Birmingham Mail Wheel in action after weather blow

Nov 21 2009 by Gregg Evans, Birmingham Mail

THE Birmingham Mail Wheel finally started spinning spectators today after severe weather conditions had delayed its opening.

Visitors flocked to Centenary Square for the eagerly-awaited first ride as the wheel officially opened to the public.

The 60-metre high attraction is expected to attract thousands to the area, especially with it’s prominent location on Broad Street, just yards away from Birmingham’s clubbing hot-spots.

Also nearby is the popular German Market which attracts large numbers during the run up to Christmas.

Those who ride on the wheel, sponsored by the Mail, will be able to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the skyline which incorporates some of the city centre’s biggest attractions.

Simon Johnson, manager of Great City Attractions who own the wheel, said he was delighted to see it finally up-and-running.

“We have been raring to go, it’s only the weather that has held us back,” he said during an exclusive ride on the wheel.

“For safety reasons we couldn’t open it up because of the high winds but now they have died down we’re hoping to make up for lost time. You can see some of the fantastic views it offers and I know it will be a big hit with the people of Birmingham.”

The wheel has 42 heated, air conditioned and covered pods, known as gondolas, and is part of a fleet of ten which Great City Attractions run across the world, including the tallest observation wheel in Singapore.

A VIP gondola, fully equipped with a TV and leather seats, has also been introduced.

The last wheel attraction in Centenary Square was The Birmingham Eye in 2006.