Newcastle set to get observation wheel bigger than the London Eye
The famous Fog on the Tyne won't be a problem for up to 800,000 visitors a year as the wheel will tower over the city.
Monday 21 May 2018 13:29, UK
Developers have announced plans to build Europe's biggest observation wheel in Newcastle - dubbed the Whey Aye.
Standing nearly 460ft (140m) high alongside the River Tyne, the observation wheel will be 16ft taller than the London Eye and could create up to 550 jobs in the city.
It will include a giant 11,960 sq m LED digital screen in the centre, which would be used to communicate information about local culture and events as well as adverts.
The proposed site for Whey Aye - a phonetic rendition of the Geordie phrase "why aye" - is at the east end of the Quayside, on the site of the former Spillers' Flour Mill.
Artists impressions show the wheel would tower over other famous landmarks including the Tyne Bridge and the Angel of the North in nearby Gateshead.
The Quayside already has the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, known as the "Winking Eye" or "Blinking Eye" bridge because of the way it swings open to allow shipping through.
Bars, restaurants and a visitor attraction called Giants of the North - which would celebrate the achievements of the region's sports stars and business people - would also be included with the Whey Aye.
The attraction, announced by World Wheel Company, would involve a 30-minute "flight" and is expected to bring in 800,000 visitors in the first year.
Former Newcastle United captain Alan Shearer welcomed the plans, which will be submitted later this year.
He said: "It just what the city needs - a new iconic attraction that celebrates our rich history and culture, while creating jobs and income for the people.
"A development like this would have my full support."
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 55 local jobs and deliver local building contracts worth in excess of £20m."