A GIANT Ferris wheel will dominate the city’s skyline for seven weeks from next month, the Daily Echo can exclusively reveal.

The 115ft attraction, dubbed the “UK’s tallest mobile Ferris wheel”, will roll into Bargate on Saturday, September 9.

Described as an “observation wheel”, the sky-high attraction will allow riders a unique aerial view across the city.

It is also set to boost city centre businesses, with thousands of visitors and residents expected to flock to the giant attraction, which is set to stay until Sunday, October 29.

Announcing the plans, Satvir Kaur, Southampton City Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: “This will be a really good thing for the city.

“Southampton is a city where something is always happening so this is a great addition to what Southampton already has to offer, not just for local residents but for businesses and visitors as well.”

The Labour councillor added: “It will be a great opportunity for people to view from above.”

Provided by Derby-based company, Eventive Funtime, the giant wheel will mimic similar attractions in Liverpool and Bournemouth.

The Dorset seaside resort hosted a similar portable wheel for three weeks in 2016.

But it proved such a success that the wheel was rolled back into town for seven months.

Jon Weaver, head of resort marketing and events for Bournemouth Tourism, said: “We put the wheel in the first time because we wanted to create something for Bournemouth for the Christmas period and provide an attraction.

“It worked tremendously well so we decided to bring it back in time for Easter and this time we’ve kept it going right through the summer period.”

Asked if it would be a success for Southampton, Mr Weaver added: “I think it is all about location.

“For us we had a unique location by the bay with a wonderful view looking out over the bay.

“If the view is good and the location is good then it will be a success.”

Another to back the plan is Jon Walton, chief executive of Go! Southampton Business Improvement District (BID).

Mr Walton, pictured, said: “We view anything that actively improves footfall and dwell time in the city centre as a positive thing.

“If this kind of amusement brings something to the city it is something we would support.

“I imagine it will attract people’s attention due its sheer size.

“I think it will be quite remarkable to see the city from up high and from a different view.”

Mr Walton added that he hoped to work with Southampton City Council on more projects like this in the future.

He also suggested that the BID could encourage a photograph competition to be set up, to get the best aerial view of the city.

Civic chiefs insist the seven-week project will be “cost neutral” to the authority, which is simply providing the space for the attraction.

According to managing director of Eventive Funtime, Garry Evans, the ride will last around five minutes and cost £4 per person and £12 for a family of four.

Mr Evans added the company were excited to bring the ride to the city of Southampton.

He said: “We’ve been knocking on the council’s door for a while now and they’ve been very co-operative this year.

“I think it will be really good for the city and it will bring people to the city centre.”