Greenwich

Greenwich - The O2 Dome

The O2 Dome was originally built to house the Millennium Exhibition, and became a bit of a white elephant after the exhibition. 

After the Millennium the future of the Dome became very uncertain and there was a lot of debate about its future. Nevertheless the huge tent-like structure is "growing" on Londoners in this area, and it is destined to house some of the sports in the 2012 Olympic Games.

Left: The O2 Dome from the river.

The O2 Dome has recently been refurbished and is now open as a theatre, show and entertainment complex under the auspices of Orange - O2. 

The Dome itself is a spectacular site and is located on a huge bend in the River Thames just beyond Greenwich and the beautiful buildings there. No-one could fault the unique position of the Dome, linked as it is to the Tube network through the Jubilee line, and the extensive parking facilities. 

The O2 Dome is promoting a series of concerts, sports spectaculars and other events there and it looks as though it is set to take off as a new leisure venue for Londoners.

Left: The O2 Dome - photo by Les Baker and reproduced by kind permission

Such famous stars as Prince, Barbra Streisand and Elton John have appeared in the past few months, and it has also  hosted the famous Tutankamun exhibition.

The Dome also houses the Greenwich Vue Cinemas with 11 screens which are the biggest in London, and an ice rink in the winter months.

Nearest Tube Station: North Greenwich - Jubilee Line
Parking available for 2,000 cars. 

 The following news item is reproduced for the interest of visitors:-

"A New Riverside Town in Docklands

A thriving new riverside town is to be created in the North Greenwich peninsular - the present home of the O2 Dome (known to Londoners as the Millennium Dome). The plan includes 10,000 new properties, 3,800 of which will be set aside as affordable homes to key workers such as nurses, teachers and those on low incomes. There will be plenty of pedestrian and cyclist routes, and they will have priority over cars. Gardens will be built along the Thames walkways, 29,000 jobs will be created, plus 3.5 million sq. ft of office space, a primary and secondary shool and a giant health centre."

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