Construction work has started on The Orbit – London's newest major attraction, which is being built at the heart of the London 2012 Olympic Park.

The sculpture was designed by award-winning artist Anish Kapoor. He was joined on the Park to see work get underway by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, CEO and Chairman of the ArcelorMittal Lakshmil Mittal, and Chief Executive of the Olympic Park Legacy Company Andrew Altman.

Situated between the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatics Centre, The Orbit will give visitors a view of the entire Park and across London's skyline. Visitors will be able to take a trip up the structure in a lift and will have the option of walking down the spiralling staircase.


Mr Johnson said: "Long after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are over, we will have a stunning new spectacle in London. Recognised the world over, The Orbit will not only be an amazing piece of art, but it will draw visitors from every corner of the globe to east London.

"I am delighted we are breaking the ground and can't wait to see the red steel of The Orbit reaching for the sky."

The Orbit, which will be Britain's largest piece of public art, will consist of a continuous looping lattice of tubular steel and stand at 114m. It is expected to be completed and handed over to the Olympic Park Legacy Company by March 2012.

(CD/KMcA)