable, it now beckons visitors upward into a vibrant village in the sky. This transformation matters because it’s breaking down the psychological barriers that separated central London’s culture from the wider community. The rooftop district is free to visit and wander, making previously exclusive spaces genuinely accessible.
Dining and Entertainment Above the City Streets
Once you ascend those impressive escalators, you’ll find yourself in a carefully curated collection of restaurants and bars that wouldn’t look out of place near Trafalgar Square or Soho’s trendiest corners. The dining options are diverse and thoughtfully chosen: Arriba brings high-energy Mexican cuisine, Lillie’s offers an intimate wine bar experience, and Wolves of Tokyo serves Japanese fare. The anchor space, Arbour, functions as a contemporary food hall with multiple outlets, maintaining high standards while keeping things refreshingly accessible and sociable.
Pricing sits at smart-casual London levels—expect to pay around £7.50 for a Guinness and £3.75 for a quality coffee, with burgers ranging from £10-15. The atmosphere is carefully cultivated, with thoughtful music selection (think Pet Shop Boys and Prince) creating the right mood without overpowering conversation. Beyond the dining precinct lies Emberton Walk, a corridor-turned-destination with dynamic ceiling displays that add visual interest. The real showstopper, however, is the British Airways ARC, a 3,800-capacity music venue that’s already hosting significant acts including The Black Keys and Van Morrison. This is premium entertainment infrastructure that puts Olympia on equal footing with London’s most established entertainment venues.
What Locals Should Know and What Comes Next
The Olympia district is undergoing its most significant evolution in decades, and that transformation isn’t finished. A brand-new theatre remains under development, promising even more cultural offerings in coming months. The venue itself has successfully broken its reputation as an insular fortress, becoming genuinely welcoming to the curious public. For West London residents and visitors, this represents a major new destination offering free access to striking architecture, quality dining, and upcoming world-class entertainment.
The broader community impact is substantial. Local businesses in Hammersmith and beyond can expect increased foot traffic and economic spillover. The investment demonstrates confidence in the area’s future and raises the profile of London’s often-overlooked western quadrant. Residents should visit the rooftop district soon to experience the transformation firsthand—it’s remarkable value given the £1.3 billion investment. Watch for announcements regarding the new theatre opening and additional programming. Keep an eye on upcoming concerts and events at the ARC; early reviews suggest it’s shaping up to be a genuinely important addition to London’s music and entertainment landscape, comparable to venues in the city’s established entertainment districts.
Source: Olympia’s New Rooftop Street Is Just A Little Bit Wow
