Big wheel in Newcastle to start turning next week

Big wheel in Newcastle to start turning next week

25 May 2022

NEWCASTLE’S new ferris wheel is expected to be officially opened next week.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is understood to be putting the final touches to next Wednesday’s ceremony at Castle Park, with the new structure which dominates the resort’s skyline already causing a social media frenzy.

Contractors arrived on Monday of last week to begin erecting the 21-metre high wheel, with progressed chronicled daily on social media and there has been universal delight with the finished product.

The wheel will only be in place from June until the end of August, with those on board treated to spectacular views of the Mournes, Dundrum Bay and across the resort.

Set to be in place for the next three summers, Mournes councillor Willie Clarke is hoping that the wheel — alongside potentially other exciting attractions — could be in place for longer.

With formal planning permission to erect the wheel secured earlier this year, Cllr Clarke revealed that he has been lobbying for an attraction in Castle Park for several years.

“The wheel will be a great addition for Newcastle and it is in the best possible location,” he continued.

“We now have an iconic attraction in the heart of the town which is clearly visible from all approach roads. The reaction to it on social media has been great and while the wheel will not be officially opened until next week, its presence has created a real buzz of excitement.”

The Mournes councillor said having a private operator responsible for the wheel took the burden off the district’s ratepayers.

“The new wheel will help increase footfall and this can only benefit the town’s business community,” Cllr Clarke continued. “It’s perfect location will provide people who ride on it with some spectacular views. Newcastle clearly lends itself to such an attraction.”

He said many in Newcastle still mourn the loss of the iconic ‘Slippery Dip’ many years ago and hopes that Castle Park can be home to other attractions in the future.

“People still talk fondly about the Slippery Dip and hopefully they will feel the same way about the wheel. It is something for Newcastle and while the current plan is for it to be in place for the next three years, maybe this period could be extended.

“I have consistently argued that more could be done both on and off the water at Castle Park and perhaps we could see more attractions moving forward for the benefit of residents and visitors.”

Cllr Clarke is one of a number of local politicians who believe the latest attraction will be a major hit and help make the resort even busier, with some councillors admitting that they can’t wait to have a go on it themselves.