Ever since the turn of the millennium, the London Eye has been a mainstay of the capital’s skyline, catching our sights whenever we find ourselves looking out over the city from one of the many beautiful vantage points.
While it may be hard to imagine a view of London without it, there is actually a cut-off point for the attraction to stay that expires in 2028. This is now, however, expected to be extended to see the big ol’ London Eye become a permanent feature in the city.
Lambeth Council will make London Eye permanent after the last 25-year extension was signed in 2003, with a clause that meant a decision was required on whether to keep the attraction or not. It has been reported in the Evening Standard that officers in Lambeth will recommend keeping the London Eye due to the positive effect it has on the UK economy, with it said to be London’s most-visited paid attraction.
The plans have been backed by UK Hospitality, the Southbank Centre and others, with the Eye attracting over 4 million visitors each year, contributing around £143million to the wider London economy.
Speaking on the approval, Lambeth Council said the London Eye “continues to make a significant beneficial socioeconomic impact in Lambeth, London and nationally” and that “it also acts as a key catalyst to the regeneration of the South Bank, whilst local businesses rely on the tourism that the Eye generates.”
The 32-pod London Eye was completed on New Year’s Eve 1999, and came about as a new landmark to mark the new millennium.
A final decision is expected to follow, but it’s all shaping up to look like we will continue to see a lot of the London Eye as we walk down the Southbank or take in the city view.