Adventure giant, Zip World, has taken over the operation of the ArcelorMittal Orbit from the previous operator and has exciting plans to invest £2.6 million. The ownership of the ArcelorMittal Orbit by LLDC remains unchanged.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit will be Zip World’s ninth location and its first in the Southeast of England since launching 11 years ago.

Zip World aims to invest £2.6 million into the ArcelorMittal Orbit, signalling the company’s commitment to continually expand its adventure offerings across the UK.

Standing at 114.5 meters tall, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is home to The Slide, the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide, where visitors can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour as they twist, curve, and turn 12 times while descending the 178-meter-long track.

For those seeking breathtaking views rather than high-speed thrills, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of London’s famous skyline and landmarks, including the Park’s iconic London Stadium and London Aquatics Centre, to Canary Wharf, the City of London and landmarks like  St Paul’s Cathedral, from the 80-meter-high Orbit Skyline viewing deck.

The company is currently working closely with both the team at London Legacy Development Corporation and local planning authorities on new plans for a European first-of-its-kind adventure at Zip World London. It's hoped that once approved, the new attraction will add to the existing experiences, and provide a new and exciting proposition for city visitors and residents alike.  

With 20 million annual visitors and 10,000 students residing within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the launch of Zip World London will complement the wide range of venues and experiences already on offer including concerts, sporting events and retail.

The site will join Zip World’s extensive portfolio, which includes the world’s fastest zip line, Velocity, and a variety of other zips, climbs, drops, and coasters across its locations.

Andrew Hudson, Zip World CEO, said: "We are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of Zip World London at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, coinciding with the 12th anniversary of the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

“This site marks our ninth location in the UK and our first in Southeast England, which is a huge milestone for Zip World and what we hope will kick off a whole new era of excitement and adventure right in the heart of London."

The ArcelorMittal Orbit has been in operation for 12 years, attracting over 1.12 million visitors to date. It will be reopened by Zip World at the beginning of 2025 and create new full and part time roles for local people.

Edward Fane, LLDC Head of Venues, said: “We are thrilled to be appointing one of the UK’s best and most well-known leisure and adventure operators.  Zip World bring the potential to create new immersive experiences centred on and around the ArcelorMittal Orbit.  This has the potential to generate increased visitor footfall, economic benefit and employment for the local area.  We look forward to seeing plans develop as we prepare to relaunch in early 2025.”

For more information on Zip World, visit https://www.zipworld.co.uk/. For more information on ArcelorMittal Orbit, visit https://arcelormittalorbit.com/whats-on/the-slides/.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

About Zip World:

·       Zip World, an adventure company founded in Wales, offers 33 thrilling experiences across eight sites in England and Wales.

·       Home to the fastest zip line in the world at Penrhyn Quarry, Velocity reaches speeds of 100mph+ and attracts up to 200,000 visitors each year.

·       Zip World started with its flagship adventure in 2013 with only eight members of staff and has seen exponential growth since then, now employing over 800 people across their sites at peak times. 

About the London Legacy Development Corporation:

·       Formed in April 2012, the purpose of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) is to use the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of the London 2012 Games and the creation of the Park to develop a dynamic new heart for east London, creating opportunities for local people and driving innovation and growth in London and the UK.

·       The LLDC is a Mayoral Development Corporation and accountable to Londoners through the Mayor of London.

Facts on ArcelorMittal Orbit:

·       If it were a vertical tower with all the loops flattened out, the ArcelorMittal Orbit would be 560 meters high, taller than the Eiffel Tower.

·       The sculpture is made from 2,000 tonnes of recycled steel, made by leading steel company ArcelorMittal, which is the equivalent weight of 1,136 London Black Cabs.