Tower Hamlets (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Proposals to run a wire from the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower as a visitor attraction have been submitted to Tower Hamlets and Newham councils for review.
The 114.5 feet tall ArcelorMittal Orbit observation palace, located in Stratford, provides views of notorious London spots. It’s the longest lair slide in the world and the largest piece of public art in Britain, having been constructed to recognize the London 2012 Olympics.
It was created by engineer Cecil Balmond and artist Anish Kapoor, who won the Turner Prize.
In order to install the new “unique and exhilarating experience,” Zip World, the company that operates the Orbit Tower, is requesting planning clearance from both councils. In September 2024, the adventure brand assumed control of the business with the goal of making it a “first-of-its-kind adventure in Europe.”
Aside from Windermere, Manchester, Zip World now operates activities in four locations in North Wales, including Penrhyn Quarry, which is home to the fastest zipline in the world.
The switchback zipline would begin at a platform on the ArcelorMittal Orbit building in Newham and travel to a newly built return tower in Tower Hamlets, as per the Stratford proposal.
Zipline cables are fastened to the top of the 38.7-meter-tall projected return tower.
Once the attraction is up and running, Zip World anticipates an additional 60,000 visitors annually.
The zipline can only run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and can only accommodate 60 lifts per hour at 60 km/ h.
The plan will be bandied by Tower Hamlets Council on October 22 during a meeting of the strategic development commission.
The plan will be discussed by Tower Hamlets Council on October 22 during a meeting of the strategic development committee.
What safety measures are proposed for crossing the River Lea?
Thorough structural assessments and engineering controls ensure the zipline’s support halls and lines are securely anchored, counting for wind, weight, and environmental factors. Lift outfit will include state of the art harnesses, helmets, and spare safety lines to help cascade or outfit failure.
Trained staff will oversee all operations, including pre-ride safety briefings, harness fitting, and constant monitoring during use. Exigency response plans are coordinated with original authorities, with deliverance vittles similar as quick- access boats and designated reclamation brigades prepared for rapid-fire intervention in case of incidents.
The crossing design minimizes business and wildlife, incorporating regular examinations and conservation to keep the structure safe and environmentally compliant.
