London Orbit to be turned into world's largest tunnel slide

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 8 years ago

London Orbit to be turned into world's largest tunnel slide

By Gregory Walton
Designed by Anish Kapoor, the Orbit is constructed from 2000 tonnes of steel and is 114.5m high, making it the tallest sculpture in the world.

Designed by Anish Kapoor, the Orbit is constructed from 2000 tonnes of steel and is 114.5m high, making it the tallest sculpture in the world.

London's giant Orbit tower at the city's Olympic park will be turned into a giant helter skelter, it has been revealed.

Due to open to the public in the spring, the slide will be 180 metres long and will cost just £5 ($A10.70) to ride. Presently those wishing to abseil down the structure must pay £85.

It will be suspended 76 metres above the ground and wrapped around the distinctive warped red metal frame of the Orbit Tower which was designed and commissioned to celebrate the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.

An artist's impression of what the slide will look like.

An artist's impression of what the slide will look like.

It will circle around the tower five times before finishing with a 50m straight run to the ground.

Riders will hit speeds of 25km/h during their descent, which is expected to last about 40 seconds

Designed by Anish Kapoor, the tower is constructed from 2000 tonnes of steel and is 114.5m high, making it the tallest sculpture in the world. The Statue of Liberty by contrast is 93m high.

Peter Tudor, director of visitor services at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, said: "What more exciting way to descend the ArcelorMittal Orbit than on the world's longest and tallest tunnel slide.

"This slide really will give a different perspective of Britain's tallest sculpture.

Advertisement

"We are committed to ensuring our visitors have the best possible day out every time they visit, and as with all our venues, we are constantly exploring ways to ensure we lead the way with the latest visitor experience."

The Telegraph, London

See also: Extreme water slide video goes viral

Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter

Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading