BIG WHEEL comes to South Bank.
Published Sunday, 09 March, 2008 at 05:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Visitors to Brisbane’s South Bank will soon be able to soar 60 metres into the sky for a panoramic view of the city, river and mountains with the arrival of a giant observation wheel.
The Big Wheel is expected to be in place by May 10 – to mark celebrations for the 20th anniversary of World Expo ’88.
“We’ve always know Brisbane was a beautiful place and now we’ll have a new way to show our family and visitors alike,” Premier Anna Bligh said.
“The southern end of South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt is currently under utilized – an overlooked section of the 17 hectare parkland site.
“In addition I believe we can do more to make the most riverfront area near QPAC with its beautiful views of the CBD.
“One suggestion could be to open up the bottom of the QPAC building on the river side to allow cafes, restaurants and retailers like bookstores to open up this stretch to more people.
“Sadly at the moment it serves mostly as a footpath.
“I think we can do better and I urge anyone with an interest in the precinct to email or write with their suggestions to thepremier@premiers.qld.gov.au or mark their envelope ‘South Bank proposal’ and mail it to PO Box 15185, City East. Qld. 4002.
“I would like to see the southern end of Cultural Forecourt become a lively family friendly place, a good place to be every day of the year.
“In the meantime the arrival of the giant wheel will give visitors and locals a new way of seeing our city, its river, Botanic Gardens and the Story Bridge.
“The 60 metre Big Wheel will give 336 people in 42 gondolas, per ride, the chance to enjoy South Bank and a new perspective on Brisbane.
“Weighing in at some 365 tonnes, the giant observation wheel will be positioned above the existing Flag Court Fountain which will have improved lighting and water jets,” the Premier said.
The UK company which will provide the giant wheel (World Tourist Attractions) has provided similar huge wheels in London’s Hyde Park, Spain and Germany.
The CEO of South Bank Corporation, Malcolm Snow said the likely costs for a family to ride on the observation world would be around $40 (two adults + two children).
“We expect adults will pay somewhere between $15 - $20 dollars and children between $10 and $15 per ride,” Mr Snow said.
“I expect it will stay on site for the next two years to become part of the celebrations for Queensland’s 150th anniversary,” he said.
Sunday March 9, 2008
For more information:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
South Bank Corporation – 0403 246 059
The Big Wheel is expected to be in place by May 10 – to mark celebrations for the 20th anniversary of World Expo ’88.
“We’ve always know Brisbane was a beautiful place and now we’ll have a new way to show our family and visitors alike,” Premier Anna Bligh said.
“The southern end of South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt is currently under utilized – an overlooked section of the 17 hectare parkland site.
“In addition I believe we can do more to make the most riverfront area near QPAC with its beautiful views of the CBD.
“One suggestion could be to open up the bottom of the QPAC building on the river side to allow cafes, restaurants and retailers like bookstores to open up this stretch to more people.
“Sadly at the moment it serves mostly as a footpath.
“I think we can do better and I urge anyone with an interest in the precinct to email or write with their suggestions to thepremier@premiers.qld.gov.au or mark their envelope ‘South Bank proposal’ and mail it to PO Box 15185, City East. Qld. 4002.
“I would like to see the southern end of Cultural Forecourt become a lively family friendly place, a good place to be every day of the year.
“In the meantime the arrival of the giant wheel will give visitors and locals a new way of seeing our city, its river, Botanic Gardens and the Story Bridge.
“The 60 metre Big Wheel will give 336 people in 42 gondolas, per ride, the chance to enjoy South Bank and a new perspective on Brisbane.
“Weighing in at some 365 tonnes, the giant observation wheel will be positioned above the existing Flag Court Fountain which will have improved lighting and water jets,” the Premier said.
The UK company which will provide the giant wheel (World Tourist Attractions) has provided similar huge wheels in London’s Hyde Park, Spain and Germany.
The CEO of South Bank Corporation, Malcolm Snow said the likely costs for a family to ride on the observation world would be around $40 (two adults + two children).
“We expect adults will pay somewhere between $15 - $20 dollars and children between $10 and $15 per ride,” Mr Snow said.
“I expect it will stay on site for the next two years to become part of the celebrations for Queensland’s 150th anniversary,” he said.
Sunday March 9, 2008
For more information:
Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
South Bank Corporation – 0403 246 059