Scarborough's observation wheel to stay on the seafront throughout winter

Earlier this year, Scarborough Council granted permission for the wheel to operate on the site of the former Futurist Theatre for the next three summers.

Observation Wheel UK, which ran the 32-metre high wheel operated on the site throughout the summer season in 2019, ran a shortened season this year due to the national lockdown.

The wheel had been due to leave Scarborough on October 31 to head to Liverpool.

But with the cancellation of the Liverpool Christmas activities due to the impact of coronavirus, the operator now wishes to retain the wheel in Scarborough.

Yesterday, Scarborough Council’s planning committee granted permission for it to remain until March 31 next year. The existing deal for the wheel to be on the site in 2021 would then kick in the following day on April 1.

The wheel is capable of carrying a maximum of 144 passengers with six people seated in each of its 24 enclosed gondolas.

The report, prepared for councillors, noted that the wheel would be able to operate on the site in the winter, subject to coronavirus restrictions.