Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, wanted a structure and artwork to commemorate the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, and a design competition was launched. During a chance meeting with Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, at the World Economic Forum Summit in Davos in 2009, Johnson secured ArcelorMittal’s support.
The winning artist and design of the ArcelorMittal Orbit (by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond) were unveiled in March 2010.
As a tier two sponsor and official steel supporter of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, ArcelorMittal committed funding of up to £19.6m of the £22.7m project, with £3.1m provided by the London Development Agency.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit reached its full height of 114.5 metres in late 2011 to create the UK’s tallest sculpture. It is a visitor attraction and a lasting legacy of the 2012 Games.
Balfour Beatty has been appointed as the operations agent for the ArcelorMittal Orbit, and will also run services and facilities for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
About ArcelorMittal
ArcelorMittal is the world’s leading steel and mining company, with a presence in more than 60 countries. In 2010, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $78.0bn and crude steel production of 90.6 million tonnes, representing approximately 8 per cent of world steel output. For more information visit www.arcelormittal.com.
About London Legacy Development Corporation
The London Legacy Development Corporation will promote and deliver physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding area, maximising the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will secure high-quality sustainable development and investment and ensure the long-term success of the facilities and assets within its direct control. It takes over responsibility for the Park from the Olympic Park Legacy Company, and additional powers including planning from October 2012 from the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. For more details visit www.londonlegacy.co.uk.
About Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty is a leading international infrastructure group and its services include project design, financing and management, engineering and construction and facilities management services. It delivers the infrastructure needs for clients across markets such as transportation (roads, rail and airports); social infrastructure (education, specialist healthcare, and various types of accommodation); utilities (water, gas and power transmission and generation) and commercial (offices, leisure and retail). Balfour Beatty employs 50,000 people and is present in over 80 countries around the world.
