Plans have been revealed for Europe’s tallest observation wheel, to be built in Newcastle Quayside. It is expected to bring £100m of investment and regeneration opportunity to the city.
If approved, the 140m-high wheel – 5m taller than the London Eye – will be built on the east end of Quayside on the site of the former Spillers’ Flour Mill, which has been vacant since the building was demolished in 2011.
The plans from developer World Wheel Company also include a pedestrianised leisure space with bars and restaurants alongside Giants of the North Experience, a 97,000 sq ft interactive and virtual reality attraction showcasing the region’s history.
A detailed planning application will be submitted to Newcastle City Council later this year. Development is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete, once approved.
Phil Lynagh, chief executive of World Wheel Company’s Newcastle operation, said: “This is without doubt one of the most exciting investment and regeneration projects in the UK, if not the world.
“Representing an overall investment of more than £100m, it will create up to 550 local jobs and deliver local building contracts worth in excess of £20m. The developments will attract continued investment through more visitors spending an increased amount of time in the city and the region.”
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