Marble Arch Mound: New London ‘attraction’ charges people up to £8 to walk up a 25m tall man-made hill

The new 25 metre Marble Arch Mound at the edge of Hyde Park in London has caused a stir on social media due to high building costs and admission rates.

The temporary structure purportedly cost two million pounds to construct and charges between £4.50 and £8 for an adult ticket, depending on when you visit and whether you select a fast track pass.

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At a glance: 5 key points

• The Marble Arch Mound was commissioned by Westminster City Council and aims to create “an experience of the ‘great outdoors’ right at the centre of the city”.
• It opened this week and visitors will be able to experience the temporary attraction until 9 January 2022.
• The attraction was designed by Netherlands based architectural practice MVRDV who are known for other designs such as the Gemini Residence in Copenhagen and Market Hall in Rotterdam.
• Within the centre of the mound there is a hollowed out space which will be used as a cafe, shop and exhibition space. However this area is still unfinished.
• According to the website, adult admission fees to climb the mound vary with a standard weekday ticket costing £4.50 and a standard weekend ticket at £5.50. For a weekday fast track pass adults will pay £6.50 and for a weekend adult fast track pass the cost will be £8.

What one visitor said:

London resident Dan Barker told NationalWorld about his experience of the Marble Arch Mound.

He said: “The info trailing the 'mound' spoke of a ‘spectacular 25 metre tall viewpoint that gives visitors striking views over London and the park’.

“In fact you can't really see the park, as I presume it was designed in Winter, and Summer has filled the view with trees”

“Maybe it will get busy, but the idea of fast track tickets seems odd, as - even nearing sunset on launch day - it was very quiet.”

“In summary: I enjoyed it. More as you might enjoy a bad statue of Cristiano Ronaldo, or a car park Santa's Grotto, with dogs pretending to be reindeer, than as a dazzling spectacle.

“As long as you go with that expectation it is ok - just a shame it cost 2 million pounds.”

Background:

The Marble Arch Mound website states that the project aims to deliver “a new and meaningful experience that captures the imagination of residents, businesses and visitors”.

Additionally it is stated that the Mound manifests Westminster City Council’s “vision of a Greener, Smarter, Future, Together.”

Despite widespread public complaints of high ticket prices, there are discounts available for local residents and families. Additionally infants under four years old and adult carers are admitted for free.

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