EDF Energy London Eye

Client: Merlin Entertainments
Construction budget: £5million
Completion date: 2009


With its striking presence on the River Thames, the London Eye has become an instantly recognisable landmark on the capital’s skyline.  Standing adjacent to the Grade II* County Hall it is the country’s most popular tourist attraction with over 3 million visitors a year. Approaching its 10th birthday a multi-million pound rejuvenation project was undertaken.

The main feature of Kay Elliott’s project was the construction of a 4D cinema inside County Hall adjacent to the existing ticket hall.  This pre-flight show enhances the visitor experience and adds a new dimension to the attraction.  By providing additional entertainment beyond the London Eye experience itself, dwell times are increased giving new owners Merlin Entertainments an enhanced commercial opportunity and visitors a greater insight into this magnificent attraction.

Kay Elliott used its extensive experience of working in sensitive buildings to develop a high quality visitor experience. The modern cinema sits comfortably within the existing rotunda building.  The cinema echoes the rotunda’s shape with the tiers sharply falling away to form a dramatic space in which to experience a virtual flight over the capital.  

< Back