Wales-founded adventure giant, Zip World, has announced the takeover of the UK’s largest sculpture at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, marking its first entry into the London activity scene early next year.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit will be Zip World’s ninth location and its first in the Southeast of England since launching in 2007.
Zip World aims to invest £2.6 million into the ArcelorMittal Orbit, signalling the company’s commitment to continually expand its adventure offerings across the UK.
Standing at 114.5 meters tall, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is home to The Slide, the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide, where visitors can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour as they twist, curve, and turn 12 times while descending the 178-meter-long track.
For those seeking breathtaking views rather than high-speed thrills, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of London’s famous skyline and landmarks, including the Park’s iconic London Stadium and London Aquatics Centre, to Canary Wharf, the City of London and landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral, from the 80-meter-high Orbit Skyline viewing deck.
The company is currently working closely with both the team at London Legacy Development Corporation and local planning authorities on new plans for a European first-of-its-kind adventure at Zip World London. It’s hoped that once approved, the new attraction will add to the existing experiences and provide a new and exciting proposition for city visitors and residents alike.
With 20 million annual visitors and 10,000 students residing within Olympic Park, the launch of Zip World London will complement the wide range of venues and experiences already on offer including concerts, sporting events and retail.
The site will join Zip World’s extensive portfolio, which includes the world’s fastest zip line, Velocity, at its North Wales site, and a variety of other zips, climbs, drops, and coasters across its locations.
Andrew Hudson, Zip World CEO, said:
“We are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of Zip World London at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, coinciding with the 12th anniversary of the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
“The site marks our first in the Southeast of England and joins our flagship locations in Wales and the North of England, reflecting our plans to expand and reinvest in existing sites. Interest in the site will further help put Zip World on the map, attracting visitors from far and wide to cross the border and explore our offerings.
“We hope this is the first of many new adventures to open at Zip World London and look forward to welcoming visitors old and new at the beginning of 2025.”
The ArcelorMittal Orbit has been in operation for 12 years, attracting over 1.12 million visitors to date. It will be reopened by Zip World at the beginning of 2025.
