Central London is set to welcome a major new addition to its cultural landscape with the announcement of a brand new, purpose-built live music and events venue.
A New Chapter for a Historic Site
The venue, to be named the British Airways ARC, will be situated above the existing west exhibition hall in the iconic Olympia London complex. With a substantial capacity for 3,800 people, it is scheduled to open its doors to the public next year.
This development is a cornerstone of the wider £1.3 billion transformation currently revitalising the Olympia area. The site itself is steeped in over a century of entertainment history, having originally been built as an events and exhibitions venue almost 140 years ago.
Honouring a Rich Musical Legacy
Olympia's legacy in the music world is significant, having hosted legendary artists throughout the decades. Icons such as Jimi Hendrix, Sir Rod Stewart, Primal Scream, and The Cure have all performed on its stages, creating an indelible link to Britain's musical past.
The new venue aims to respect this heritage while looking firmly to the future. It will be operated by AEG Presents UK, a global leader in live entertainment.
Building a World-Class Experience
Andrew Spencer, chief operating officer at AEG Presents Europe, commented on the project's significance. "This is a pivotal moment as we open the diary for bookings and reveal the name of British Airways ARC," he said. "We're delighted to be working with British Airways and as we take the next step towards opening all the teams are very excited. Olympia is a place that has an incredible musical history which we want to honour whilst creating a venue that is thoroughly modern with world class facilities for artists and fans alike."
Calum Laming, British Airways' chief customer officer, emphasised the airline's commitment to its hometown. "We're incredibly proud to champion British originality in everything we do, so we're thrilled to be building on our further support for the arts and culture scene on our doorstep here in our hometown, London," he stated. "Together with AEG Presents UK, not only are we creating unique experiences for audiences, we're also helping shine a spotlight on the next generation of talent. As the flag carrier for the UK, it's important to us that we represent modern Britain at home and all around the world."
The opening of the British Airways ARC marks a significant investment in London's cultural infrastructure, promising a state-of-the-art destination for both international stars and emerging artists for years to come.
