Today the owners of the London Eye (Merlin Entertainments Group) has announced an investment of around £12.5 million to upgrade one of London’s most iconic attractions on the capitals South Bank.
Each of the 32 capsules will be removed for upgrading and replaced with a “dummy” capsule one at a time. Work will start this summer and will be completed in time for the London 2012 Olympics and will not interrupt the normal operation of the attraction. Each capsule will travel down the Thames to Silvertown in London’s docklands from where it will be transported by road to Worcester and upgraded before returning to the London Eye.
Changes include upgrading the heating and ventilation system to a more efficient, environmentally friendly one, cutting down the London Eye’s carbon footprint. In addition, the advanced capsules will include display screens, multi-media and Wi-Fi capabilities enhancing the whole experience for London’s tourists and visitors.
The London Eye has an average of 10,000 visitors a day and has already welcomed over 33 million tourists and visitors, providing them with unique panoramic views of London. The London Eye can carry 800 passengers per 30 minute “flight” and at 135m high is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, with views across London of up to 40km on a clear day, as far as Windsor Castle.
Don’t forget to come prepared with your London City Visitors Kit and an absolute must, just to get to the London Eye, is an iPod Tube Map for either your iPod Touch or iPod Classic.
