Merlin Celebrates Decision To Make The London Eye Permanent The Council agreed with this report, and in doing so, confirmed that the Eye could remain in place – with current arrangements continuing beyond 2028.
The London Eye has been confirmed as a permanent fixture on the capital's South Bank more than 24 years after the first ride took place. The big wheel was originally granted planning permission with a caveat that meant Lambeth Council had to decide if it could be retained beyond 2028.
Following this decision by Lambeth Council, we can now confirm that this attraction will continue to play its part, long beyond 2028, in attracting visitors to the South Bank.
The London Eye was originally intended as a temporary attraction, with a five-year lease. In December 2001, operators submitted an application to Lambeth Council to give the London Eye permanent status, and the application was granted in July 2002.
Some thought the London Eye would be a novelty (anyone remember the Millennium Dome?), and indeed it was only planned to be a temporary structure. However, its popularity was such that in 2002 Lambeth Council granted it a permanent licence.
We're over the moon that once again, some of London's most iconic buildings and landmarks will be glowing bright pink in support of our incredible MoonWalkers and Volunteers as they take on the challenge of The MoonWalk London 2025!
More than 500 people were stranded on the London Eye for three-and-half hours after a mechanical problem. The Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames experienced problems and stopped turning at 19:21 BST and people were trapped until 22:40 BST.
Merlin reveals London Eye will be a permanent attraction
Merlin Entertainments has confirmed that the London Eye will be a permanent attraction on the city's South Bank. Opened in 1999, the London Eye will remain on the South Bank after Lambeth councillors voted unanimously on Tuesday (7 May) to keep the attraction.
The London Eye rarely stops for boarding. The wheel moves slowly enough (around 0.9 km/h) for passengers to get on and off while it's in motion. Only guests with accessibility needs require it to pause.
The London Eye features 32 sealed and air conditioned compartments, which represent each of the Boroughs in London. Each compartment can hold up to 28 people, and are intricately designed not to sway or rock as the London Eye slow ascends and descends in regular cycles.
Yes, London Eye generally closes during January for annual maintenance work. Our Annual Maintenance dates are scheduled as Monday 6th January - Sunday 19th January 2025. Please keep an eye on the website here for more information.
The London Eye is officially the capital's biggest ever tourism "money-spinner", with record profits of more than £29 million last year. More than 3.5 million people paid between £10 and £29.70 for a "flight" in one of the wheel's capsules, boosting profits by almost a fifth, according to the latest financial figures.
The Council agreed with this report, and in doing so, confirmed that the Eye could remain in place – with current arrangements continuing beyond 2028. This includes a requirement for 1% of the attraction's annual turnover to be paid towards the maintenance and management of the public area surrounding the site.
The 10-tonne capsule was taken down from the 440ft (134m) high wheel on the South Bank and floated down the river to Tilbury Docks in Essex. The pod will be taken to Worcester where new heating and ventilation systems and entertainment facilities, will be installed.
At the top of the stairs, head straight down the corridor, and you will find the Eye Lounge directly ahead. Relax in our Eye Lounge with a delicious selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, available before or after your London Eye experience.
London Eye breaks down, leaving passengers stuck 135 metres in the air. The London Eye was brought to a standstill today as it broke down on what's been the hottest day of the year so far. Earlier a technical issue meant the iconic tourist attraction stopped, while passengers were still onboard the 135m attraction.
The London Eye is designed to operate safely in almost all weather conditions, although occasionally – mainly due to the comfort of guests, we may decide to close the wheel.
Originally, it was intended as a temporary structure, able to be dismantled and transported to a new location, and had planning permission for just five years.
