Landscape Architecture

The Wheel of Manchester

I have seen the Wheel of Manchester during our uni trip.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk

It is a 42 carriage wheel similar to the London Eye. What interested me about it is that it is transportable and it has a unique bench next to it. The bench looks like a car without a top or a moving bench maybe.. I thought it looks cute.

Another interesting fact is that you can see local landmarks in Manchester at the top during the ride. Such as: Urbis, Manchester Town Hall, the CIS tower, No.1 Deansgate, Old Trafford etc…

Wheel facts

• It is one of the world’s largest transportable wheels
• It was brought in to Manchester in 24 containers
• It took two weeks to construct in Exchange Square
• Other locations in Manchester considered included Piccadilly Gdns
• It has 42 gondolas – including a VIP gondola
• Each gondola can take up to six people
• The VIP gondola walnut interior, leather seats, cocktail cabinet and a phone
• It is 60 metres tall. It weighs 300 tonnes.  
• It has 21 spokes and 51,000 light bulbs
• It is held in place by almost 9000 gallons on water
• It was built in Holland
• It cost approximately £3 million new
• It was located in Paris for three years, at the end of the Champs Elysee.
• It was a favourite ride of President Chirac, for whom the VIP gondola was made.

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