Wheels in motion for new Hong Kong landmark

The Hong Kong Government is to develop a giant ferris wheel on the city's Central waterfront.

According to a tender document published by the Hong Kong Lands Department, the ferris wheel will be located in front of piers 9 and 10 and should be at least 50 metres in diameter - smaller than the London Eye and the Singapore Flyer. The project site measures 9,620 metres2.

Kowloon East Constituency lawmaker Paul Tse Wai-chun, the former tourism sector legislator, said he "cautiously welcomes" the initiative.

Wai-chun highlighted that Hong Kong has very few tourist spots along the coast and there is no holistic plan for the attractions development of the waterfront.

Wai-chun cautioned that "the land at the Central waterfront is a prime location and very expensive (so) the cost effectiveness of the ferris wheel should be carefully considered."

According to the tender document, the tenderer should have at least 10 years' experience and the minimum construction time is set at 12 months.

The deadline for submitting tenders is noon on 14th December.

Other criteria for selecting the tender include promotion strategy, fares, the ability to enhance the waterfront and fire and security measures. Tenders should include a monthly rent proposal.

The contract will be short-term at three years with quarterly extensions.

According to records, the UK-based Hall Organisation, which has built 25 ferris wheels in nine countries, including the Singapore Flyer, applied last year to the Lands Department to build a ferris wheel with a 60 metre diameter.

6th June 2012 - HONG KONG ATTRACTIONS JOIN TOGETHER TO FORM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION