Buro Happold part of the Olympia Theatre design team
Buro Happold is excited to be part of the design team for the Olympia Theatre. The largest new permanent theatre of its kind to open in London since the National Theatre in 1976.
The Olympia theatre agreement is part of a broader ambition by Trafalgar Entertainment to create a venue of national stature as the UK emerges into a new era. Like its neighbour, the Royal Albert Hall, it is set to become an iconic venue for the 21st century.
The Olympia venue breaks new ground in theatre design with a stunning, state-of-the-art 1,575 seat auditorium at its heart, designed by award-winning theatre architects, Haworth Tompkins. Informed by Trafalgar Entertainment’s unique experience of theatre operation and the complex demands of modern productions, the theatre offers the very latest innovations in technical facilities.
The expectations of modern audiences have also been anticipated; with a stacked auditorium design meaning every comfortable seat will feel close to the stage, and audiences can additionally enjoy the highest standards of ventilation throughout the theatre. Spacious, glazed front-of-house areas offer far-reaching views across London, making a visit to the theatre a uniquely memorable experience. Visitors will enjoy top-class bar, hospitality and VIP facilities, reinforcing the central role of this new landmark theatre in anchoring the wider Olympia redevelopment.
Being part of creating a new London venue that will bring joy and pleasure to so many is something Buro Happold is very proud to be part of.
Andrew Wylie, Partner, Buro Happold
Trafalgar Entertainment beat off strong competition to lease the theatre. Leading theatre entrepreneurs and Joint CEOs of Trafalgar Entertainment, Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire are at the forefront of the UK’s cultural recovery. Their latest venture – Trafalgar Entertainment – is a leading force behind major theatre investment in the UK and internationally.
The Olympia agreement comes at a crucial time for the UK’s creative industries, valued at generating £100 billion a year. It is a strong show of investor confidence in the cultural sector as it recovers from the sweeping economic effects of the pandemic which closed most venues for over a year.
Chairman of Yoo Capital, John Hitchcox – developers on the Olympia project – said: “Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire have a unique track record in exceptional live entertainment and we are delighted to welcome Trafalgar Entertainment as the latest tenants of Olympia. Our vision is to create a new cultural hub in West London and we are looking forward to opening the largest new permanent theatre in the city for 45 years. This will be a big boost for the city’s entertainment industry and the local economy, providing the very best productions for theatre lovers and heralding a new era for theatre and entertainment in London.”
Co-founder of Trafalgar Entertainment, Howard Panter, said: “Looking forward to a new golden age of theatre, Olympia presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity – it is quite simply one of the most exciting new theatres London has seen for many years and we’re delighted to be playing our part as operator. Trafalgar Entertainment is determined to help the return of live entertainment across the UK: we know that audiences want passionately to return to the unique magic that is live theatre.”
Cllr Andrew Jones, Hammersmith & Fulham Cabinet Member for the Economy, said: “Our ambitious Industrial Strategy has helped attract the largest new permanent theatre to be built in London in more than 40 years, creating new jobs for local residents and giving local young people more opportunities in the arts. The iconic Olympia London venue is a vital part of our mission to make Hammersmith & Fulham a global hotspot in culture, STEM (Science, technology, engineering and maths) and creative industries. We’re working with our vibrant theatres, concert halls and art galleries to turn H&F into a go-to destination.
”Gavin Neilan, co-founder and co-managing partner of developers, DFI added: “Olympia is a hugely important and iconic venue which has a rich and successful 130-year history, as well as tremendous untapped potential. Our vision is to truly unlock that potential by creating a vibrant new cultural, leisure and business hub for London, where visitors and office workers can enjoy a diverse spectrum of exceptional experiences and companies can showcase their products. The number of exciting and high profile occupiers already signed up, and notably, the addition today of Trafalgar as the theatre operator, provide a clear demonstration that our vision to make Olympia’s next 130 years even more successful than its first, is shared.
Andrew Wylie, Partner, Buro Happold, said, “We’re delighted to be part of the design team for this incredible project. As the country recovers from the Covid-19 crisis, the importance of social interaction, storytelling and the performing arts is even more acute. Being part of creating a new London venue that will bring joy and pleasure to so many is something Buro Happold is very proud to be part of.”
The £1.3 billion Olympia redevelopment project will create a new cultural hub in west London. Developers Yoo Capital and DFI are also in advanced talks with other potential occupiers with strong interest being shown for the development’s four-screen arthouse cinema, restaurants, shops, cafés and 550,000 sq ft of office and co-working space. The Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC-designed project will also enhance the existing exhibition halls and 2.5 acres of new public space created.
The Olympia Theatre is scheduled to open in mid to late 2025.
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