World's longest slide to be wrapped around London's Orbit Tower

by Tom Anstey | 30 Jul 2015

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home of the London 2012 Olympic Games, has confirmed plans to build the world’s tallest and longest slide inside the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower.

Due to open to the public in Q1 2016, the 180m (590ft) helter skelter by Bblur Architects will start 76m (249 ft) above the ground, circling the tower five times before a 50m (164ft) straight run at the bottom. The slide will include transparent sections so riders can look at the view of the surrounding Olympic Park as they descend.

The tower itself has been somewhat controversial, receiving a largely negative public response to its potential both as a visitor attraction and because of its industrial look. Designed by Turner-Prize winning artist Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond of engineering Group Arup, the £19.1m (US$29.8m, €27.2m), 114.5m (376ft) tall sculpture and observation tower is Britain’s largest piece of public art.

"What more exciting way to descend the ArcelorMittal Orbit than on the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide,” said Peter Tudor, director of visitor services at the park. “This slide really will give a different perspective of Britain’s tallest sculpture.

"We are committed to ensuring our visitors have the best possible day out every time they visit, and as with all our venues, we are constantly exploring ways to ensure we lead the way with the latest visitor experience."

This won't be the first innovative slide project to be installed at a major London art landmark. In June, a specially-commissioned pair of slides which allow visitors to travel from the Hayward’s Gallery iconic glass pyramid ceiling to the entrance level were opened to fun-loving members of the public.