Leader speaks up for Marble Arch Mound

The Marble Arch Mound is a “cult classic” attraction, even though its costs are “unacceptable”, Westminster council’s leader said.

Councillor Rachael Robathan has defended the £6 million artificial hill, claiming it is meeting its intended purpose by boosting local tourism.

The Conservative-led council commissioned Dutch architects MVRDV to build the mound in a bid to attract more visitors to the borough.

The pop-up attraction cost triple its estimated budget and is set to close in January.

Councillor Robathan said the cost of the project is completely unacceptable and a report on the matter is due in October.

She said: “The mound opened too soon, it wasn’t ready and for that we have apologised.”

But she said it would be nonsensical to take it down because it is boosting footfall to the area after the pandemic.

She said: “For all its original teething problems, it is doing what it was supposed to do – bringing people back into the city.”

The Labour group is calling for the council to immediately remove the structure.”

Pictured top: The Marble Arch Mound