Wheel to be installed to mark Clacton's 150th anniversary
Clacton Pavilion has been granted planning permission to install a 30 metre wheel
To mark Clacton's 150th Anniversary, a giant wheel is going to be installed on the Pavilion's grounds within the month.
Clacton Pavilion says it will measure over 30 metres high and 20 metres wide, and will provide tourists with views of the seafront.
It's being installed to mark the town's historic landmark and will be ready to welcome guests as soon as Covid-19 restrictions allow.
The wheel will consist of 23 gondolas and be able to hold a total of 144 guests, with many adapted for wheelchair access.
Billy Peak, owner of Clacton Pavilion, said: "We’re delighted Tendring District Council were as excited as we were about Clacton’s 150th Anniversary Wheel when we put the idea to them last year. It will be a huge tourist attraction for many years to come and marks a fantastic historical landmark for the town.
"The idea came to us after seeing a similar project in San Francisco to celebrate 150 years of the Golden Gate Bridge and if it is good enough for them then it is good enough for us.
"I can’t wait to see it in situ within the next few weeks and to welcome our very first guests as and when the lockdown restrictions are lifted around the UK."
Leader of Tendring District Council, Councillor Neil Stock OBE, added: "As part of our Back to Business agenda we want to support all of our local firms to be the best they can be, so, wherever we can, we will support innovative and exciting projects which aim to boost our economy.
"The leisure and tourism sector is no exception to this, and I am delighted to see Clacton Pavilion investing in this wheel as a way of attracting people to our Essex Sunshine Coast."