Marble Arch Viewing Platform Approved
25m structure will be built
Last updated 1st Apr 2021
A controversial viewing platform is going to be built next to Marble Arch.
The temporary structure will be 25 metres high and cost almost a million pounds to put up.
It's part of Westminster council's plans to boost the area, which has been hit hard financially by the pandemic.
They hope 200,000 people will visit Marble Arch Hill over six months and encourage them to boost the coffers of shops, restaurants and hotels which have been hard hit by the pandemic.
Kay Buxton, the chief executive of the Marble Arch London Bid representing 200 members said:
“I believe it’s the welcome shot in the arm that is so urgently needed for London’s retail and hospitality as it looks to recover from the devastating effects of the covid 19 pandemic.
“Marble Arch Hill will provide a vital incentive to visitors returning to the West End and experiencing incredible and rare views promised at this unique and rare installation.”
There was a £7.4bn drop in spend from overseas visitors in London in 2020 because of the pandemic, according to Visit Britain.
Ms Buxton said UK based tourists will be crucial for the West End. It’s predicted that across the UK they will spend £61bn this year - up 79%.
“It will widen the offer to a more rounded day out. London needed a new and compelling attraction for our home visitors,” she said.
The area’s hospitality and hotel sector employs 135,000 people and generates a £45m spend in the area around the monument.
Jim Glen, who chaired Westminster City Council’s planning committee said “it is possibly absolutely bonkers but it is only temporary.”
And fellow Selina Short said it was “quite exciting and charmingly eccentric.”
It is thought that 2,300 to 3,600 people will pay to visit the viewing platform each day before getting a lift or taking the stairs back down.
It’s part of Westminster council’s £150m scheme for the West End which has been hit hard by the financial impact of the pandemic.
However there were 49 objections to the scheme with some people saying they thought it was a waste of money and that it was too expensive.
One objector wrote:
“This is a piece of nonsensical rubbish along the lines of the Garden Bridge.”
Another commented: “As a resident who’s just seen my council’s tax rise considerably, I strongly object on a financial basis. Further, given current economic considerations and issues, this is completely unnecessary.”
The London Gardens Trust also said the temporary project would be expensive and that funds should be spent on alternative projects.
According to a Freedom of Information request the council has already spent £56,900 on its plan and has a £900,000 budget for the viewing platform.