The OPLC have launched a formal expressions of interest process for operating the 114-metre tall sculpture.

Designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, it is situated on the Olympic Park between the Stadium and the Aquatics Centre and is set to be one of the most visited attractions during the London 2012 Games.

Andrew Altman, chief executive of the OPLC, said: "The operator of the ArcelorMittal Orbit will be in charge of running what we hope will be one of the world's most spectacular visitor attractions.

"Combining cutting-edge design with stunning views of the London skyline, the sculpture could attract up to one million visitors in its first year, and will be an iconic symbol of the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

"With the changing view of the City by day and night, the Orbit has the potential to be the 'must-see' attraction in East London."

The £22.3 million ($34.6 million) sculpture will have two observation floors to give visitors a stunning view across London's skyline.

The chosen operator would run the venue on behalf of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

After the Games the operator would become responsible for ticketing, marketing and events, hospitality and catering, the gift shop, reception and internal security for the OPLC.

The venue could possibly generate up to £10 million ($15 million) per year through ticket sales, catering, private functions, retail and merchandise while bringing around 50 new jobs to the Olympic Park.

The OPLC aims to appoint an operator by June.

It is anticipated that the contract will run for ten years and interested parties have until January 28 to make a formal bid by completing a Pre Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ).



A Memorandum of Information is available from the OPLC with the PQQ to help formulate bids and provide background on the ArcelorMittal Orbit and outline the OPLC's ambition for the Olympic Park.

The Orbit's design seeks to challenge the traditional concept of a tall structure, forming instead an 'orbital' exploration in space.

The sculpture, which will consist of a continuous looping lattice of tubular steel and the work, which will use 1,400 tonnes of steel, is considered to be at the forefront of architecture and engineering.

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 and experience its changing form.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit, which is currently under construction, is due to be completed by early 2012.

It will be licensed to London 2012 between May and October 2012 before being reopened in May 2013 for the public.

Plans for the Orbit form part of the OPLC's ambition for the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to become a major new London destination.

It will include new housing, schools, health centres and offices, along with venues such as the Olympic Stadium, Aquatics Centre, Multi-Use Arena and Press and Broadcast Centres.

ArcelorMittal will fund up to £19.2 million ($29.8 million) for the sculpture with the outstanding £3.1 million ($4.8 million) set to be provided by the London Development Agency.

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