Legendary live venue Hammersmith Apollo receives multi-million pound upgrade
Hammersmith Apollo, one of the world’s best-known live entertainment venues, has been restored to its former 1932 glory thanks to a multi-million pound refurbishment. The investment from new owners AEG Live and CTS Eventim has given the venue a new lease of life returning the iconic Grade II* listed building to its best.
CTS Eventim and AEG Live have invested millions into the purchase and renovation to launch the Eventim Apollo, giving one of the world’s best-known live entertainment venues a new name and glorious new look that recreates its iconic 1932 Art Deco design. Eventim Apollo opened to the public on 7th September with a sold-out show by US Pop princess Selena Gomez.
As part of the phase one of this refurbishment, Eventim Apollo has also undergone a huge visual transformation, meticulously overseen by award-winning architects Foster Wilson. Highlights include fixtures and fittings to original designs, restoration of the ornate plasterwork and historically sensitive decoration to match the original paint scheme. The refurbishment also revives the two marble staircases currently concealed beneath the extended stage, as well as restoration of the original foyer floor mosaic panels, whilst in the circle the original windows are revealed allowing natural light to once again flood the circle bar. New multi-colored LED lighting on the façade highlight the new venue’s prominence.
Phase two of Eventim Apollo’s renovation will continue for the next six – nine months with the last section of the circle seats reupholstered to the match the new look, further ventilation improvements and works to the amenities.
For the customer, the works include newly constructed bars and new seats in the stalls, whilst the seats in the circle are raised in height and re-upholstered improving legroom and comfort. By re-organising the stalls seating layout, the venue has been able to double the space available for wheelchair users.
Kicking off with a bang, Eventim Apollo will see some of the finest live entertainers grace the stage in the next 12 weeks, including; Billy Joel, Paul Weller, Jimmy Carr, Pixies, Russell Brand, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Sean Lock and Jason Manford and many more.
To see more great pictures of the Apollo’s refurbishment from click here:
This investment is part of a long-term plan for CTS Eventim, Europe’s largest ticketing and live entertainment company, to challenge the incumbents in the UK, offering best-in-class user experiences through transparency and customer focus by using their own technological innovations.
AEG Live, one of the world’s biggest promoters, currently own and manage a portfolio of live venues across the world, including London’s The O2 arena and Wembley arena, Los Angeles’ Staples Center and Berlin’s O2 arena. AEG Live also runs class-leading outdoor festivals including London’s Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park.
Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, Chief Executive Officer-CTS Eventin commented: “With this name sponsorship, we are making a commitment to the quality of the experience that music and comedy fans will enjoy at the Eventim Apollo, and also to the quality of the ticketing services Eventim is offering to the British fans. We are here to stay. And while Eventim may not be a household name in the U.K. yet, we are determined to make it one!”
Colin Chapple, Chief Operating Officer-AEG Live also spoke about the renovated venue: “When AEG Live & CTS Eventim purchased the business twelve months ago we knew the venue needed some serious TLC. Both of our companies are synonymous with delivering a high level of customer comfort and quality in our venues and at AEG, it’s in our DNA to ensure we continually innovate and invest in our properties – keeping our venues current/up to date, and ensuring our fans needs are being met. I am sure when you have time to look around or indeed come back to enjoy a concert or comedy night you will appreciate we have made real improvements in this first phase to what is one of London’s premier venues.”
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