2 April 2019
Olympia London has today (2 April) announced its intention to establish long-term collaborations with two pioneering community arts and theatre groups – Stagecoach Performing Arts (part of Trafalgar Entertainment) and Chickenshed – offering a new platform for young, creative talent in the heart of London.
The ambition is to transform Olympia London into a world-leading cultural district for the future that genuinely engages and embraces the creative community across Hammersmith and London as a whole. The prospective partnerships announced today form part of a wider purpose to inspire the next generation of performers.
The £1bn regeneration of Olympia London was given the green light by planners in January. YOO Capital and Deutsche Finance International, who bought the historic events venue last year, submitted plans to Hammersmith & Fulham Council to turn the 14-acre site into a destination with leading hotels, restaurants, art and music venues and state-of-the-art creative office space.
Between them, Stagecoach Performing Arts and Chickenshed work with thousands of young people every year who in the future will have access to additional, dedicated community performance arts spaces courtesy of Olympia London. These will sit alongside an unparalleled collective of arts venues, including a 1,500-seat theatre, 1,000-seat music venue, four-screen arthouse cinema, jazz club, as well as recording studios and the historic 130-year old grand exhibition halls.
John Hitchcox, Chairman of YOO Capital, said: “We’ve always had a passionate belief in fostering creative talent, so it’s a privilege to allow the space to be used in this way. We’re having daily conversations with some of the biggest brands in the world about our vision for Olympia London, but we’re thrilled that we are able to announce now these intended partnerships with two incredible organisations that support the next generation.”
Sarah Kelly, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts, added: “As firm believers in the power of performing arts, we are excited by the opportunity to be able to unlock the potential of children in the local area by teaching them creative skills for life. We’re also looking forward to the prospect of working with Olympia London and other partners on creating a destination that will give young people the chance to thrive and develop in a creative environment.”
Nigel Nathan, Managing Director of Olympia London, commented: “Supporting our community and the arts has always been at the heart Olympia London’s ‘The Grand Plan’ mission. We are so proud to be working with these two inspirational and nurturing groups that celebrate diversity and open opportunities to our young people.”