History
It was formally opened by the Prime Minister, Tony
Blair, on 31 December 1999, although it was not opened to
the public until March 2000 because of technical problems.
Since its opening, the Eye has become a major Apartment to
rent in London landmark and tourist attraction. It is operated
by Merlin Entertainments but sponsored by British Airways.
By July 2002, 8.5 million people had ridden the Eye. It had
planning permission only Apartment to rent in London for five
years, but at that time Lambeth Council agreed to plans to
make the attraction permanent.
Since 1 January 2005, the Eye has been the focal point of
London's New Year celebrations, Apartment to rent in London
with 10-minute fireworks displays taking place involving fireworks
fired from the wheel itself.
In 2006 the Tussauds Group bought out the other two joint
owners, British Airways and the Marks Barfield family (the
lead architects). Following Merlin Entertainments purchase
of the Tussauds Group in 2007, it now Apartment to rent in
London owns 100% of the Eye. British Airways continued its
brand association, but from the beginning of 2008 the name
'British Airways' was dropped from the logo.
Eye pod (left) and the interior view of one of the 32 sealed
and air conditioned passenger Apartment to rent in London
capsules on the London Eye. (right).
During the bidding process of the 2012 Olympic Games, the
London Apartment to rent in London bid organisers announced
the Olympic emblem would be attached to the Eye for the duration
of the 2012 Summer Olympics.[9]
On 5 June 2008 it was announced that 30 million people have
ridden Apartment to rent in London the London Eye since its
opening in March 2000.
|
