A special event was held on London’s South Bank yesterday to mark more than 20 years of a unique funding model, which since 2004 has seen one per cent of the revenue of the world-famous London Eye invested in the area around the iconic attraction. Over the years, this has exceeded £14 million.
Attendees included representatives of local community groups who’ve received funding from the London Eye Community Chest and members of South Bank Clean Team and South Bank Patrol, who contribute to making the area one of London’s most popular destinations, with 94 per cent of visitors rating it good or very good in a recent survey.
Word from the Council Leader
Councillor Claire Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council said: “We are incredibly proud of the difference this unique funding has made – from supporting young people through sport, to providing hot meals for those in need, and helping new arrivals feel at home.
“The London Eye S106 agreement create jobs, improves local spaces and supports the community groups that help our places to thrive.
“As we celebrate this milestone and the continuation of the agreement, we look forward to seeing the London Eye continue to play a central role in the life of our borough for generations to come.”
Originally conceived by the architects of the London Eye, Julia Barfield and David Marks, the future of the Section 106 agreement – which underpins the funding – was recently reaffirmed through Lambeth Council’s decision to allow the Eye to remain permanently on the South Bank. It’s an approach that’s thought to be unique in the UK.
The funding is managed jointly by Lambeth Council, Merlin Entertainments – who own and operate the attraction – and South Bank Employers’ Group, the not-for-profit partnership of local employers who since 1991 have worked to shape South Bank as one of London’s most distinctive neighbourhoods.
Community Chest
One of the most successful programmes stemming from the agreement is the London Eye Community Chest, which is a finalist in the prestigious Building London Planning Award’s taking place next month.
The Chest funds local initiatives that strengthen community cohesion and resilience in the Waterloo and South Bank area and offers grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to local charities and community groups. Groups and projects supported in 2024/5 include:
- ‘Waterloo United’ who offer weekly free football sessions to young people, particularly those from lower-income households
- London City Mission, to provide over 11,400 hot meals for homeless people at the Webber Street Day Centre
- Special walking tours for sanctuary seekers, to help reduce social isolation and help refugees and migrants build knowledge of the local area, provided by Waterloo Community Counselling and the Lambeth Tour Guides Association.
- Coin Street and Archbishop’s Park Community Trust are working together to deliver the Herbs, Flowers, Teas and Treats project, which benefits around 50 older adults, including those with disabilities and additional needs.
Architect’s grand design
Julia Barfield, architect of the London Eye said: “When David Marks and I conceived and designed the London Eye its focus was to celebrate the Millennium and London’s entry into the 21st century. For us design, is a powerful tool for good, both social and environmental, and routed in place.
“So, when the success of the Eye became evident and we applied to extend the planning permission, it seemed obvious to us that we should extend the success to the local area and community. Which is why we initiated the idea of the Section 106 1% in perpetuity. It is the aspect of the London Eye that I am most proud of.”
Robin Goodchild, Merlin Entertainments’ Senior General Manager of the London Eye, said: “Here at Merlin Entertainments, we’re delighted at the immense contribution the London Eye has made over the past 20 years. Not only has it become an iconic landmark on the capital’s skyline, it has also helped transform the South Bank into the vibrant location it is today.
“This is in no small part down to the innovative Section 106 agreement put in place by Lambeth Council back in 2003. My thanks to all those who ensure these funds are put to good use, particularly for the benefit of the community in the surrounding local area.
“With the permanent future of the London Eye now secured, we look forward to continuing playing our part in making the South Bank and Waterloo area an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Community project
The Herbs, Flowers, Teas and Treats project will involve sessions over 12 months, where participants enjoy time outdoors, followed by a wellbeing activity, promoting the benefits of nature. Popular sessions include flower arranging, blending herbal teas and perfume making.
Leila Hidayat, from Coin Street who leads the project, said: “We are grateful for the London Eye Community Chest funding and support, which has made it possible for older people in our community to come together, connect with the outdoors, and enjoy creative sessions inspired by nature.
“Thank you for investing in the wellbeing of our residents.”
