Olympia has completed a £2m restoration of its National Hall, marking the first full upgrade of the venue’s distinctive arched roof since it was built more than a century ago in 1923.
The project involved a full reglaze and interior repaint of the space, preserving its heritage while enhancing safety, comfort and functionality for organisers and visitors, said Olympia. Delivered by Standard Patent Glazing Company, the works were carried out while the hall remained operational and hosting live events.
In total, 1,460m² of new glazing was installed with 696 roof glass panes replaced by specialist laminated bombload glazing. The update provides improved natural light, upgraded safety and performance features and a new-look interior designed to support exhibitions and events.
The restoration forms part of Olympia’s broader upgrade programme, which includes investment in food and beverage, technology and infrastructure, ahead of the £1.3bn regeneration that will transform the site into a major entertainment destination.
Andy O’Sullivan, CEO at Olympia Events, said: “Events and exhibitions remain at the heart of what we do, and that’s not going away. As we prepare to launch the wider destination, we’re committed to investing in and upgrading our historic event spaces to meet modern expectations while maintaining the highest industry standards. The National Hall restoration is just one example of our dedication to preserving our heritage and supporting the exhibitions and events industry with world-class facilities.”
Gillian Kiamil, Venue Director at Olympia Events, added: “These upgrades will have a direct benefit to all our event organisers, providing a brighter, safer, and enhanced venue to deliver exceptional events. Thanks to the expertise of the Standard Patent Glazing Company, we’re future-proofing our venue while preserving the character of an iconic roof that has remained largely untouched since the 1920s.
