Broadmead big wheel to tower 55m over Bristol
A HUGE observation wheel offering panoramic views of Bristol is set to open in the middle of Broadmead next week.
The Evening Post revealed at the end of Decemberthat the smaller version of the London Eye would be coming to the city centre.
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The Podium in Broadmead prepares for the Mellors Group big wheel - a smaller version of the London Eye that will stand 55 metres high for a real bird’s eye view of Bristol
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The Podium in Broadmead prepares for the Mellors Group big wheel - a smaller version of the London Eye that will stand 55 metres high for a real bird’s eye view of Bristol
And we can now reveal that people will be able to take rides on the 55m-high wheel from February 11.
Mellors Group, which operates the attraction, was last month given planning permission by the city council to set up the observation wheel in the heart of the shopping centre.
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Street furniture is being removed from The Podium – the open space in the centre of Broadmead – to make way for the arrival of the huge structure, which was last used in London's Hyde Park last Christmas. Fencing has also been erected on the site.
It is anticipated that between 30,000 and 50,000 people will take a ride in one of the wheel's enclosed pods within the first month of its opening.
It has 40 pods, including a VIP pod, which can each hold up to six people. Rides on the wheel last between 13 and 15 minutes.
Nick Vass, event planning manager for Nottingham-based Mellors Group, said the wheel was being stored in Nottingham ahead of it being transported south to Bristol.
He said: "We're very confident it will be a success in Bristol."
The wheel in Broadmead will be running in Bristol until May 8.
It will be open for rides between 10am and 8pm, Sunday to Thursday, and between 10am and 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays and bank holidays.
Rides cost £6 for adults, £5 for concessions and £4 for children over three years old and shorter than 1.4m tall. Children under three go free.
For more information visit www.bristolwheel.co.uk.
Comments
by Borderline78
Friday, February 10 2012, 8:58PM
“What a load of S***e, I see this monstrosity out of my bedroom and living room window every day, could they not have put it by the Harbour opposite the Arnolfini or Durdham Downs?, who the hell wants to see grey office blocks and pay £6 for the "privilege"?, what horses**t this is, the council should be held accountable for this, and yes, I do know it is a private company financing it, but it feels so negative seeing this, EVERY SINGLE DAY, it's reminiscent of mid 60's communist structures, i'm half expecting to see a statue of Stalin every time me and my partner go to the shops.”
by Tiny_Steve
Saturday, February 04 2012, 7:54PM
“Folks, "they" couldn't care less if you think it's a waste of money... it's a private company paying for it and a private company that will charge people to go on it. What that has to do with your 'taxes', 'parking fee' etc is beyond me.”
by KNIGEL
Saturday, February 04 2012, 4:52PM
“I rather have a wagon wheel...”
by Dingslady
Saturday, February 04 2012, 3:30PM
“I think you've answered your own question there, @Bristol 1978.....
......."out of the way of pedestrians"........”
by Bristol1978
Saturday, February 04 2012, 3:16PM
“Its interesting to see that after the council spent so much money on regenerating the Broadmead area with new paving, seating and odd half poles they've pulled most of them up in the central area and caused damage to the paving that's been filled in with concrete and tarmac just to squeeze in this monstrosity.
Nice bit of forward thinking there BCC. Why couldn't you just stick the thing on St Stephens Square where it was a few years ago, out of the way of pedestrians and not likely to cause any damage?”
by Dingslady
Saturday, February 04 2012, 10:44AM
“Oh! Just happened to re-read my earlier post - I said Cabot Circus and meant Cabot Tower!! embarrassed :I”
by Dingslady
Saturday, February 04 2012, 10:40AM
“Ah, yes, Snowymalone, I remember the tethered balloon in Castle Park. I was particularly skint at the time so didn't have a go (I'm recalling that it was a tenner to ride - is that right?). I think the wheel will do better, and I'm guessing they chose Broadmead as the site because of the high volume of footfall, even on a wet day. I think they will clean up! They will have to fence it off though, so I'm also guessing there will be an element of whinging about having to walk around it, thereby wasting taxpayers' hard-earned shoeleather!
Cabot Tower is still the best place for views, but of course it can't accommodate the disabled and elderly/infirm.”
by frank1958
Saturday, February 04 2012, 10:25AM
“by Dingslady
Saturday, Feburary 4 2012, 2:22AM
."@Jitzs, what the 'eck are you shouting about? Nobody's taking your money. Now, breathe.....
And thanks, @RobMcCarthy - Cabot Circus was always my favourite place to go, even though the climb was a killer, all the way from the bottom of Park Street actually (stopping for a St*rbux on the way)! An amazing huge green space in the middle of Bristol - epitomises everything I love about the place!..................homesick :C"
Its Cabot tower not circus.”
by PattersonG
Saturday, February 04 2012, 10:22AM
“See Bristol from above! Climb the Cabot tower!”
by snowymalone
Saturday, February 04 2012, 8:00AM
“@ R E Knaw "Didn't they have one in Castle Park a few years ago. Seemed to be a bit of a flop"
I remember the tethered balloon on Castle Park about ten years ago - took my kids on it. That went a lot higher than 150 feet, and the views were worth every penny. And the queue was massive (on a windy day to boot.)
Regarding this wheel though, as everyone else has said - why there of all places? If it's just a ride for its own sake, like a fairground one, then fine, but if you're expecting to get a view of anything much, especially on the way up or down again, then save your money and nip up Brandon Hill.”