Key Points
- Discounts of 30% for local residents living in or near the Olympic Park for the new zipline attraction.
- Planning permission approved by Newham and Tower Hamlets councils for the zipline and return tower.
- Zipline to launch from ArcellorMittal Orbit Tower on Newham side and cross into Tower Hamlets over the River Lea.
- Zip World plans a “gravity descender” attraction on the tower with a separate planning application to follow.
- Potential creation of 10 to 15 local jobs and protection of existing jobs linked to the tower’s visitor numbers.
- Expected to attract up to 60,000 new visitors annually.
What discount will local residents receive for the new zipline attraction?
As reported by MyLondon journalist Julia Brown, councillors in Newham and Tower Hamlets have approved the planning permission for a new zipline to be installed at the ArcellorMittal Orbit Tower. Residents living in postcodes that touch or sit within the Olympic Park will be eligible for a 30% discount scheme to use the zipline, according to information presented to councillors in Tower Hamlets.
Tower Hamlets council planning officers confirmed that the discounted scheme targets people in the Olympic Park area, which spans both boroughs. This scheme aims to ensure that local communities benefit directly from the attraction.
How will the zipline operate and where will it be located?
The plans submitted to both Newham and Tower Hamlets councils describe that the zipline will start from the famous ArcellorMittal Orbit Tower located on the Newham side of the Olympic Park boundary. The line will then cross over the River Lea, reaching a new return tower constructed within Tower Hamlets.
This crossing will create an innovative leisure attraction bridging the two boroughs and making use of the park’s iconic structure.
What additional attractions are proposed alongside the zipline?
According to the planning documents, Zip World also intends to introduce a “gravity descender” attraction alongside the zipline. This new feature will be installed on the same tower but requires a separate application which has yet to be submitted. Andrew Hudson of Zip World highlighted plans for this additional attraction, which will complement the zipline experience.
How did local councils respond to the planning applications?
Tower Hamlets’ strategic development committee granted approval for the return tower installation on 22nd October, while the Newham committee approved the launch platform on 23rd October. During the Newham meeting, council member Blossom Young queried the potential for local job creation linked to the new attraction.
How many jobs might the new zipline create, and what economic impact is expected?
Andrew Hudson, representing Zip World, replied that the company intends to recruit a “hyperlocal workforce.” He said,
“We want people to tell the story of the local area – it’s got a history to talk about and obviously using local people is our preference.”
Hudson estimated the zipline could create between ten and fifteen new jobs. Moreover, he emphasised that the attraction would help protect existing employment associated with the ArcellorMittal Orbit Tower, which has suffered from diminished visitor numbers in recent times.
Hudson said:
“Visitor numbers have significantly dropped, so this new attraction could revitalise interest and footfall to the site.”
What visitor numbers are expected with the new zipline and descender attractions?
Planning documents indicate the combined impact of the zipline and the gravity descender could bring approximately 60,000 new visitors annually to the Olympic Park. Hudson highlighted the attraction’s potential benefits for neighbouring visitor facilities, stating,
“We do see it as a very accretive attraction to the park not just for Zip World but also for neighbouring visitors as well.”
