Merlin Entertainments has unveiled plans for a £12.5m upgrade of the London Eye in a bid to improve customer experience and to 'future-proof' the attraction in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympics.

The wheel's 32 capsules will be removed one at a time in order to undergo work to install new, environmentally-friendly heating and ventilation systems, while one of the upgraded capsules will also feature ceiling-mounted TV screens and improved wi-fi provision. A temporary, non-operational capsule will be used until upgrading is completed on all of the capsules

It is hoped that the project, which is due to be completed in time for the London 2012 Olympics, will ensure that no major maintenance work will have to be carried out on the attraction for up to 20 years, as well as reducing its carbon footprint. David Sharpe, Merlin Entertainments' divisional director of London Midway attractions, said: "This investment is a clear demonstration of Merlin Entertainments' commitment to constantly investing in upgrading our attractions, and to delivering the best possible experience to visitors.

"We believe that investment is more important than ever in the current economic climate when both local and international visitors to attractions like the London Eye are looking for real value for their leisure pound." The 135m (443ft)-high London Eye has attracted more than 33 million visitors since it first launched in 2000, becoming the UK's top paid-for visitor attraction.