London Eye’s future on South Bank has been finally been decided

The future of the London Eye has finally been decided after Lambeth Council voted to keep the wheel attraction on the capital’s South Bank.

On Tuesday (May 7), Lambeth's planning committee voted unanimously for the structure to stay put with an official decision set to be issued next week.

Cllr Danny Adilypour, the council’s deputy leader, said: “Lambeth’s planning applications committee resolved to approve an application last night for the permanent retention of the London Eye on the South Bank in Waterloo. This follows engagement with the local planning authority and local stakeholders.

 “Since its completion in 2000 The London Eye has become an important part of the Lambeth, London and national visitor economy, whilst also promoting wider social and cultural benefits. I am pleased that its presence into the future is now confirmed.”

Join our new WhatsApp Community to get the latest news from across London directly to your phone

As part of the approval, the London Eye will have to continue to pay the council 1% of their annual turnover to maintain the surrounding areas on South Bank including Jubilee Gardens and the Queen’s Walk.

Lambeth Council had been considering the planning application to secure the attraction's future by the Thames beyond 2028.

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.

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.

Reflecting on the decision, Merlin’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott O’Neil, said: “A landmark decision for a landmark attraction. The London Eye is both the centrepiece of Merlin’s central London offering and visitors’ itineraries, drawing millions to the South Bank each year to enjoy unrivalled views of the capital.”

“It is impossible to imagine the London skyline without the iconic structure of the London Eye, and with its long-term future secure, we will continue to invest and expand Merlin’s presence in this great city, which is one of our key gateway clusters.”