Construction delayed on the Whey Aye Wheel

Construction of the gigantic Whey Aye wheel complex on the Newcastle Quayside has been pushed back to the end of this year, despite a major step forward for the £100m scheme.

Developers behind the controversial project, which will include a 460ft observation wheel alongside other attractions, say that it should be open to the public in 2023.

Official planning permission was issued this week for the development to go ahead on the old Spillers flour mill site following final legal negotiations between Newcastle City Council and the World Wheel Company, almost a full year after councillors voted to approve the scheme.

The developer said in April that it was "totally committed" to its vision for the 'Giants on the Quayside' site despite the huge economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, though it has now confirmed a "sensible precaution" to push its construction schedule back from a previous summer start date.

World Wheel Company Newcastle chief executive, Phil Lynagh, said:

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" .

There remains an outstanding issue on whether the council will allow a giant LED advertising screen to be attached to the wheel - a decision which the authority's planning committee opted to defer last year so the developer could redesign the screen. No new designs for it have yet been lodged.

The council's cabinet member for employment and culture, Coun Ged Bell, said: