Hong Kong Observation Wheel

Hong Kong Observation Wheel
General information
Status Complete
Address 33 Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong
Opened 5 December 2014 (grand opening to public)
Height 60 metres (197 ft)

The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is a 60-metre (197-foot) tall[1][2] Ferris wheel located on the Central and Wan Chai Reclamation overlooking Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. It was presented by Swiss AEX, a company who claims their experience in Ferris wheel operations for more than a decade in their proposal contract.[1] Swiss AEX has officially partnered with Hong Kong Telecom (HKT).

90% of the site surrounding the wheel is accessible to the public with food and beverages available for purchase. Also, live entertainments are held at the event plaza throughout the year, which is suitable for all ages.[3]

This attraction expects 1 million riders per annum which is approximately aimed at an average of 2,740 passengers daily.[4]

Swiss AEX has undergone licensing and permits as well as cooperated with various government bodies, namely the Food and Environmental Hygiene, Building Department, Fire Service departments and Electrical and Mechanical Services, to guarantee the public’s safety assurance.

Background

The Lands Department of Hong Kong leased 9,620 square metres of land between Central Pier No. 9 and Pier No. 10. for the construction of the wheel in May 23, 2013.[5] The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is owned by Swiss AEX Limited and operated by ICONG Limited.[6] It is 60 metres (197 ft) tall and has 42 gondolas that each seat a maximum of eight to ten people.[7] Each gondola is equipped with a communication system, air conditioner, and free Wi-Fi. A special VIP gondola is available upon request with leather seats and a crystallized floor. Each ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes.[8] The wheel is designed to suit Hong Kong’s climate and weather. It is built within the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and TUV standards.[7]

Controversy

The government's decision to build a Ferris wheel here was controversial.

Some questioned the necessity of building such a tourist attraction, considering it seemed useless since the view is easily affected by varying weather conditions. The chairman of the Harbourfront Commission, Nicholas Brooke, showed support of this development project in the interview. However, the Harbourfront Commission has no executive power so the controversy continues.[9]

Apart from that, although the contract to operate this sightseeing spot was awarded in 2013,[9] the project was delayed several times. There were many complaints from the public about the lack of promotion and information.

Security has also been controversial after the release of a photo taken by one daredevil climber showing himself sitting on the top of the wheel. This picture was taken down before the opening day of the wheel to the public.[10] It has brought the security concerns of wheel into the limelight.

References

  1. 1 2 "Does HK really need the Observation Wheel?". Time Out Hong Kong. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2015.
  2. ↑ "HONG KONG OBSERVATION WHEEL AT CENTRAL WATERFRONT" (PDF). The Hall Organization Ltd. 6 August 2011. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  3. ↑ "Hong Kong Observation Wheel - A Truly Unique Perspective On Our World-Class Harbour". 5 December 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2015.
  4. ↑ Cheng, Kevin (9 December 2014). "Big wheel turns out to be a giant hit". The Standard HK. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
  5. ↑ "Swiss AEX Hong Kong Observation Wheel" (PDF). 14 May 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2015.
  6. ↑ Hong Kong Observation Wheel Official Website
  7. 1 2 Task Force on Harbourfront Developments on Hong Kong Island
  8. ↑ "Hong Kong Observation Wheel". Atria, Architecture & Design. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
  9. 1 2 Kwan, Tammy (9 December 2014). "Hong Kong's new attraction 'amazing,' controversial". CNN. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
  10. ↑ Woodhouse, Alice (10 December 2014). "Daredevil climbs Hong Kong's ferris wheel, putting security in spotlight". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 7 November 2015.

External links

Coordinates: 22°17′07″N 114°09′42″E / 22.2853°N 114.1617°E / 22.2853; 114.1617

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 10/5/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.