The big observation wheel in Southport is due to move to a new location.
The 32.5 metre diameter attraction is scheduled to move next to Marine Lake, on the site of the former public toilets on the eastern side of Princes Park.
The project would relocate the existing observation wheel located inside Southport Pleasureland, 180m south west of the proposed site, and to add a small bistro / café spanning the miniature railway.
It would create a tunnel for the train to pass through.
A planning application has been submitted to Sefton Council by Universal Rides.
Permission was originally granted to place the observation wheel on this site two years ago, but the ride was subsequently built within Southport Pleasureland instead.
Permission was granted by Sefton Council’s Planning Committee for a three-year period, but permanent permission is now being sought.
A planning application has been submitted on behalf of Universal Rides by RAL Architects.
In the submission, they said: “The wheel is to be located on the site of a former public convenience, the building was derelict and a blight to both the lakeside environment, historic park and Princes Park. This building has now been demolished.
“The wheel will be located alongside the existing path to the south east of Princes Park over the existing grass. This is an indistinct piece of land at the edge of Princes Park and raised above the miniature railway and Marine Lake edge path to the east.
“The wheel base sits on the ground without the need for excavation. The base will be extended to oversail the miniature railway to provide a platform for a small bistro/ café and create a tunnel for the train to pass through.
“The bistro will have panoramic views across Marine Lake.
“The location of the wheel will provide spectacular views through 360º, to the beach to the west, with distant views of Blackpool to the North and the Wirral Peninsula to the South. and over the lake and Southport to the east.
“The wheel will be operated by Southport Pleasureland and the allowable opening times will be the same as those of the main Pleasureland Park.”
Planning permission was originally granted in August 2021 but included a condition stating that the big wheel must be removed from the land and the land reinstated to its original condition on or before 1st January 2025.
The new application now seeks permanent planning permission for the ride.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail
