When the ExCel London opened in 2000, the axis of the capital’s large exhibition venues shifted decisively to the east. Although remotely located in the Royal Docks, it offered capacity for up to 68,750 visitors, a conference centre, parking, a large marshaling yard and drive in access for HGV’s. By contrast London’s traditional exhibition venues, Earls Court, now demolished, and Olympia were smaller, tired and lacked the space and facilities of the newcomer in the east.

Now Olympia is fighting back with a £1.3bn redevelopment which will eclipse much of what ExCel has to offer other than huge amounts of space. In addition to the three existing exhibition halls, it will include a new theatre – London’s largest since the National Theatre opened in 1976 – a live music venue and lots of new bars and restaurants unique to Olympia.

“The ambition for Olympia is to create one of London’s most dynamic destinations, a place where culture, entertainment, hospitality, business and public life come together in one iconic setting,” explains Michael Volkert, the chief operating officer of Olympia Estates.