The UK’s number one paid-for visitor attraction, and the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel – The London Eye – has kicked off phase one of its recently announced £12.5 million upgrade, which hopes to ‘future proof’ the iconic landmark for years to come.

Launched last night, the South Bank saw the removal of the first of the wheel’s 32 10 tonne capsules, which was unpinned from the observation wheel and then lowered onto a floating pontoon positioned underneath the tourist attraction. It then began the 183 mile journey to be upgraded in Worcester; travelling along the Thames and past other iconic London landmarks such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the O2 Arena, and Tower Bridge.

Each of the capsules, removed one at a time, will be taken to Tilbury Docks in Essex, where they will then be loaded onto a truck and travel the last leg of the journey by road, accompanied by an escort. A non-operational capsule will take position on the London Eye until the final capsule is returned.