PROJECT Olympia London Future Olympia employed us to undertake the hard demolition and intervention works as part of the redevelopment of London's iconic Olympia site. The works paved the way for the construction of a four-screen arthouse cinema, a 1,500-seat theatre, live music venue, restaurants, shops, cafés, two hotels and 550,000 square feet of office space. Technical challenges The area was surrounded by a mixture of retail, residential, commercial and landmark properties with a high level of pedestrian, cyclist activity and busy London transport terminals in the vicinity. Constraints identified relating to the proposed works on site were mainly due to its sensitive urban location and the proximity of nearby structures, residential properties, established urban spaces and existing landmarks. Robust traffic management plans were implemented, and a neighbourhood liaison team was put in place to ensure all stakeholders remained satisfied throughout the duration of the works. Olympia London is one of London’s most well-known event spaces. Based in the heart of West Kensington, in the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, it plays host to a wide range of international trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences and sporting events. Our role was to carry out initial works ahead of a major redevelopment, including new entertainment venues, restaurants, shops, cafés, hotels and office space. Because the job took place in 2020, stringent COVID-19 measures were necessary. These included a thorough COVID-19 management plan, which was consistently reviewed and updated to comply with government guidelines. SERVICE OVERVIEW The scope of works for the large scheme included removing all asbestos-contaminated material, installing temporary works for the façade retention works, installing sheet piles and structural and non-structural interventions, as well as hard demolition, backfilling and pile probing. Asbestos Removal Demolition Engineering and Geotechnical THE DETAIL Works commenced on site in early 2020 and are due to be completed in early 2022. PCSA Laing O’Rourke engaged us at the earliest possible opportunity to allow value engineering and collaboratively determine a fixed scope of works. The PCSA period provided an opportunity to ensure all licenses and agreements were in place, and robust relationships were established with the businesses and museums located around the site. Asbestos removal Following the completion of a survey and prior to commencing soft strip works, our asbestos removal team removed all asbestos-containing materials. Façade retention To facilitate the redevelopment, Olympia Central – a four-storey exhibition and events space constructed in 1930 – was demolished behind a retained façade. Swanton Consulting, our in-house temporary works design team, was engaged to design the extensive façade retention scheme and basement temporary works, piling feasibility and craneage. Heritage Works We collaborated with PAYE, a heritage specialist, to successfully undertake the heritage works involved with the stripping and reinstatement of the original art deco façade. Summary of service Development of scope and methodologies throughout PCSA the period Asbestos Removal Heritage Works Intervention Works Installation of temporary works Façade retention Installation of sheet piles Structural and non-structural interventions Hard demolition works Weatherproofing Backfilling Pile probing Related projects London Paddington Square London Whiteleys London One Sherwood Street Get in touch with us Erith House, Queen Street, Erith, Kent DA8 1RP hello@erith.com +44 (0)370 950 8800 The Erith Group Erith Training Swanton Consulting © The Erith Group. All rights reserved. Home Capability Careers Get in touch with us Privacy and cookies policy Modern Slavery Statement