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London Eye operator Merlin Entertainments has applied to extend the attraction’s planning permission ahead of its 2028 deadline
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 08 Dec 2022
The London Eye originally opened in 1999 as a temporary attraction Credit: Canva
Merlin Entertainments is seeking to make The London Eye a permanent fixture of the British capital’s skyline with the operator revealing plans to extend the iconic attraction’s lease beyond 2028.
Merlin, which runs some of the UK’s most popular theme parks and visitor attractions, submitted an application to Lambeth Council to extend planning permission for the attraction beyond its current 2028 deadline.
Opened on December 31, 1999, by then Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Millenium Wheel, as it was known at the time, was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, standing 135m (443ft) with a diameter of 120m (525ft), until 2006 when it was surpassed by the 160m (525ft) Star of Nanchang in the Jiangxi Province, China.
The Eye was originally intended as a temporary attraction with just a five-year operating lease. However, in December 2001, two years after opening, an application was submitted to Lambeth Council to extend the deadline, which was granted in July 2002.
For the past several years, the London Eye has been the focal point of the British capital’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display, which will return as an in-person event this year for the first time since 2019.
“The London Eye has become an iconic fixture of our capital’s skyline and served as one of London’s top visitor attractions,” said Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
“Over the years, it has been a focal point of our New Year’s Eve firework display, which will be returning this year to be enjoyed by millions.
“I fully support these plans and hope that the London Eye will retain its place as an integral part of London’s long-term offer for Londoners and visitors alike.”
Mike Vallis, division director at Merlin, said: “The London Eye is a UK success story with global reach. When it first opened at the turn of the century, no one could have envisaged that it would become synonymous with all that is great about our capital city.
“It’s 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.”
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