ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

For the first time this summer, the skies of Greenwich will be gaining a new high profile landmark. From late June till the end of September a 55 metre Ferris wheel will open to the public - offering views of Docklands, the City and South-East London.

The observation wheel will stand taller than Nelson's Column and sit within the world heritage site of the Old Royal Naval College. But, the new attraction hasn't been without it's controversy.

Planning row

Back in October 2007 Greenwich Council raised concerns the sheer scale of the project would be out of keeping with the traditional surroundings of the historic town centre. The Greenwich Foundation, who gave the Naval College a winter ice rink, say the wheel will attract more visitors to the borough.

In a planning inspectorate report, it was decided: β€œthe installation of the observation wheel would not significantly reduce the ability to appreciate the character and setting of the Old Royal Naval College or undermine its special interest.”

He went on: β€œThe wheel would have some negative impact on the wider setting but I believe that the magnificent buildings of the Old Royal Naval College have such a commanding presence that the set-piece design could readily absorb this lightweight installation on its periphery."

Naval College in Greenwich

Forty Gondola's

The 180ft attraction will have forty gondolas, each offering "panoramic views beyond St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London to the west, across the river and past Canary Wharf to the heights of Hampstead Heath, and east to the Olympic site in the Lea Valley."

Each gondola will carry six people, with journeys lasting anywhere between twelve to fifteen minutes. One of the forty gondolas will offer disabled access.

The Greenwich wheel will open to the public on the 21st June 2008. To coincide with the opening a number of free events will be taking place including the 'Greenwich and Docklands International Festival.'

Olympic views

In a previous interview with ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Duncan Wilson Chief Executive of the Greenwich Foundation said: β€œIt’s a new perspective on this part of London literally. You’ll be able to see right up the river to the city and beyond and down river to the Lee Valley where the Olympics sites are at the moment.”

Μύβ€œI think its skeletal bit like the masts of the Cutty Sark, you can see through it which makes it very different to a solid building and critically it’s three months … by September it will be gone and the site will be like it was before.”

The Greenwich Wheel will open from Saturday 21 June to Sunday 28 September 2008.