The London Eye was officially opened by Tony Blair on 31 December 1999 with a five year lease
(Picture: PA Archive)The London Eye, originally planned as a temporary attraction, is set to become a permanent feature of the capital’s skyline for decades if not centuries to come.
Its South Bank ferris wheel’s operator, leisure group Merlin Entertainments, revealed on Wednesday it is to apply to Lambeth council for an amendment of its planning permission to allow it to stay in place beyond the current 2028 limit of its consent.
The Millennium Wheel, as it was first known, was officially opened by Tony Blair on 31 December 1999 with a five year lease, which was later extended.
Merlin division director Mike Vallis said: “The London Eye is a UK success story with a global reach. When it first opened at the turn of the century, no-one could have envisaged it would become synonymous with all that is great about our capital city. As the capital’s most visited paid for attraction, it continues to be enjoyed by millions of guests every year, it is now time for us to secure its long-term future through this application to Lambeth Council.”
“Following the recent announcement by the Mayor of London that the New Year’s Eve fireworks will be returning to the Eye at the end of this year, it is clear that this attraction has a revitalised place at the heart of the capital’s cultural life. Now is the time to ensure the Eye can be enjoyed for generations to come, and we look forward to working with Lambeth Council to secure the necessary amendment to the existing planning permission.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The London Eye is established as one of our capital’s most recognisable visitor attractions, and is a must-see destination for tourists from at home and abroad. It is fantastic news that Merlin Entertainments is bringing forward plans for the Eye’s permanent future to secure its place as an integral part of London’s long-term visitor offer.”
