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UK’s tallest sculpture to become world’s longest slide

The ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower (pictured), the UK’s tallest sculpture, is to be turned into world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide.

The 115m-high tower, which was designed by Anish Kapoor, is located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in Stratford, east London.

The slide will be 178m long and 76m high. The conversion is expected to cost £1m. When complete in spring next year, thrill seekers will pay £5 for a 40 second ride at an average speed of 6m a second.

Visitors can already abseil down the tower, but that costs £85.

Peter Tudor, director of visitor services at the park, said: "What more exciting way to descend the ArcelorMittal Orbit than on the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide?

"We are committed to ensuring our visitors have the best possible day out every time they visit Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and as with all our venues, we are constantly exploring ways to ensure we lead the way with the latest visitor experience.

"This slide really will give a different perspective of Britain’s tallest sculpture."

A Helter Skelter in front of the ArcelorMittal Orbit (Aleem Yousaf/Wikimedia Commons)

It is expected to be completed in spring 2016.

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