A huge observation wheel is to be built on Southport waterfront.
The 40-metre-high Ferris wheel will built by Southport Pleasureland, and is expected to become a landmark feature for the town.
A disused, vandalised, public toilet on the edge of Marine Lake will be demolished to make way for the wheel.
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Proposals to build a new bistro over the top of part of the Southport Pleasureland Miniature Railway were also approved by Sefton Council.
Pleasureland owner Norman Wallis said: “The wheel is a real show-stopper and I think the town deserves a landmark feature of this calibre and we believe it will be incredibly popular.
“The views will be breathtaking and the observation wheel itself will be able to be clearly seen when approaching the town.
“This fabulous iconic feature will give people yet another reason to stop and admire the sea views - and make a hugely positive addition to Southport’s visitor appeal.”
Sefton Council has granted Temporary Consent for the next three years, until 1st January 2025, during which time council officers will assess the operation of the observation wheel and its impact “on historic and landscape character”.
The attraction cannot operate outside the hours of 10am-9pm, Monday to Sunday.
The wheel will be the first in a series of additions to Southport designed to increase the number of visitors to the resort in the wake of the pandemic.
On the other side of Marine Lake, the council has proposed building a new events centre to replace the Southport Theatre and Conference Centre that closed during lockdown.
This will also feature a pier extending into the lake and offering a light show that Sefton Council hopes will draw in thousands of people each year.
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