BEST LONDON VENUE COVID-19 RESPONSE
Gold : ExCeL London
During the pandemic , ExCeL London responded to the nation by turning its 100,000sqm of event space into a fully functioning Covid-19 hospital in nine days . “ In our submission we demonstrated flexibility and innovation in dealing with Covid-19 restrictions by providing the blueprint for future NHS Nightingale Hospitals , and rapidly implementing new ways of working that helped us have a positive impact during challenging times ,” says the venue . ExCeL London has also received testimonials from government officials , including a letter of thanks from the Former Health Secretary and recognition from the Mayor of London for its Covid-19 response .
Silver : Church House Westminster
Church House Westminster is a Covid-Secure hybrid and virtual event venue . The Grade II * listed building offers event organisers a choice of 19 versatile and modern spaces , including a hybrid and virtual studio , a podcast studio and a new TV Outside broadcast venue service . During the pandemic , the venue developed a strategic plan to explore new revenue streams . This was to overcome the ever-changing event restrictions and to use its event spaces optimally , albeit with alternative uses . Church House Westminster also rolled out an internal and external communications plan to reassure its clients that events are safe as well as upskilled its team across new and existing areas of work .
Bronze : Alexandra Palace
As a response to Covid-19 , Alexandra Palace welcomed local charities in need of facilities to its Great Hall , which is used to hosting 10,000-capacity gigs . The Great Hall was turned into a food distribution centre , while its kitchens were opened to enable the preparation of hundreds of thousands of meals for vulnerable people across the city . Alexandra Palace also turned a car park and another Hall into a Covid-19 testing centre . The venue also utilised the empty Palace to host films , documentaries , photography and video shoots , including Top Gear ’ s ‘ Wall of Death ’ stunt . Meanwhile , its Victorian theatre played host to artists streaming performances for Wireless Connect Festival , the first virtual festival of the pandemic . Due to this , Alexandra Palace developed its streaming offering to host online performances for Coldplay , Arlo Parks and more . “ Our diaries may have changed overnight , but the team adapted and ensured we were able to keep on entertaining throughout the pandemic ,” says the venue .
Nominees in this category
• Friends House
• QEII Centre
• Royal College of Physicians
• RSA House
• The Roundhouse
QE II Centre Friends House