Stratford, London, to Become a Major Tourist Attraction With the ‘Olympic Orbit’

Construction of what is claimed to be the largest piece of artwork in the World and the UK’s largest sculpture named Orbit, reached a major milestone on October 28.

£26m Helter Skelter Sculpture Nears Completion in Olympic Site Adjacent to Stratford Station

The Orbit is just under 115 metre high and on first sight looks rather like a helter skelter with legs wrapped around it was designed by Anish Kapoor and has cost around £26m and taken 18 months to build so far. A low key ‘topping out’ ceremony was held on October 28th attended by just a few people.

It is very visible on the west side of the Great Eastern Main Line a few yards south of Stratford station and is best seen as the sun rises which brings out the colours of the creation. When completed next year, it will attract thousands of visitors to the viewing platforms providing views of the Olympic Park and for enthusiasts, the maze of railway lines surrounding it.

Stairs or Lift?

It will probably be best to use a the lift as there are 455 steps to the café and gift shop which officials have estimated will attract between 750,000 and a million visitors a year. The admission price is not yet known but could be less than on the London Eye on The Thames.

The Olympic stadium lies virtually within its shadow just to the south and on the former site of Stratford Shed and Works. This could well appear upside down to visitors as convex mirrors are being installed which will turn everything round by 180 degrees.

Tourists by Train!

The recently opened Westfield Shopping Centre at Stratford ensures that however unlikely it may seem, that Stratford in East London will become a major tourist centre after the Olympics and the only sensible way is to travel by train, Tube or The Dockland Light Railway.

External Links

• Orbit Tower
• Westfield Stratford City 2011