Photo Courtesy of City AM
This slide’s not just for kids, nor will it reside on a playground.
The vertigo-inducing new structure will soon become the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide, wraps around a gigantic tower in the middle of London.
Plans were just approved for the iconic red ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to gain the wrap-around slide, which should open in the spring of 2016. Orbit Tower is currently the UK’s tallest sculpture and it’s new snake-like tube slide addition will be 584 feet long. The slide will zip riders from top to bottom in about 40 nail-biting seconds, witnessing views of London throughout the ride.
Note that your body may whoosh down at speeds of about 15 miles per hour. Calling it a “slide” is almost a misnomer – it’s a chute!
Riders will loop around the red observational tower seven times, experiencing 13 twists, before it ends in a 164 foot stretch. It will cost £5 a go (just under $8), plus the cost of visiting the Orbit itself, £10 (approximately $15.50).
Designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, the Orbit also offers two observation decks looking out across the park, with views stretching as far as 20 miles.
Whether you slide down it or not, it’s an incredible piece of architecture well worth visiting – one soon that can soon call itself a solo amusement park ride, too.