£2m Marble Arch Mound gets off to rocky start

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Jul 28, 2021

It was meant to be an added attraction to drive visitors to London’s West End in the reopening period. But a 72ft-high artificial hill at Marble Arch has hit the headlines for the wrong reasons.

The new £2 million tourist attraction built by Westminster City Council (WCC) has met with ridicule and criticism rather than acclaim since opening this week. Social media has been awash with criticism and it seems both visitors and businesses haven't been happy.

Staff at 'The Mound' admitted the attraction wasn't fully finished, despite officially opening on Monday. Its appearance is a big issue with the greenery not as lush and abundant as expected. It contrasts sharply to the landscape promoted in the project’s artist’s impressions. 

But its views have also been slammed. Initial designs, created by architects MVRDV, promised a winding 82ft path through trees and plants ending in never-before-seen views of central London and Hyde Park. But at 72ft, the viewing platform is slightly lower than the surrounding trees, it’s also claimed.

Following the launch, WCC said visitors during the first week would receive a refund and a free second visit.

WCC said: "The Mound is a living building by design. We’ll continue to adapt and improve London’s newest outdoor attraction and resolve any teething problems as they emerge.

"We’re sorry for the delay and look forward to welcoming visitors when they’re ready to enjoy all The Mound has to offer”.