James Bond Location Millennium Dome damaged by storm Eunice

The BBC reports that sections of the fabric roof of London's O2 arena have been shredded by the strength of Storm Eunice's winds, causing the venue to close.

The O2 arena roof has been damaged by storm Eunice
photo via BBC

The Millenium Dome, as it was first named, featured prominently in pre-title opening scenes of the James Bond movie The World Is Not Enough (1999).

The Millennium Dome plays a prominent part in the pre-title sequence in The World Is Noth Enough
photo © Danjaq, MGM

In the film, James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) chases King's assassin by boat on the Thames river to the Millennium Dome, where she attempts to escape via hot air balloon. James Bond offers her protection; she refuses and blows up the balloon at the cost of her life, injuring Bond's shoulder in the process.

The cigar girl races in her Sunseeker Superhawk 34 towards the Millennium Dome in Millennium Dome.
photo © Danjaq, MGM

The landmark in Greenwich, south-east London officially opened in 2000.

The venue was renamed the O2 in 2007 and hosts concerts and sporting events. It contains a cinema and a range of shops and restaurants. 

An O2 spokesperson said: "Due to today's adverse weather conditions, we can confirm that there has been some damage caused to the tent fabric in our roof at the O2. The affected areas have been cleared and the O2 will remain closed for the rest of the day. The safety of our visitors remains of paramount importance. We will continue to assess the ongoing situation and act accordingly".

The O2 building has been evacuated and will be shut for the rest of Friday.