Acumen Design Blog
A missed opportunity
I have to admit that I was one of the many cynical people who do not visit the millennium dome back in the year 2000 and saw at as a waste of time and money. I also believed the media hype that not only was the attraction substantially lacking but it was a waste of money and would be left to rot. I have seen the light, I am now a believer.
Last Friday I visited the dome, or the O2 as it is now known, for the Thames Gateway Business Awards (see our news page for details of our amazing award) and wow what an amazing place. I had heard reports from friends and even my wife and son who recently saw Disney on Ice, about how great it was, but even then seeing it first hand was surprising. Apart from being the best venue for ease of access both by train or by car, it was very well designed with lots of shops, restaurants and a variety of venue/halls/arenas. So much bigger than I expected and it just felt great.
At the award dinner we listened to a speech by Lord Falconer about the dome and watched a promotional video. Well I truly believe the East End really does have a jewel in it’s crown. I was amazed to see how many big names have either played or are booked to play at the O2. In particular I hear Prince was amazing and the acoustics are better than Wembley. I certainly would now look forward to visiting the O2 for concerts and other events, hopefully in the next few weeks for the Tutankhamen exhibition. From a Prince to a King, wow.
So to conclude I now think I was probably too hasting in my original appraisal of the dome and wish I had spent at least a day at what was a 1 year only opportunity. If the dome was half as good as what I believe the O2 centre will become, I think I missed out.
Added by on 2007-11-27
