17/10/2007
'Belfast Eye' To Fly In Weeks
There’s to be more than the usual Christmas tree in front of Belfast City Hall this festive season.
Work gets underway this week to erect Belfast's very own ‘Big Wheel’, which is set to rival the London Eye as a tourist attraction.
The construction of the massive 60m, £3.5m wheel is underway outside the City Hall after months of delay.
Within weeks members of the public will be able to enjoy panoramic views from the 'Belfast Eye' 200ft above the city.
The wheel has 42 air-conditioned passenger capsules, which can hold up to 330 people and each flight takes approximately 15 minutes.
The construction operation is scheduled to take between two and three weeks with engineers flying in from Holland to erect the wheel.
An official opening has been scheduled for November 19, so that shoppers and visitors can view the city sights during the Christmas period.
World Tourist Attractions successfully won the tender to operate the wheel earlier this year.
The UK firm has already built landmark big wheels in Manchester and Seville where they have become top tourist attractions.
John Lowry, from the company, said they are delighted to have the construction of the wheel finally under way.
"We are due to stay until March, but we would like to stay longer," he said.
"We've got engineers from Holland and technicians from England putting the wheel together.
"It took a long time, but it is great to finally be over and to bring the wheel to Belfast.”
Despite the City Hall closing for major renovation work the wheel will remain in the grounds for the next five months.
(BMcC)
Work gets underway this week to erect Belfast's very own ‘Big Wheel’, which is set to rival the London Eye as a tourist attraction.
The construction of the massive 60m, £3.5m wheel is underway outside the City Hall after months of delay.
Within weeks members of the public will be able to enjoy panoramic views from the 'Belfast Eye' 200ft above the city.
The wheel has 42 air-conditioned passenger capsules, which can hold up to 330 people and each flight takes approximately 15 minutes.
The construction operation is scheduled to take between two and three weeks with engineers flying in from Holland to erect the wheel.
An official opening has been scheduled for November 19, so that shoppers and visitors can view the city sights during the Christmas period.
World Tourist Attractions successfully won the tender to operate the wheel earlier this year.
The UK firm has already built landmark big wheels in Manchester and Seville where they have become top tourist attractions.
John Lowry, from the company, said they are delighted to have the construction of the wheel finally under way.
"We are due to stay until March, but we would like to stay longer," he said.
"We've got engineers from Holland and technicians from England putting the wheel together.
"It took a long time, but it is great to finally be over and to bring the wheel to Belfast.”
Despite the City Hall closing for major renovation work the wheel will remain in the grounds for the next five months.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 January 2002
Tourism will 'unlock a new future' for Holywood
Holywood in County Down is to open itself to 'outside scrutiny' in a bid to become a key player in Northern Ireland's tourism economy.
Tourism will 'unlock a new future' for Holywood
Holywood in County Down is to open itself to 'outside scrutiny' in a bid to become a key player in Northern Ireland's tourism economy.
23 July 2009
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
23 March 2018
Belfast City Council To Host 'Kickstart Your Business' Event
Belfast City Council have invited entrepreneurs, start-ups and new businesses to attend a free event showcasing the services and resources available to them.
Belfast City Council To Host 'Kickstart Your Business' Event
Belfast City Council have invited entrepreneurs, start-ups and new businesses to attend a free event showcasing the services and resources available to them.
26 September 2017
Smart City Framework Launched At Belfast City Hall
Belfast City Council and Invest Northern Ireland have hosted representatives of the business community and leading urban technologists for the launch of the Smart City Framework.
Smart City Framework Launched At Belfast City Hall
Belfast City Council and Invest Northern Ireland have hosted representatives of the business community and leading urban technologists for the launch of the Smart City Framework.
18 September 2018
Primark Donates £500,000 To City Recovery Programme
Primark has announced it will make a donation of £500,000 to Belfast City Council's recovery programme as a "gesture of goodwill". A statement issued by the retailer said: "Primark will be donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's recovery programme as a gesture of goodwill.
Primark Donates £500,000 To City Recovery Programme
Primark has announced it will make a donation of £500,000 to Belfast City Council's recovery programme as a "gesture of goodwill". A statement issued by the retailer said: "Primark will be donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's recovery programme as a gesture of goodwill.