Weather delays construction of Hong Kong's giant wheel

While the operator of Hong Kong's yet-to-be-completed giant Ferris wheel says the attraction will deliver HK$93 million in economic benefits in its first year, concerns are rising over delays in its construction.

Operator Swiss AEX says bad weather through 2014 has delayed development of the 60 metre high observation wheel and an opening date has not been fixed.

Swiss AEX, which operates a Ferris wheel in Bangkok, won the three-year contract from the Hong Kong Government in May last year and started building the Hong Kong Observation Wheel in front of Central Pier No 9.

A Swiss AEX representative recently explained that he expects the ferris wheel to attract one million riders annually which, based on the firm's Bangkok experience, could translate into at least HK$93 million in economic benefits.

While not date for opening has been advised, when complete, the wheel will have 42 gondolas, each holding eight to 10 passengers. Each rotation will take 15 to 20 minutes.

Currently, foundation work is underway on the site, while another Swiss AEX spokesperson recently advised local media that heavy rains had delayed the advancement of the project.

In April, a South China Morning Post news item questioned delays in the construction of the wheel along with secrecy surrounding the project.

Repeated requests for information from sources including Swiss AEX, the Hong Kong Lands Department and the Hong Kong Harbourfront Commission revealed little detail on the progress of the project.

While increasingly popular with visitors, Hong Kong authorities are conscious that the administrative region has few visitor attractions.

The South China Morning Post also questioned the long term viability of the project, stating "while the London Eye is a success story welcoming an average of 3.5 million visitors a year, the Singapore Flyer, which opened in 2008 as the world's tallest wheel, went into receivership last year."

4th July 2014 - HONG KONG NEEDS NEW ATTRACTIONS AND VENUES