Wheel deal set for Middlesbrough's Centre Square

25th November 2009

Categories: Visitor News

Middlesbrough's very own Big Wheel is on its way at last.

The giant observation wheel is expected to start turning heads at the end of this month, and will remain a major draw in Centre Square until Christmas.

The massive 40m wheel is being brought to the town’s flagship venue thanks to a partnership between Middlesbrough Council and wheel operator Great City Attractions.

The idea follows an approach to the authority last year by the West Midlands-based company which operates giant observation wheels at sites across the globe.

Middlesbrough’s Giant Wheel will be the only one of its kind currently operating in the North East, and follows successful projects at other towns and cities across the UK and internationally including Belfast, London, Paris Singapore and Brisbane.

The Wheel of Middlesbrough will be 40m high, with 30 glass-sided and climate-controlled observation pods, each carrying up to eight people (eg six adults and two children)with a specially recorded on-board commentary.

Residents, tourists and visitors will pay £5 for adults (concessions £4) and £3 for children aged three to 16 and £1 for children aged one to three.

Rides will last around 12 minutes and feature three revolutions of the wheel, affording passengers fantastic views across Middlesbrough and beyond. The wheel will entail no cost to the Council.

The arrival of the Wheel will create up to 20 local jobs for the duration of its stay, and a decision to extend beyond the festive period will be considered in due course. A recruitment event is being held in Middlesbrough today.

The Wheel’s installation in Centre Square will require no foundation work and GCA will undertake any necessary restoration to the ground following its removal.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon said: “We were disappointed not to be able to bring the Wheel to Centre Square earlier in the year, but we gave an undertaking to work together to make the project happen.

“We have had fantastic support from local people who have been overwhelmingly in favour of the project.

“I’m delighted that that work has paid off and the people of Middlesbrough and visitors to the town will be able to enjoy this unique view of our town.

“It is just the sort of initiative that marks Middlesbrough out as a major destination with real ambition and self-belief, adding to the town’s reputation as a focal point both in the region and further afield.”

GCA spokesman Andy Millichamp said: “The Wheel of Middlesbrough has received fantastic local support from the outset, and there has been a real sense of excitement among local people.

“We are delighted to be able to supply a wheel in time for the festive period and would like to thank everyone involved at Middlesbrough Council who have worked extremely hard with us to help make this happen.

“We are confident that the Giant Observation Wheel will be a welcome addition to Middlesbrough’s skyline, offering residents and visitors alike the chance to see this great town from a completely new and unique perspective.”

·  Full details will be available on the GCA website at www.greatcityattractions.com

 

Jobs at the Middlesbrough Big Wheel

We are now recruiting for this exciting new attraction and will be holding an open interview session at The Thistle Hotel, Fry St, Middlesbrough TS1 1HA for Managers, Assistant Managers, Customer Service Assistants and Attraction Controllers on Tuesday, November 24 between 9am and 6pm. Please bring a CV, and proof that you are over 18 years of age. We are looking for full and part time workers and the wheel will be open at least until the New Year, with the possibility of more work after this period We are recruiting for the following jobs:

Manager/Assistant Manager
£16,000 - £18,000 pa (pro rata)
As manager/assistant manager you will be responsible for the safe, profitable and cost-effective operation of the wheel.  You will require excellent team management, organisational and customer service skills, as well as being computer literate.  Calm under pressure, you will have substantial previous experience of cash handling, administration and security.  Your spoken and written English will be of a high standard and you will have had at least three years senior management responsibility in a fast moving customer facing business.  Familiarity with health and safety regulations, along with a head for heights will be an advantage.  This is a full time salaried post and you will have complete responsibility for the whole attraction on a day to day basis. 

Customer Service Assistants
Full time and part time required £5.90 per hour
You will be greeting customers, dealing with questions and organising queue areas, taking cash and credit card payments (full training provided), issuing and checking tickets.  Having provided a short safety briefing, you will also assist the comfortable and safe loading/unloading of guests enjoying the wheel experience.

Attraction Controllers (shift work)
£6.64 per hour
The Attraction Controller are responsible for the safe mechanical operation of the wheel and for aspects of maintenance.  Previous experience such as machine operator of HGV/PSV driver or experience such as a mechanic/engineer will be essential, along with an aptitude for controlling a computerised operating system.  You must be willing and able to concentrate on the control panel of the wheel and its operation for long periods of time. Experience/certification of working at height would be an advantage.  Shift work, including overnight maintenance, is a regular feature of this function.

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