London Eye granted permanent home on South Bank

One of the most iconic visitor attractions in the UK has had its long-term future secured following a “landmark decision” by local planners.    

Lambeth Council has voted to extend the London Eye‘s planning permission, ensuring Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel will remain on the South Bank as a permanent fixture. 

The formerly named “Millennium Wheel” was officially opened on 31 December 1999 following construction which began the year before. It cost £70 million to build. 

The original planning permission contained a caveat that required the local authority to determine if the attraction could be retained beyond 2028, which received unanimous support this week. 

This followed a report by national planning and development consultancy Lichfields, which highlighted the Eye’s ‘significant’ socio-economic impact, contributing £143 million GVA annually and creating more than 200 direct jobs within the capital. 

As part of the approval, 1 per cent of the attraction’s annual turnover is to be paid towards the maintenance and management of the public area surrounding the site, invested in partnership with South Bank Employers’ Group and South Bank Business Improvement District. 

Lichfields secured the temporary planning permission for the 32-capsule big wheel in 1999 and a separate planning permission and listed building consent for its retention in 2003. 

Nick Thompson and Hannah Whitney, who led Lichfields’ work, said “We are very pleased with the decision and having advised on this project for 25 years seen it become such a popular feature providing many benefits for the local area, London and the UK. We are delighted that it will be in place for future generations to enjoy.” 

Merlin Entertainments CEO, Scott O’Neil, added: “A landmark decision for a landmark attraction. It is impossible to imagine the London skyline without the iconic structure of the London Eye, and with its long-term future secure, we will continue to invest and expand Merlin’s presence in this great city, which is one of our key gateway clusters.  

“We will work closely with key partners locally, including the re-elected Mayor Sadiq Khan, to further boost London’s attractiveness to both international and domestic visitors, offering them experiences that bring joy and everlasting memories.” 

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