Wheel of Birmingham

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.

The second Birmingham Wheel
The entrance to the wheel, in 2005

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 96.4 BRMB DJ Phil Upton. It had sealed carriages with air conditioning and heating, and a premium "VIP" car.

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.

  • 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
  1. "Brum's Big Wheel". BBC. 5 November 2003. Retrieved 6 September 2008.
  2. "Brum's Big Wheel is back!". BBC. October 2004. Retrieved 6 September 2008.
  3. "Events - Birmingham Mail Wheel". birmingham.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 May 2010.
  4. The Birmingham Wheel in Centenary Square
  5. "Two hours' notice as wheel closes". BBC News. 5 September 2006. Retrieved 28 July 2008.

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