Since March 9th, 2000, the London Eye has established itself as a defining feature of the British landscape. As the crowd-pleasing heart of London, tourists flock from around the world to experience the Eye’s tranquil 360-degree views. Standing at 443 ft (135m) the London Eye is a complex feat of specialist engineering, complete with 32 capsules, each one taking up to 25 passengers on a breathtaking tour of the city. Located on the bank of the river Thames for the last quarter of a decade the London Eye has become an icon of the British Isles and Garmendale is very proud to be a small part of the attraction’s rich history.

In the early days of the structure we worked closely with Marks Barfield Architects, Madame Tussauds, and British Airways, building a strong working relationship from the start. Promising reliability and ingenuity, the Garmendale team of engineers have supported the London Eye team across the last 25 years including when the Eye changed hands, as it’s now operated under Merlin. We are very proud to say that Garmendale was the first team to write the manual on how to refurbish each state-of-the-art glass pod on the London Eye. The first refurbished pod was carefully removed and individually transported back to our workshops in Derbyshire. Where our team of engineers stripped, refurbished, and rebuilt the pod before beginning the trip back down to London. The next step was reattaching the pod to the London Eye structure, a task that’s more challenging than it seems. The pods had to be floated down the Thames on a barge (see image below) before being hoisted safely back into position. We then collected our findings and instructions into a manual for the refurbishment of the other 31 London Eye pods. As well as devising the original refurbishment manual. Garmendale also worked with the original project team to devise a mechanical latch for the capsule doors, latches that are still operating today.

Over the years we’ve also been called in to make amendments and repairs to all elements of the attraction. When it comes to specialist engineering the Garmendale team thrive in solving unique engineering problems. As you can imagine across the London Eye’s lifespan, we’ve been brought in to solve a wide selection of engineering conundrums. From extending platforms, to emergency staircase installations. For 10 years Garmendale worked alongside the London Eye maintenance team, carrying out a wide variety of PPMs (Pre-planned Preventative Measures). Other modifications to the world-renowned landmark included designing and manufacturing security guards around the structure. As well as installing maintenance/cleaning platforms onto the Eye. Hand-railing, ladders, safety netting, you name it Garmendale has probably had a hand in either the design, maintenance, or installation.

Along with refurbishments and repairs Garmendale have also been involved in architectural upgrades to the glass, and stainless steel. Our team of engineers have also supported 3rd party inspectors, carrying out structural inspections on the London Eye. Over the last 25 years the variety of works we’ve carried out, is a testament to the teams ingenuity and pro-activity using a wide variety of our specialist engineering expertise. As I mentioned previously we built a strong relationship with the project team behind the London Eye. This lead to the Garmendale engineering team working alongside the manufacturers of the wheel, Hollandia, and Skoda to upgrade the bearings and implement modifications, ensuring the longevity and operation of the wheel.

The London Eye has become an iconic landmark the world-over, also emerging as a figure of pop-culture, starring in both film and television. Marketing stunts have also been no stranger to the Eye, and Garmendale has been lucky enough to support the project teams with a variety of engineering solutions. In 2006 the pods were each wrapped in promotional material for the Brit awards, depicting a rock-band inside the pods. During the promotional run for the 2007 film ‘Fantastic Four : Rise of the Silver Surfer’, Garmendale assisted with the installation of a huge 30ft image from the film onto the spokes of the wheel. Back in 2003 David Blaine, an American magician took a ride on the London Eye, but unlike the average passenger he decided to stand on top of the pod. This was all in aid of a publicity stunt to promote Blaine’s new TV show and Garmendale Engineering offered engineering support to achieve this death-defying effect.

It seems only right to end this article the same way the London Eye rounds off its experience, with the gift shop. The original London Eye gift shop used to sit at the foot of the huge structure. In just a 4-week period, Garmendale built, and installed the original gift shop. The London Eye is such an important milestone in the Garmendale history books, leading to working with the iconic Wembley stadium as well as work on the U.S. equivalent, The Orlando Eye in Florida (Pictured above). The London Eye was only ever meant to stand for 5 years, and now we can’t imagine a London without it. Alongside the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower, it truly is one of the man-made wonders of the world, so happy birthday London Eye, here’s to the next 25 years.