Return of the English Riviera Wheel

News Release PR7531 - published on 24 March 2017

Work at Princess Gardens has begun to prepare for the arrival of the English Riviera Wheel and Carousel

Following approval of planning permission at the Development Management Committee on Monday 13 March 2017, shelters have been removed and work has started to remove the old fountain base within the banjo to make way for the wheel and Carousel in its new position.

The English Riviera Wheel is set to open to the public on Saturday 1 April and will be here until Saturday 28 October 2017.

The removal of the shelters and old fountain base are part of a regeneration plan for this area. This plan will enable the grade two listed garden to be restored. The listed fountain and war memorial will also undergo repairs as part of this work.

Torbay’s Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said: "It is wonderful to have the wheel returning to Torbay again this year. It offers incredible views across the Bay, enhances the seafront location and brings more people to Torquay. We are extremely happy to welcome it back.”

The wheel will be operating from 10 am until 10 pm during school holidays and from 10 am until 8 pm during school term time.

The wheel, at nearly 60 metres high, is taller than Nelson's Column and provides breathtaking 360 degree views across the Bay.

It will also be operating in almost complete silence, and features the very latest in observation wheel technology. It is suitable for all ages and has 40 enclosed lit gondolas, each of which can carry up to six passengers and can also take wheelchairs.

Mellors Group’s Group Director, James Mellor, said: “We are really looking forward to returning to Torbay with the English Riviera Wheel for the next four years. It has proved very popular during its visits to the Bay and has given the profile of the area a much deserved boost. We are also currently shipping a Carousel from the United Arab Emirates that will arrive in Torquay this summer. We hope that residents, tourists and businesses will once again support us as we strive to help bring visitors to the area."

The installation of the wheel will take about one week by ten fully trained and qualified personnel using an inbuilt hydraulic system, and has been transported to Torbay on ten specially adapted trailers.

The wheel will once again be competitively priced to enable all to enjoy: