The $11.3m mound was a disappointment to many of the 250,000 visitors, and was torn down after 6 months. Photo / AP
The $11.3m mound was a disappointment to many of the 250,000 visitors, and was torn down after 6 months. Photo / AP
Disgruntled Londoners have learned that it has cost a further $1.2 million to dismantle the maligned Marble Arch Mound.
The £6m ($11.3m) "eyesore" was left incomplete when the tourist attraction was opened in July 2021. The project led to resignations in Westminster Council after the disappointing results and astonishing costswere revealed.
The pay-to-access attraction on the corner of Hyde Park and Oxford street had disappointed visitors who climbed to the unfinished summit. Some referred to it as a "slag heap" and the turf-covered mound failed to cover up the embarrassment of unfinished surfaces and the fact that neither the promised cafe or shop were open to the public.
One visitor called it "the worst thing I've ever done in London."
The Associated Press reported that many were refunded after complaints.
— Emma Franklin-Wright (@emmabethwright) July 27, 2021
It was closed in January this year and dismantled. The council said it had welcomed 250,000 visitors and brought life back to the heart of the city.
The Mound's website described it as a "meaningful experience that captures the imagination of residents, businesses and visitors," and was funded as part of the city's pandemic recovery plan.
Charged an entry fee between £4 and £8 ($7 and $15)pp, the mound had high aspirations but did not amount to much.
A view of the Marble Arch Mound, after it was opened to the public last July. Photo / AP
The artificial hill was called a "monumental folly" by the Westminster Labour group. Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg said that the lump sum paid for the mound would more than have covered cuts of £500,000 to adult social services in the borough and the closure of a local library.
Debbie Jackson, Executive Director for Growth at Westminster City Council told the BBC that the mound had served its purpose, attracting 250,000 visitors to the West End over the 6-month period.
"Those visitors went on to spend money in shops, bars and restaurants across the West End - helping local businesses to get back on their feet," she said.
