Wales-based adventure company Zip World has announced its takeover of the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture and observation tower by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond will be Zip World’s ninth location and its first in the south-east of England.
Zip World plans to invest £2.6 million into the visitor attraction, which stands at 114.5 meters tall and offers the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide. It also features an 80-metre-high viewing deck.
Andrew Hudson, Zip World CEO, said: “We are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of Zip World London at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, coinciding with the 12th anniversary of the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
“This site marks our ninth location in the UK and our first in South East England, which is a huge milestone for Zip World and what we hope will kick off a whole new era of excitement and adventure right in the heart of London.”
Zip World is currently working with the team at London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) and local planning authorities on the new project.
Edward Fane, LLDC’s head of venues, said: “Zip World brings the potential to create new immersive experiences centred on and around the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
New Zip World experiences
“This has the potential to generate increased visitor footfall, economic benefit and employment for the local area. We look forward to seeing plans develop as we prepare to relaunch in early 2025.”
As above, the ArcelorMittal Orbit will be reopened by Zip World at the beginning of next year. The company will enhance its existing experiences.
Since launching in 2013, Zip World has opened eight sites across Wales and England. Its Penrhyn Quarry attraction is home to the world’s fastest zip line, which reaches speeds of more than 100 mph.
Zip World recently announced a £941m boost to the Welsh economy over the last decade.
Images courtesy of Zip World
