The start of construction work on the giant Whey Aye wheel has been delayed yet again – but developers say they remain “determined” to get it built.
The 460ft observation wheel and surrounding ‘Giants on the Quayside’ leisure complex was controversially approved in 2019.
But work is yet to start on the £100m development, which is earmarked for the site of the old Spillers flour mill, with repeated delays blamed disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The World Wheel Company said last October that it hoped to start building in early spring this year and open the attraction in spring 2024, already pushed back from initial 2023 hopes.
Now, construction is instead earmarked for the end of 2021 with an opening date at an unspecified time in 2024.
World Wheel Company Newcastle chief executive, Phil Lynagh, said: “With the UK now beginning to get back to normality thanks to the extraordinary success of vaccination roll out, we have been able to revise our plans accordingly.
“We now expect work to start on site towards the end of this year and anticipate being able to open to the public in 2024.
“We are working tirelessly with our professional advisers to make sure that, when the country is released from the current lockdown restrictions, we can start the development programme as soon as possible.
“Progressing our Giants on the Quayside development is our absolute priority.
"We are determined to build what will be a world-class development creating hundreds of jobs and other great benefits for the city of Newcastle, its people and business community.”
As well as Europe’s tallest observation wheel, the complex will feature a 39ft human-shaped statue called The Geordie Giant, a virtual golf club, and a family entertainment centre.
However, critics have labelled the project “cheap and nasty” and predicted that it will be a “flop” .
