Big wheel could be scrapped over land collapse fears at gardens

Installation fears: The gardens may collapse under the weight of the crane.© GCAG

Plans for a giant observation wheel in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh could be scrapped after concerns that the land could collapse.

Engineers have said that the ceiling of an empty basement below the iconic gardens may not be strong enough to support the crane that would lift the wheel into place.

Great City Attractions, the firm behind the wheel, planned to operate the attraction throughout the summer, with up to 1000 passengers per day paying £8 for a 15-minute ride.

The City of Edinburgh Council had also stood to make around £50,000 for leasing the land for the project but it is thought they will now face a five-figure bill for a survey of the grounds.

Council insiders said numerous alternative ways for constructing the wheel had been explored, but the options were now almost exhausted and a decision to scrap the project was expected within days.

Council leader Andrew Burns said: "There are ongoing discussions with the developer who was going to bring the wheel to Princes Street Gardens and these have not been finalised yet. There are challenges in terms of getting the structure into the gardens."

Engineers fear the National Galleries basement beneath the gardens would not be strong enough for the huge machine to be brought in from The Mound and contractors are unable to use Princes Street due to the ongoing tram works.

A council spokesperson said: "The Council continues to remain supportive of Great City Attractions who face a complicated engineering challenge getting the wheel into Princes Street Gardens.

“We are currently waiting to hear from the contractors as to how they want to progress."

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