Ocean Outdoor to create advertising ‘sleeve’ around Marble Arch

Outdoor media owner Ocean Outdoor has won planning permission to cover Marble Arch in a purpose built sleeve.

Advertising revenue from the out-of-home display will go to conservation charity English Heritage to help pay for repairs to the landmark.

Ocean said the sleeve will be “sympathetically designed” in keeping with the architecture of the 19th Century 14-metre structure and have space for 10 advertiser spots.

The structure comprises six arches and four panels in total and will face traffic and pedestrians on both sides of the intersection overlooking Hyde Park, close to luxury hotels, residences and premium retail between Park Plane and Oxford Street.

The inventory will be offered to advertisers on a solus basis, meaning one brand will place their campaign on the arch cover at any one time.

Tom Ballantine, Ocean Outdoor UK development director, said: “Working with English Heritage, the Crown Estate and Westminster City Council, Ocean will draw on past experience to ensure the advertising installation is in keeping with the spirit of Marble Arch and its immediate surroundings.

“Time-lapse cameras will capture what is a monumental undertaking, giving supporting advertisers a record of a significant moment in time.”

Restoration work was last carried out 19 years ago with further conservation work set to begin this summer.

While works are in progress, the arch itself will be surrounded by low-level protective hoarding explaining why the conservation project is important.

The aim is for the work to be completed in autumn 2024 when the banner will be removed.