Olympic tourist spot celebrates its 100,000th visitor
The View Tube in Newham today became London’s unlikeliest tourist attraction by welcoming in their 100,000th visitor since opening in November 2009. Centre Manager Rosie Murdoch said “Who’d have though a few shipping containers perched on top of a sewer would attract people from across the world?”
The View Tube, is a community venue with a difference, run by, Leaside Regeneration it boasts panoramic views of the Olympic Park construction site. And includes a café, education, arts and information spaces, bicycle hiring and a magnificent viewing platform, joining residents and visitors at the one and only community place where you can see the Olympic Park taking shape.
Standing two storeys high the bright green building can claim to be visible from any aerial photo of the area. As one of the funding bodies behind the View Tube, John Middleton, head of economic development at London Thames Gateway Development Corporation says, ‘I’m not surprised by the overwhelming success of this fantastic venue. It is giving the local community and visitors from all over the UK and the world the opportunity to not only see the Olympic Park take shape but feel a part of the progress being made in this area. It is another demonstration of the benefits we are delivering in east London on the back of hosting the Olympic Games.”
Nigel King who was the lucky 100,000th visitor was thrilled to be part of the celebrations today, “I come here all the time to chill out when I’m not working, the atmosphere is unusual; you’ve got the excitement of watching the changes on the site, coupled with a great ethos of recycled shipping containers and local artists working up here”.
On any given day you are likely to find artists with their sketchbooks, easels and cameras, able to shelter from the elements, coupled with locals and tourists coming to gawk at the enormity of the Olympic Park unfold before their eyes. The facility is open 7 days per week. There is a classroom for student sessions, guided bike tours of the area and the Container café serving the renowned bacon baguette (with or without avocado!). For more information about upcoming events visit the website: www.theviewtube.co.uk
