A GIANT Ferris wheel will dominate Southampton’s skyline once again – after a late deal was struck between operators, civic chiefs and conservation bosses.
The 115ft attraction, dubbed the “UK’s tallest mobile Ferris wheel”, was due to roll back into Bargate last night, ahead of its return on Saturday.
It will be the second time the city has hosted the giant attraction, following a successful debut in 2017.
And it comes just days after the Echo revealed that Skate Southampton was set to bring back its ice rink to Westquay this winter.
READ: Southampton's winter ice rink to return - and it will be bigger and better
But the wheel faced a rocky road on its return to the city this year.
Conservation bosses at Historic England raised concerns about the attraction’s impact on the city’s medieval Bargate.
A spokesperson for the organisation, responsible for protecting key historic monuments, said the size of attraction would "dominate" the landmark, and would impact the "apprecation of the structure".
However, the spokesperson added that Southampton City Council had the power to make the final call.
The wheel's owner, Derby-based company, Eventive Funtime, said it was “pleased” with the decision.
Director Nicki Evans said: “It (the wheel) did very well and lots of people enjoyed it.
“We are pleased to be coming back to Southampton.”
Mrs Evans added the Ferris wheel returns to the city following a refurbishment and repaint.
One person to support the return of the wheel was Southampton City Council leisure boss, Satvir Kaur.
She said: “The plan was always for the wheel to return.
“I’m really pleased that we managed to get Heritage England on board.
“I hope many families and visitors to the city take advantage of the amazing views.”
Described as an “observation wheel”, the sky-high ride will give people a unique aerial view across the city.
A similar attraction is a regular summer feature in Bournemouth, while the Southampton-bound attraction featured at last month’s Great Dorset Steam Fair.
The ride, which takes three days to build, will remain in the city until October 28.
It will then move on to the Cambridgeshire town of Peterborough, before spending Christmas in Bradford city centre.
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