Earls Court Exhibition Centre set to close after 2012 Olympics

Earls Court Exhibition Centre set to close after 2012 Olympics

20 January, 2010
by: Spoonfed Arts Team

London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre announces that it will close its doors after the 2012 Olympics.

Earl's Court, the largest exhibition venue in central London is set to close after it fulfils its Olympic commitments. The demise of the home of many quintessentially British shows (including the Ideal Home Show, the Great British Beer Festival, the BRIT Awards, The MPH Motor Show, and the annual Professional Lighting and Sound Association trade show) will be hard-hitting for exhibition-goers and organisers alike.

The decision to close the flagship exhibition venue comes after developers Liberty International subsidiary acquired the remaining half stake of the site and so the green light to commence their redevelopment programme. Although as yet unconfirmed, it is expected that Liberty will demolish the Earl's Court and Olympia to make way for a new mixed-use housing and retail development. The actual closing date is expected to take place shortly after the venue plays its part in hosting the volleyball competition of the 2012 Olympics.

Exhibition News managing editor described the move to close Earl's Court as, “a London and national tragedy”. Others are decidedly more positive and argue that the closure will make way for more modern venues to take up the reigns. Certainly, the decision to shut up shop is hardly unexpected, as Earl's Court has struggled to keep ahead of the game after increased rivalry from Excel London and the O2.

The domination and popularity of these two Docklands based sites looks set to grow from strength to strength. In future then, it looks like us exhibition-loving Britons will just have to head east for our annual home, beer, car and lighting kicks.

Source: Exhibition News.

Click here to see what's on at Earl's Court.
Click here to see all London exhibitions.
Click here for things to do in London.