Viddler.com - LONDON EYE - The UK’s Number One Paid-For Tourist Attraction Launches First Phase of Multi-Million Pound Upgrade

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Exclusive Footage Available as The London Eye Begins Its 183 Mile Journey To Be Upgraded

The UK’s number one paid-for visitor attraction, and the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel – The London Eye – has kicked off phase one of its recently announced £12.5 million upgrade, which hopes to ‘future proof’ the iconic landmark for years to come.

Launched last night, the South Bank saw the removal of the first of the wheel’s 32 10 tonne capsules, which was unpinned from the observation wheel and then lowered onto a floating pontoon positioned underneath the tourist attraction. It then began the 183 mile journey to be upgraded in Worcester; travelling along the Thames and past other iconic London landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the O2 Arena, and Tower Bridge.

Each of the capsules, removed one at a time, will be taken to Tilbury Docks in Essex, where they will then be loaded onto a truck and travel the last leg of the journey by road, accompanied by an escort. A non-operational capsule will take position on the London Eye until the final capsule is returned.

In the biggest investment since the attraction opened in 2000, the upgrade project will take place across the next three years, due for completion in time for the London 2012 Olympics. The upgrade will include adding four ceiling mounted screens and enhanced multi-media and Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling the capsule to provide music and on-screen visuals. The existing heating and ventilation system will also be upgraded to a more efficient, environmentally friendly system. Distributed by Tubemogul.