The London Eye has begun a £12.5m refurbishment programmme by removing the first of its 32 capsules.
Each 10-tonne capsule will be taken down from the 440ft-high wheel on the South Bank and floated down the river to Tilbury Docks in Essex. A temporary capsule, which does not carry visitors, will be used to replace each one while it is being worked on.
A number of upgrades will be made to each capsule in addition to a minor visual facelift. As a direct result of customer feedback, the existing heating and ventilation system will be upgraded to a more efficient, environmentally-friendly one.
In addition, one of the upgraded capsules will have increased technological functions, which all other capsules will be built to support in the future. The advanced capsule will include four ceiling mounted screens and enhanced multi-media and Wi-Fi capabilities enabling the capsule to provide music and on-screen visuals.
The work is scheduled to be completed in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The attraction will remain open as normal during the work, with capsules being upgraded one at a time.
The best possible experience to visitors
David Sharpe, Divisional Director of London Midway attractions at Merlin Entertainments Group, owner of the London Eye, said: "This investment is a clear demonstration of Merlin Entertainments' commitment to constantly investing in upgrading our attractions, and to delivering the best possible experience to visitors. This will ensure the London Eye operates at maximum efficiency and is cutting down its carbon footprint well into the future. Merlin believes that investment is more important than ever in the current economic climate when both local and international visitors to attractions like the London Eye are looking for real value for their leisure pound. Investments like these are also very important in the leisure and tourism industry in the UK as a whole, especially with the Olympics coming to London in 2012."
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "Our city has an unrivalled range of unique attractions that draw people from across the world, and the much loved London Eye is one of the most recognisable. This investment is fantastic news and underlines the commitment there is to ensuring the capital will be at its best and ready to welcome record numbers of visitors when we host the 2012 Games."
