Scheme has suffered repeated delays with Covid previously cited

Work to build Europe鈥檚 tallest observation wheel in Newcastle have been stalled again, with developers now citing Russia鈥檚 invasion of Ukraine for the latest delay.

The so-called Whey Aye Wheel, planned for the city鈥檚 Quayside, was approved nearly three years ago but the 拢100m development has been met with continued setbacks.

After initial delays blamed on covid-19, Hong Kong developer World Wheel Company announced last summer that work would begin at the end of 2021.

Whey-Aye-wheel-1-1024x683

The so-called Whey Aye Wheel will be 5m taller than the London Eye. It was originally supposed to open next year

The company now says it is working towards starting work on the wheel 鈥� a as well as the wider Giants on the Quayside leisure development 鈥� 鈥渢his year鈥�, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine as the reason for the fresh hiccup.

Chief executive Phil Lynagh said the war鈥檚 impact on global capital markets had hit deadlines but said the firm鈥檚 funding partners remained 鈥渇ully committed鈥� to the project.

鈥淲e have taken advantage of the delays to increase our focus on utilising new construction methodologies and materials which are allowed within the current planning agreements,鈥� he added.

鈥淒oing so has allowed us to investigate how we can further improve the delivery of our Giants on the Quayside development in terms of its overall sustainability.

鈥淭his will ensure we deliver an enhanced development for the city, its people and the millions of visitors who will come and enjoy Giants on the Quayside during its successful operation.鈥�

The project鈥檚 design team includes structural and civil engineering consultants Studio Horn, M&E consultants B&W Engineering and geotechnical and environmental consultants Golder. T&T is cost consultant on the scheme although no formal announcement has been made about a contractor.

As well as its 460ft observation wheel, the Ryder Architecture-designed development on the site of the demolished Spillers Mill will feature a 39ft human-shaped statue called The Geordie Giant and a family entertainment centre, featuring trampolines, climbing walls and play areas.

An 8,000 sq m 鈥楪iant鈥檚 Atrium鈥� will accommodate cafes and bars, as well as providing an entry and exit points to the wheel.

Topics