Why the London Eye’s future on the South Bank is still not certain

The future of the London Eye remains up in the air while planners weigh up its impact on the South Bank and the surrounding area.

Lambeth Council is considering a planning application which would see the famous attraction remain in place beyond 2028.

First put up in 1999 as the Millennium Wheel, it was initially given a five-year lease but obtained permanent planning permission in 2003.

However, a condition of that permission was that an assessment of the wheel's effect on the area be submitted within 20 years.

The landmark's owner, London Eye Management Services Ltd, which is part of Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, submitted details for approval of its permanent retention to Lambeth Council in July 2023.

Council officers are considering that assessment now, before it goes to councillors on Lambeth's planning committee for a decision on a date yet to be confirmed.

In November the applicant submitted responses to comments and requests for clarification by the council.

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Announcing the bid to make the London Eye permanent in 2022, Mike Vallis, Merlin’s divisional director for Midway Attractions in the UK, said: “The London Eye is a UK success story with a global reach. When it first opened at the turn of the century, no-one could have envisaged it would become synonymous with all that is great about our capital city. As the capital’s most visited paid-for attraction, it continues to be enjoyed by millions of guests every year, it is now time for us to secure its long-term future through this application to Lambeth Council.

“Over the summer, we have seen a significant (post-pandemic) return of international visitors, set to rise further over the coming years. The London Eye remains one of the top 'go to' destinations for those visiting the UK, as these holidaymakers come to enjoy the pods’ unrivalled views of the capital."

He continued: "Now is the time to ensure the Eye can be enjoyed for generations to come, and we look forward to working with Lambeth Council to secure the necessary amendment to the existing planning permission.”

The 2023 planning submission notes the spot is an "internationally recognised landmark for London and is the most visited paid attraction" in the city.

As well as being the backdrop of London's New Year fireworks, the structure has lit up for different events over the years, including the Eurovision Song Contest and the premiere of the Barbie movie.

This week, a joke Facebook post went viral, suggesting the London Eye had been dismantled to be taken to Loch Lomond in Scotland. The spoof was enough to have many people checking whether the London landmark was still there.

Representatives of London Eye were contacted for comment about the planning application.