Wales-based adventure company Zip World has announced an opening date for the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond stands at 114.5 meters tall and offers the world’s biggest tunnel slide, as well as an 80-metre-high viewing deck.
The 76-metre-high slide will send visitors racing to ground level at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour, with 12 turns around the sculpture.
When it opens on 14 February, in time for half-term, the attraction will be Zip World’s ninth location and its first in the south-east of England.
Zip World’s first attraction in south-east England
Andrew Hudson, Zip World CEO, said: “This is just the start for Zip World in London, and we can’t wait to welcome both locals and thrill-seekers from around the world.
“We’ve got many more epic adventures lined up that will redefine urban excitement in the heart of the city.”
Zip World has worked with the team at London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) and local planning authorities on the ArcelorMittal Orbit project.
“We’ll continue working closely with LLDC as we expand our off world-class experiences to bring something truly unique to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,” Hudson added.
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 offers speeds of more than 100 mph.
Last year, the company announced a £941m boost to the Welsh economy over the past decade.
Edward Fane, LLDC’s head of venues, said: “Zip World is one of the UK’s premier leisure and adventure operators, and we’re thrilled to have them on board as the operator of the ArcelorMittal Orbit for their new London site.
“Opening the doors to the ArcelorMittal Orbit in time for the February half-term promises to boost visitor numbers and provide economic benefits for the surrounding areas. We’re excited to see what’s to come in the future.”
Images courtesy of Zip World
