00:00the london eye was built on the south bank of the river thames as part of celebrations for the new
00:05millennium it opened in march nineteen ninety nine and was designed to stand for only five years before being removed
00:11from london
00:12the attraction was created by british airways and architects who wanted to mark the start of a new century with
00:18a striking landmark its huge scale made it popular with visitors and the wheel quickly became a symbol of modern
00:24british design
00:25although permission was originally temporary the london eye proved too successful to disappear
00:31after its original five-year license expired discussions began about whether it should be
00:35dismantled or given a permanent place on the south bank the operators applied for a permanent license
00:41and westminster council approved the change its popularity with tourists and its growing status
00:47as a london landmark helped secure its future the london eye has changed ownership several times
00:53and survived debates about its future its original temporary status remains part of the attraction
00:58story because few landmarks have transformed from short-term projects into such lasting features of a
01:05city's famous skyline more than two decades after opening the london eye is one of the most visited
01:11attractions in the capital with millions taking the slow journey around the wheel each year its glass
01:16capsules give passengers a changing view of landmarks including the houses of parliament
01:21saint paul's cathedral and the river thames what began as a temporary celebration has become a permanent part
01:26of the city's identity and public image
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