Spiralling success extends our relationship with the LLDC
Our project management of the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide will help attract visitors to London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and help accelerate the regeneration of east London.
The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit Project summary
Client
London Legacy Development Corporation
Key partners
Carsten Höller and Anish Kapoor
Services provided
Project and programme management, Consult
Sectors
Stadiums and major venues, Stadiums and major venues
Locations
UK and Europe, UK - London and south-east England
Project timeline
- Start date
- February 2015
- End date
- June 2016
Project story
The ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture was designed by the internationally acclaimed Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and has recently reopened as an observation tower.
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) appointed us to project manage the addition of a slide designed by Belgian artist Carsten Höller. Our work began at the very start - considering the feasibility of wrapping a slide around the existing structure - and continued through the design, procurement and construction phases.
It was vital to understand what impact adding a slide would have on the original structure. We had to define a route that worked in harmony with the sculpture's existing design, both visually and structurally.
We then had to develop bespoke procedures to install the 178m-long slide. Its 30 stainless steel sections, each between five and nine metres in length, were lifted into place by a team of specialist abseilers using a complex system of ropes and pulleys.
Project stats
Image Gallery
“This iconic project not only provides another fun destination for the local community and visitors but shows great collaboration between artists, designers, engineers, project managers and specialist contractors. The collaborative project team has worked tirelessly to design, develop and install a slide that will symbolise a lasting legacy at the park for years to come.”
“After taking in the incredible views of the city from the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit, what better way to descend the UK’s tallest public artwork than by whizzing down a slide? This will be one of the most exciting things to do in London – and yet another reason to visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.”
