A New Hill is Being Installed in London
In the News
Is it just me ? But I think this is a complete waste of £ , it doesn't say how it was going to be funded but I think it would be a complete waste of public money in these trying times.
Although I wouldn't have an issue of it was being privately funded.
I’ve read they are looking to charge people to visit/climb it. I won’t be wasting my money on that - plenty of nicer places to visit for free
This is part of a much wider redevelopment plan in Westminster. They are also looking again at pedestrianising parts Oxford Street, which connects to the area of this proposed hill. Marble Arch is currently a wasted space, which most people only go through to reach Hyde Park. Otherwise, it's known as an area where homeless people and criminals often congregate. So I have no issue with Westminster Council trying to do something different at that location.
They are also considering pedestrianising part of The Strand by Aldwych - https://londonist.com/london/news/200-metre-stretch-of-the-strand-could-be-pedestrianised
Plus, other things including - https://www.mylondon.news/news/local-news/westminster-homes-shops-building-prices-16906620
If anyone is interested, booking for the Marble Arch Mound is now open. A standard Mon-Fri adult ticket is £4.50 and standard weekend tickets are £5.50. I've booked, as it's the kind of thing I'll probably enjoy - https://marblearchmound.seetickets.com/timeslot/the-marble-arch-mound
There is also a Live Stream video of the Mound's construction
- https://marble-arch.london/news/live-stream-looks-behind-the-scenes-as-marble-arch-mound-emerges/
That was quick, I think the next time I'm in London I will, if it isn't too busy. I still haven't gone on the London Eye , as the queues always seem so long 
Does it look anything like the artist impression?
beccatavender it opens to the public on the 26th July. They still have quite a lot of work to do, but the shape is the same as the rendition shown above.
beccatavender I've walked past the mound a couple of times during its construction. It looks impressive. There is going to be a one-off art display on the opening day (26th July) involving 12 illuminated cubes - https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/marble-arch-mound-will-come-alive-w1curates-light-exhibition
That looks fantastic, hopefully the weather will be good, so people can enjoy it. ACR
what a great idea - nice to see a council using a bit of imagination and doing something different.
It’s only temporary and due to open on the 26th July. I’m sure it will attract the tourists as it’s a cheap entrance fee.
I have just seen this article £2,000,000 Marble Arch Mound offers refunds after visitors call it a 'trash heap'
That's so disappointing 
The refunds are for people who have booked to visit during the first week of opening - which includes me. I received an email offering a refund or the option of getting an additional free ticket for a later date. I chose the free ticket and my original booking is still valid. Which means I'm getting two tickets for the price of one and I get to see the mound evolve over time. I don't regard this as bad news.
We are aware that elements of the Marble Arch Mound are not yet ready for visitors. We are working hard to resolve this over the next few days.
In light of the delay, we are offering anybody who has booked a visit during the first week a return ticket free of charge so that they can enjoy the full experience including the Lightfield art installation, M&S Food, and the landscape once it has had time to bed in and grow.
Ha Ha £4.50 to £8.00 to climb a hill! When in London I would probably visit, if it was free. To charge people is a joke
They should at least charge less for pensioners, they are already part way over the hill 
Yesterday, I climbed the 130 steps of the Marble Arch Mound - there is a lift for people that don't want to use the stairs. I mainly went for the view, so I was satisfied with the experience. The current lack of foliage is probably beneficial, as the view would otherwise be impeded at certain points.
It's possible people with a nervous disposition may feel uncomfortable on the Mound. This is a scaffold structure. At the top you are walking on linked metal deck planks. They are a little springy underfoot, some visitors may find this a little disconcerting. Likewise, you exit via stairs inside the Mound (or opt for the lift). The scaffold inside is currently exposed, which may be unsettling to some, as you can see all the way to the ground. I don't know if they intend to cover this before the official reopening.
People who have pre-booked are still allowed access. But times slots up to the 8th August have been removed from sale after complaints made on the opening day to give them more time to spruce things up. Free tickets have also been give out to people that pre-booked to go during the period of disruption, so they can revisit when the mound is complete. I will be going back later this month.
Thanks for letting me know, I'm frighten of heights so the scaffolding wouldn't make me feel safe. But the view looks great .
Due to all the negativity surrounding the Mound tickets are now free for the remainder of this month. Visitors need to book a time slot on the website - https://marblearchmound.seetickets.com/timeslot/the-marble-arch-mound
I have mixed emotions about this as it was such an innovate idea, shame that the reality didnt live up to the concept. In "normal" times tourists would have been flocking to this for the view alone.
,,, I may be one of the few people in London that likes the Mound. But, costs and negative press have been on the rise. A long standing Westminster Councillor has now resigned, as costs have escalated to £6 million. A ridiculous amount for a temporary structure that consists of scaffolding wrapped in grass and a small number of trees.
I have Just Read that Boss resigns after ‘trash heap’ Marble Arch Mound ends up costing £6,000,000. I don't think it looks like a trash heap
... I've just received an email to say the Mound will now be free to visit until January 2022 - which is the scheduled closing date. Visitors will still need to book a time slot on the website. Refunds will be offered to people that have already paid for tickets. Westminster Council are going to lose a lot of money on this temporary landscape installation.
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