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Minister and Lord Mayor - on top of the world

Monday, 19 November 2007

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA and Lord Mayor Councillor Jim Rodgers today took a ride on the Belfast Wheel.

After taking in the views of the city centre from the 60-metre observation wheel at the City Hall, the Minister said: “The Belfast Wheel has already established itself as a unique tourist attraction. It is providing people with the opportunity to view the extensive regeneration that my Department is taking forward throughout Belfast.

“You only have to look at the skyline of cranes across the city to know that Belfast is being regenerated. My Department is at the heart of this work, including the £16 million ‘Belfast: Streets Ahead’ programme to upgrade the city streets and open spaces.”

Lord Mayor Councillor Jim Rodgers said: “This is an exciting time for Belfast, as the city re-invents herself through massive regeneration projects such as Victoria Square and Titanic Quarter which are transforming our city centre.

“The Belfast Wheel is an exciting addition to all of this work, and offers the opportunity for both our own citizens and visitors to Belfast to see all of this work from a unique perspective.”

The Wheel is the first of its kind in Ireland and John Lowery, Operations Manager from World Tourist Attractions, owners of the wheel stated that: “This is an observation wheel, not a thrill ride, giving everyone an opportunity to take in the marvellous views the city has to offer.”

The idea of bringing the Belfast Wheel to the city came from the Department for Social Development to help promote design ideas about 'Belfast Streets Ahead' and this was fully supported by Belfast City Council. The observation wheel was provided at no cost to the Department for Social Development or Belfast City Council.

Admission to the wheel is £6 for adults and £4 for children up to the age of 12.

Notes to Editors:

  1. Following a tender, World Tourist Attraction Company Ltd (WTA) were appointed to provide the Observation Wheel meeting the full costs of installation, operation and reinstatement.
  2. The Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Belfast City Council had been working to an indicative programme to bring the “Belfast Wheel” to the City Centre over the summer 2007 months. However this was delayed until November 2007 to February 2008, due to planning permission taking up to six months to be granted and due diligence procedures with the operator taking longer than anticipated. From a DSD perspective the “Belfast Wheel” idea was to lift local people and visitors 60 metres above the streets of Belfast to view the widespread regeneration of the City Centre.
  3. The Department believes the Belfast Wheel will fit in with the Belfast City Council Christmas Civic Programme and will bring added value to the city at Christmas.
  4. For Media enquiries ring 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and you call will be returned.