SYSTRA supporting plans to build Europe’s biggest observation wheel in Newcastle

SYSTRA is delighted to have been appointed part of the team providing advice to the World Wheel Company, which is planning to build Europe’s tallest observation wheel on Newcastle Quayside.

Standing nearly 460 ft (140 m) high, the observation wheel – dubbed ‘The Whey Aye’ in celebration of its location – will be 16 ft (5 m) taller than the London Eye. It is anticipated that the project would see more than £100m invested in the city and up to 550 jobs created. According to the World Wheel Company, the observation wheel will offer 30-minute ‘flights’ and there are plans to accommodate more than 800,000 visitors in its first year.

In addition, the proposed development will see the creation of a new destination food and beverage experience for Newcastle, a world-leading visitor attraction, a family entertainment centre and a multi-purpose play and sports complex, with covered five-a-side pitches and tennis courts, as well as a state-of-the-art virtual golf club. These will all be located adjacent to The Whey Aye and the development will cover 344,500 sq ft (32,000 sq m) in total.

SYSTRA’s James Finch, who is leading our input to the work, said “I’m really pleased to be involved with the Whey Aye project; it’s both high profile and interesting. SYSTRA will provide advice on both transport and drainage issues, as part of what’s a great team of suppliers.”