
It is the largest structure ever raised in this manner - and the most dramatic piece of construction ever seen in the capital.
Yet the London Eye was originally a temporary structure. Launched in 2000 as part of the capital's millennium celebrations, the original planning permission was only for five years. Unlike the Eiffel Tower, which was constructed using over 2 million hot-driven rivets, the wheel was designed and built so that it could be dismantled and moved to a different location if necessary.
However, due to its overwhelming popularity, the initial lease has been extended and it is now a permanent fixture on London's skyline.