After the London Eye, it’s the Why Aye... Newcastle to get huge wheel
THE biggest Ferris wheel in Europe is set to be built in Newcastle on the banks of the River Tyne to create what has been dubbed “The Why Aye”.
The 460ft Quayside wheel – 17ft taller than the London Eye – will also have the world’s biggest screen suspended within it to allow visitors to post messages such as wedding proposals.
It will be the centrepiece of the £100million Spillers Wharf development which is expected to include bars, restaurants and an attraction named “Giants of the North”, celebrating the achievements of Tyneside’s sports stars, entertainers and industry through history.
Developers say the proposed plans would create up to 550 jobs and see more than £100million invested in the city.
Artist’s impressions show the wheel towering over other famous landmarks such as the Tyne Bridge and the Angel of the North.
The plans were announced yesterday by the World Wheel Company, which has built and operated giant observation wheels and family entertainment centres around the world.
It said visitors would be taken on a 30-minute “flight” on the Why Aye, the Geordie phrase meaning “yes”.
It hopes to attract 800,000 visitors in the first year.
A detailed planning application will be submitted later this year.
Match Of The Day pundit and former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer welcomed the plans, saying: “I think it would be great news for Newcastle.
“It’s 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 officer of World Wheel Company’s Newcastle operation, said: “This is one of the most exciting investment and regeneration projects in Britain, if not the world.”
However, the plans opinion among locals.
Resident Chris Knaggs said: “This looks amazing. It will be a great way to develop a part of the riverside that’s been forgotten about for have split years.” Gordon Quince agreed: “Great to see private investment in Newcastle and great income generation for the area as well as muchneeded jobs.”
But Melanie Thompson said she thought it “looks awful and tacky”.
She added: “I hope it doesn’t get approval. It will ruin the look of the Quayside.”
Joe Kelly also questioned whether the Quayside’s iconic skyline needed something new. “Why do we feel like we always have to add something, especially to an area that is already striking,” he said.