Whey aye, Freddy wanted the wheel
EX-MAGPIES CHAIRMAN WAS KEY IN PLANS FOR STRUCTURE
FORMER Newcastle United chief Freddy Shepherd played a key role in bringing the ‘Whey Aye’ vision to Tyneside before he died, it has emerged.
The 460ft observation wheel would be Europe’s largest and feature the world’s largest TV screen.
Before businessman and exMagpies chairman Mr Shepherd died in 2017 aged 76, he had been involved in securing the wheel’s proposed Quayside site at the former Spillers’ Flour Mill site.
Loved ones say it was a dream of the property tycoon to see the wheel built, while the structure’s developer praised his passion to bring it to his hometown.
His brother Bruce told The Chronicle: “He would be pleased that it is finally going to happen.
“I hope it now goes through and everyone will support it.
“I think it is a great proposal for the Tyne and I hope it will bring jobs and tourists.”
Developer The World Wheel Company plans to use the wheel as a centrepiece in a £100m development.
Creating over 550 jobs, it would feature family attractions alongside bars and restaurants.
Bruce, managing director of Walker-based Shepherd Offshore, which he built with his brother, said developers used his firm’s local expertise during the project’s early stages.
“They came to us to get some advice on the best place to put it and we thought it was a great site,” added Bruce.
“I think it is a great project for that area of the Quayside and it will bring more trade there.”
Plans for the wheel have been around since 2010, with Newcastle City Council negotiations commencing last March.
Developers hope to submit a planning application by the end of this year, with proposals going before councillors for approval in January 2019.
If approved, the wheel would be built abroad before being floated down the Tyne for construction. Construction contracts worth £20m will be put out to tender for local firms. World Wheel Company chief executive officer Phil Lynagh said: “We began this journey with Freddy and Bruce Shepherd, and Freddy was always very passionate about the project. “He always saw how the development would deliver a positive impact to the city he loved.”