The Slide is being lifted into place by a team of abseilers
Europe’s tallest and longest slide is close to completion, after Mace lifted the final section of the structure into place at the ArcelorMittal Orbit in London’s Olympic Park.
Measuring 178m, the “Slide” is made up of 30 separate sections which twist and turn 12 times through the steel structure of the Orbit tower.
German-Belgian artist Carsten Höller designed the Slide after being approached by Anish Kapoor, the architect of the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
The Slide is made from 800mm diameter by 3mm thick stainless steel tubes. The sections each measure between 5m and 9m long and the structure is being lifted into place by a team of specialist abseilers.
When complete, riders will be able to descend in around 40 seconds, and hit speeds of up to 25km/h. Polycarbonate windows will allow for dramatic views of London’s skyline.
Mace was appointed project manager by the London Legacy Development Corporation in February 2015 and has been involved from feasibility stage, managing the design and procurement through to construction and completion.
Derry Power, Mace project manager at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, said: “This iconic project is not only going to provide another fun destination for the local community and visitors at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, but shows great collaboration between artists, designers, engineers, project managers and specialist contractors.
“The collaborative project team has worked tirelessly to design, develop and install a slide which will symbolise a lasting legacy at the park for years to come.”
