Solent Eye

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The Solent Eye is a future observation wheel to be located in Southsea in Portsmouth, UK.

[edit] History

The project was first conceived during late 2004 for a 180ft wheel but this was withdrawn following advice that it would be refused permission.

However, permission to build was granted on the 17 October 2007 for a 130ft wheel. It will sit next to Clarence Pier where there is currently a coach terminal.

On 19 October 2007 it was revealed that after it was discovered Portsmouth City Councillors wished the wheel was bigger, plans for the original 180ft wheel were revived. On the 21st December 2007 the 180ft wheel got the go-ahead.

The wheel will be supplied by an undisclosed European manufacturer. The company behind the plans, Billy Manning Limited, have guaranteed that the wheel will be of the highest standards. It is hoped that the wheel will become a catalyst for a wider regeneration of the Clarance Esplanade and Pier area. Billy Manning Limited have hinted that up to £5 million could be invested in new facilities over the next 5 years if the Solent Eye was a success.

With this in mind, it is hoped that local authorities and residents will give the plan their full backing, with the wider interests of Southsea at heart.