Image: The construction process took 18 months

ArcelorMittal Orbit, the sculpture and visitor attraction designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, has been unveiled at the heart of the new Olympic Park in east London, UK.

The 114.5m (375.7ft) tower has been developed at a cost of £22.7m (US$36.5, EUR28.2m) and will be handed over to the London Legacy Development Corporation later this month.

Located between London's Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is to be operated as a ticketed visitor attraction during and after the 2012 Games.

When open, the structure - the UK's tallest sculpture - will be able to accommodate 5,000 visitors each day and will offer views overlooking the surrounding Olympic Park, London and beyond.

Visitors will be transported to the top of the tower in a lift and will have the opportunity to return in the same manner, although the use of the 455-step spiral staircase 'orbiting' the tower will be encouraged.

London mayor Boris Johnson said: "This 114.5m-high attraction to trump rivals the world over is a calling card for investment in east London.

"It is a symbol of prosperity and growth, backed by one of the world's most astute business leaders, which delivers the strongest message that this part of London is open for business after decades of neglect."

Lakshmi N Mittal, chair and CEO of ArcelorMittal, added: "It gives me great pride to see the ArcelorMittal Orbit standing not only as a completed work of public art but as a physical symbol of the Olympic spirit."

Balfour Beatty Workplace will now complete the fit-out of the attraction ahead of its public opening during the 2012 Games.

Details: www.arcelormittal.com

Image: ArcelorMittal