Having been given planning permission, Clacton Pavilion is going to install a new tourist wheel that will mark the town’s 150th anniversary.
The wheel will measure more than 30 metres high and 20 metres in width. It will be located within the Pavilion’s grounds and boast views of the seafront. The wheel will feature 24 gondolas, with a capacity of hosting 144 guests at one time. Wheelchair access will be available. The gondolas can be sponsored by local businesses.
The installation of the new tourist attraction will create more than 10 news jobs in Clacton. It is hoped the wheel will be installed by the beginning of March and will be open to its first visitors as soon as lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Billy Peak, owner of Clacton Pavilion, commented on the arrival of the new tourist attraction: “We’re delighted Tendring District Council were as excited as we were about Clacton’s 150th Anniversary Wheel when we put the idea to them last year. It will be a huge tourist attraction for many years to come and marks a fantastic historical landmark for the town. The idea came to us after seeing a similar project in San Francisco to celebrate 150 years of the Golden Gate Bridge and if it is good enough for them then it is good enough for us.
“I can’t wait to see it in situ within the next few weeks and to welcome our very first guests as and when the lockdown restrictions are lifted around the UK,” Peak added.
