WHEEL ROLLS OUT OF TOWN AFTER WOWING CENTRE SQUARE

5th February 2010

Categories: Visitor News

MIDDLESBROUGH’S own Big Wheel is leaving the town after delighting residents and visitors for more than two months.

The Wheel of Middlesbrough arrived in Centre Square in December and has proved a popular addition to the town’s skyline.

The 40m wheel – strikingly illuminated at night - was brought to the flagship venue following a partnership between Middlesbrough Council and operator Great City Attractions.

Now after a hugely successful spell in the town the Wheel will be heading for a new location later this month.

The Wheel of Middlesbrough’s 30 glass-sided and climate-controlled observation pods, complete with specially recorded on-board commentary, proved a great hit throughout the Christmas and new year period.

Weekends were a particularly popular time for families and groups to enjoy unique views over the town and the River Tees, to the Cleveland Hills and North York Moors.

John Lowery, Senior Operations Manager for Great City Attractions, said: “Middlesbrough has proved to be a big success for GCA.

“The initial plan was to keep the Wheel in Middlesbrough until early January but visitor numbers have been fantastic so the decision was taken for it to stay until after half term.

“That means anyone who’s missed out on this great experience still has a chance to check out the fantastic views above the town’s skyline.”

The final date for visitors to be able to travel on the Wheel is expected to be Sunday, February 21. Discussions will take place in due course over the Wheel’s possible return at a later date.

Great City Attractions, which owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of giant observation wheels, currently operates five wheels in the UK and a further nine around the globe in destinations such as Belfast, Brisbane, Copenhagen and Singapore.

John Lowery added: “Great City Attractions owe a big thank you to the people of Middlesbrough for making the town’s Wheel a huge success.

“The weather’s been pretty extreme, but that didn’t deter thousands of people from turning out to enjoy a unique experience in a great setting.

“We’re also indebted to Middlesbrough Council who gave the Wheel their full support and contributed to its success, while the hard work and support from the team of staff over the last three months have been outstanding.”

Juliet Farrar, Middlesbrough Council’s Head of Culture and Tourism, added: “We were delighted that the Wheel of Middlesbrough was able to stay in Centre Square beyond the Christmas and new year period and the feedback from the public has been fantastic.

“It has undoubtedly brought new visitors to the town centre and really caught the public imagination.”

Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor Councillor David Budd added: “The Wheel has been a real talking point, and a dramatic addition to the Middlesbrough skyline.

“It’s given people a new angle on our changing and improving urban environment – and the great countryside that lies beyond.”

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