The Wheel of Birmingham or Birmingham Wheel was a series of transportable Ferris wheel installations at Centenary Square in Birmingham, England. These have been landmarks in central Birmingham, visible from many parts of the city. The first opened on 6 November 2003, [1] and its replacement opened on 21 October 2004, [2] both being 60 metres (197 ft) tall.
A third wheel, the Birmingham Mail Wheel, operated from 18 January 2010 until 22 February 2010, and was also 60 m tall. [3]
History
The first wheel, the Roue de Paris, had originally operated in Paris. When the Birmingham installation opened to the public on Thursday 6 November 2003, the commentary provided was the original French version describing the sights of Paris. [4]
The following year, Roue de Paris moved to Exchange Square, Manchester, and a new wheel was erected at the Birmingham site.
This second wheel was operated by World Tourist Attractions and had commentary by BRMB DJ Phil Upton.[ citation needed] It had sealed carriages with air conditioning and heating, and a premium "VIP" car.[ citation needed]
On 5 September 2006, the second wheel closed after it was sold to an Australian company; [5] it was then dismantled and transported to Australia.[ citation needed]
Gallery
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Birmingham Wheel behind the Hall of Memory -
Birmingham Wheel night view -
Birmingham Wheel night view -
Inside the wheel structure -
The Birmingham Wheel from Cambrian Wharf -
The Birmingham Wheel from Lozells -
The Birmingham Wheel from Barr Beacon
References
- ^ "Brum's Big Wheel". BBC. 5 November 2003. Retrieved 6 September 2008.
- ^ "Brum's Big Wheel is back!". BBC. October 2004. Retrieved 6 September 2008.
- ^ "Events - Birmingham Mail Wheel". birmingham.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 May 2010.
- ^ "UK wheel offers views of Paris". BBC News. 2 December 2003. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
- ^ "Two hours' notice as wheel closes". BBC News. 5 September 2006. Retrieved 28 July 2008.