6:30am Monday 17th August 2009
By Andrew Ffrench
Oxford could soon be getting its very own mini version of the London Eye — in a city centre car park.
Great City Attractions (GCA) has applied to set up the 40-metre-high giant wheel in Worcester Street car park.
The idea has been welcomed by community leaders who hope it will boost tourism in the winter.
The application is for November to January, but if the scheme proves a success GCA could apply to keep the observation wheel running for longer.
Max Carlish, a spokesman for Roger Etchells and Co, which is acting on behalf of GCA, said the firm had applied to the city council for planning permission for the big wheel.
He said: “GCA are the global market leaders in the installation of these graceful machines, having previously operated in some of the world’s leading locations.
“These include Belfast, Brisbane, Brussels, Copenhagen, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Paris, Perth, Sheffield, Singapore, Windsor and York, and we are excited at the possibility of adding Oxford to this distinguished list.
“We are confident that, if approved, the wheel will add to the city’s tourism offering and become a welcome addition to the local skyline.”
Mr Carlish added there would be 30 glass-sided, enclosed capsules and a 13-minute ride is expected to cost £6.50 for adults.
Council spokesman Chris Lee said GCA planned to put the wheel in a section of the car park owned by Nuffield College, and added: “One or two items for the running of the wheel might have to be in the main car park, but it will be remain open.”
It is not known how many car parking spaces will be taken up by the wheel.
Susanna Pressel, Labour city councillor for Jericho and Osney, said: “I’m all in favour of this and I think it would be great fun.
“It would be a bit like the London Eye and you would have great views of the city.
“I’m sure this is something that would be appreciated by tourists and people living in Oxford.
“The planning application could be dealt with by planning officers, although it’s an application that councillors on a forthcoming central, south and west area committee might want to consider.
“Eventually, I would like to see a canal basin created at the car park, but that might not happen for some time.”
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