Merlin Entertainments has confirmed that the London Eye will be a permanent attraction on the city’s South Bank.
Opened in 1999, the London Eye will remain on the South Bank after Lambeth councillors voted unanimously on Tuesday (7 May) to keep the attraction.
The observation wheel was granted planning permission in 2003, but with a clause requiring Lambeth Council to decide whether it should be kept beyond 2028.
Before this week’s vote, Merlin submitted a report assessing the continued acceptability of the London Eye in its current location.
Lambeth Council agreed with the report from Merlin, which owns and operates the attraction, with a requirement for 1 percent of annual turnover to be paid towards the maintenance and management of the surrounding public area.
“A landmark decision for a landmark attraction. The London Eye is both the centrepiece of Merlin’s central London offering and visitors’ itineraries, drawing millions to the South Bank each year to enjoy unrivalled views of the capital,” said Scott O’Neil, Merlin’s CEO.
“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.”
Merlin to expand London presence
Sarina Da Silva and Ibrahim Dogus, councillors for Waterloo and South Bank, added: “Local businesses value the presence of this major attraction on our doorstep, and there is no doubt that its retention will continue to generate substantial footfall for Waterloo and South Bank.
“It is good news that the immediate local area will continue to benefit from 1 percent of the Eye’s annual turnover being made available.”
Earlier this year, Merlin announced the acquisition of the observation wheel at Icon Park in Orlando, Florida.
Images courtesy of Merlin
