City's star turn on way to play Christmas role in London

LESS than a year and a half after it rolled into the city centre, Sheffield's big wheel was dismantled yesterday in preparation to be moved to Hyde Park, London.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Nov 2010, 12:12 BST
Updated 3rd Nov 2010, 12:13 BST

The wheel was erected in July last year and proved popular, welcoming more than half a million riders during its 15 months in the city.

The 197ft (60m) high Ferris wheel was put up by private company World Tourist Attractions. It had planning consent to remain in Fargate until January next year but World Tourist Attractions chose to move it early, so it can be put up in London in time for Christmas.

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Coun Roger Davidson from Sheffield Council said: "We believe the Wheel of Sheffield has been a success in the city and a welcome addition to our skyline.

"Its stay in Sheffield was always a temporary arrangement, which has been extended beyond the original timescale of six months, and we appreciate and accept its owner's decision to move it to a new location so it can be in place for Christmas.

"We are currently looking at plans to replace it with a Christmas attraction once the site is vacated and will reveal further details in the coming weeks.

A spokesman for Great City Attractions, Nigel Ward, added: "We wish to thank the people of Sheffield and the city council for all their support."

Related topics:SheffieldLondonHyde ParkSheffield CouncilFargate