O2 rooftop walkway proposals approved
London's O2 Arena has been given the green light to proceed with proposals for a rooftop walkway across the landmark venue, which will create a major new attraction for the capital.
Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the temporary walkway is to be suspended from the O2 Arena's yellow masts and will be able to accommodate 90 people at a time. Visitors will walk to a central viewing platform from a station at the arena entrance, with the walk to be 190m (623ft) in length and 60m (197ft) above the ground at its highest point.
Greenwich Council has now approved the proposals, which were drawn up by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners to a brief that did not "overwhelm or detract" from the venue itself. AEG Europe executive director for real estate Alistair Wood said: "The principle embodies our desire to create a daytime and evening experience that will appeal not only to existing visitors to The O2, but also attract further visitors from across London.
"The lightweight nature of the structure will ensure that the experience is as close to walking on the roof of the tent as possible, while the 60m climb and the fact that the experience is open air will add to the sense of excitement and adrenaline."