Olympia is a Victorian venue with a modern show calendar, and it rewards planning. Rigging positions in the Grand Hall are limited by the original roof structure, get-in is tight, and vehicle access is scheduled to the hour. We design around those constraints from the first sketch rather than discovering them at approval stage.
Olympia London at a glance
- Location
- Hammersmith Road, London W14
- Spaces
- Grand Hall, National Hall, West Hall, Olympia Conference Centre
- Access
- Restricted urban get-in, timed vehicle slots
- Typical build cost
- £520–£980 per sqm single-storey
- Rigging
- Position-limited in the Grand Hall — book first
Halls and layout
The Grand Hall's barrel-vaulted iron roof is the venue's signature and its main design constraint: rigging points follow the truss layout rather than a regular grid. The National and West Halls are more conventional, with better access for larger structures.
Venue rules that shape the design
- Grand Hall rigging positions are finite — confirm points before the design is signed off
- Get-in is through a constrained urban access route with timed vehicle slots
- ULEZ and Congestion Charge apply to all build traffic
- Height restrictions vary by hall and by stand position under the roof structure
- Night-time deliveries are often required for large or heavy loads
How we build here
For Olympia we design modular structures that pass through the venue's access route in sections and assemble without heavy plant. That protects the install schedule when a vehicle slot slips.
Frequently asked questions
- What does it cost to build an exhibition stand at Olympia London?
- Single-storey custom stands at Olympia typically run £520–£980 per sqm, with the urban get-in and restricted access pushing labour hours above the UK average. A 6x6m stand generally lands between £42,000 and £70,000.
- Can you hang a rig in the Grand Hall?
- Yes, but positions are set by the Victorian roof trusses rather than a regular grid and are allocated in order of booking. We confirm available points before finalising the design so the banner or lighting rig is never designed to a position that cannot be used.
- How early should we book an Olympia build?
- Ten to twelve weeks is comfortable. The binding constraints are rigging availability and the organiser's structural approval deadline, both of which close well before the show.
Minimum project £30,000. Send the brief and we return a budget band, format recommendation and outline timeline within 24 hours. Call +44 207 183 3436 or email info@pearllemongroup.com.