Brighton Wheel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brighton Wheel |
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The Brighton Wheel in June 2012
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| Alternative names | Brighton O; Wheel of Excellence |
| General information | |
| Status | Ceased operating 8 May 2016; wheel and support structure dismantled later that month |
| Type | Ferris wheel |
| Address | Dalton's Bastion, Madeira Drive |
| Town or city | Brighton |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 50°49′09″N 0°08′04″W / 50.8191°N 0.1344°W |
| Groundbreaking | August 2011 |
| Completed | 21 October 2011 |
| Opened | 24 October 2011 |
| Cost | £6 million |
| Dimensions | |
| Diameter | 45 metres (148 ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Developer | Paramount Attractions |
The Brighton Wheel was a large, movable Ferris wheel that stood on the seafront in Brighton, England. It was also known as the Brighton O or the Wheel of Excellence during its planning stages. The wheel operated from October 2011 until May 2016. It was located near Brighton Palace Pier and was paid for by a private company. The people who built it hoped that many visitors would enjoy the 12-minute ride each year. However, its location in a special conservation area with many homes nearby caused some debate.
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What is the History of the Brighton Wheel?
The East Cliff area of Brighton became a popular place for homes in the early 1800s. Madeira Drive was built along the bottom of the cliff. Over time, it became a long, wide road. This area also saw early tourist attractions like the Royal Suspension Chain Pier (1823) and the Brighton Aquarium (1872). Other attractions included Volk's Electric Railway (1883) and the Palace Pier (1899). In 1973, about 150 acres of the East Cliff area became a conservation area. This means it's a place protected for its historical or natural importance.
Why Was the Wheel Proposed?
Paramount Attractions, a local company, first suggested building a Ferris wheel in Brighton in 2009. They wanted to put a 60-meter (197 ft) wheel with 32 cabins on the beach. This spot was near the old West Pier. It would have been very close to the planned British Airways i360, a tall observation tower.
What Were the Challenges and Objections?
The developers of the i360 tower did not like the idea of the wheel. The Metropole Hotel, groups protecting old buildings, and local residents also objected. They worried about the wheel blocking views and being too noisy. Even with some public support, Paramount Attractions removed their plan in January 2010. At this time, the project was called "Brighton O."
How Did the Wheel Get Approved?
In March 2011, Paramount Attractions tried again. They proposed a similar-sized wheel but with a different design. They also chose a new spot on Madeira Drive, about 360 feet (110 m) east of Brighton Pier. The project was expected to cost £6 million.
The Regency Society, a group that protects Brighton's heritage, objected again. They said the wheel would affect homes on the East Cliff. They worried it would block sea views and bring too many tourists to a quiet area. Despite these concerns, Brighton and Hove City Council gave temporary permission for the wheel. This happened on April 27, 2011, allowing the wheel to stay until May 2016. The council said it could be open until midnight, but the company later changed this to 11:00 pm. The wheel also needed a special road permit, which it received in August 2011.
How Was the Brighton Wheel Built and Opened?
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The Brighton Wheel was made in Germany. In 2010, it was sent to South Africa to be a tourist attraction during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. After that, it was shipped to England in September 2011.
Work on the wheel's base began in August 2011 on Madeira Drive. Some old railings had to be moved. The Regency Society asked the council to keep them safe and put them back after the wheel was gone. These railings were part of a Grade II-listed structure, meaning they were historically important.
Installation of the wheel started in September 2011. After tests, it opened to the public on October 24, 2011. This was the first day of the school half-term break. Paramount Attractions hoped to attract 250,000 visitors each year during the wheel's five years of operation.
What Were the Brighton Wheel's Features?
The Brighton Wheel was 45 meters (148 ft) in diameter. Its highest point was 50 meters (164 ft) above sea level.
It had 35 regular cabins, called gondolas. Each could hold up to six adults and two children. There was also one special VIP gondola for up to four people. This meant the wheel could carry a maximum of 284 people. However, it usually carried about 200 people at one time.
The wheel was designed to be easily moved. Its operators said it could be taken apart and removed in just two weeks. During the ride, you could listen to a commentary about the views and buildings you could see. The wheel was open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm all year. It was lit up at night, though with fewer lights than first planned.
