The company planning to build Europe’s tallest observation wheel has released images that give a better idea of its proposed development in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Standing nearly 140 metres (460ft) high, the ‘Whey Aye’ (named in tribute to local slang) will be 5m (16ft) taller than the London Eye. Yet as the pictures here show, the ride is boarded from the top level of a building, which means it may actually be smaller in diameter than its counterpart in the British capital.
The World Wheel Company wants to built the attraction as part of a wider Giants on the Quayside development in the north east city. This would include a 12m (39ft) steel statue called The Geordie Giant, a family entertainment centre and various food and beverage offerings. It is anticipated that the project will see around £100 million ($132m) invested in the city and up to 550 jobs created.
Phase one will include a 700 sq m LED screen on the facade of the visitor centre, which will be used to communicate information about local culture and events as well as social media content and advertising. Phase two, subject to a licence, will see a world-record breaking 11,960 sq yd (10,000 sq m) LED digital screen added to the wheel itself.
A detailed planning application relating to the observation wheel and the Giants on the Quayside development is due to be submitted to Newcastle City Council by the developer later this year. According to World Wheel Company, it will take just 18 to 24 months to build.
