Marble Arch Mound opens for free, after initial disappointment
Visitors will be able to climb the temporary structure for free during August
The newly constructed Marble Arch Mound has opened to visitors free of charge, after scrapping its original cost of ÂŁ4.50 to climb the man-made hill.
It's after the first visitors to the new attraction complained that it did not live up to its promises.
Westminster City Council's Chief Executive, Stuart Love, apologised saying:
"We’re very sorry that the Marble Arch Mound wasn’t ready for visitors when it opened earlier this week.
"London’s businesses and residents have suffered through the pandemic and we built the Mound as part of our bigger plan to get people back into the City and into the shops, restaurants, theatres and to see the amazing sights the West End has to offer.
"We wanted to open the Mound in time for the summer holidays and we did not want to disappoint people who had already booked tickets. We made a mistake and we apologise to everyone who hasn’t had a great experience on their visit.
"With that in mind we’re going to make The Mound free for everyone to climb throughout August.
"Now is the time to bring the buzz back to central London and to see people visiting the West End again. We are working hard to resolve the outstanding issues and create an attraction worthy of our fantastic city. It’s going to look great and be an amazing experience once we’ve got it ready!"
Mixed reaction
There was a mixed reaction from visitors.
One said "It's certainly an impressive view if you like treetops and traffic. I'm glad I went but certainly not worth paying ÂŁ8 for so I'm glad it's free today".
Another said "It's beautiful. It's a rainy day and I think what they've managed to achieve is substantial. People should come and see it".
Why has it been built?
Westminster City Council commissioned the project as part of the Oxford Street District programme which aims to create renewed interest in the Oxford Street shopping district, as London opens up after the pandemic.
The 25-metre high mound uses a scaffold structure as its base, which is covered by natural soil, grass and trees.
It was designed by architects MVRDV and is part of the Council's wider vision for the district of a "greener, smarter future together".