Four months after opening, the Brighton Wheel divides opinion. Supporters praise a landmark encouraging tourism, challengers see an imposing presence on nearby houses. Approving construction was a difficult decision, but was it the right one?
Most opposed to the development are local residents, represented by groups like Brighton's Mad Wheel. They cite poor communication from the council, who are accused of 'breathtakingly arrogant and speedy moves' in choosing the Kemp Town location after previous sites were rejected.
The wheel's 24-hour lighting was allegedly not discussed during planning; one can sympathise with those living on Madeira place (pictured). Dwarfing houses just a few hundred feet away, the structure bathes windowpanes in a light which needs black-out curtains to block.
David Sewell, chairman of the North Laine Traders Association, believes an estimated 250,000 extra visitors yearly to Brighton and 30 new jobs are reasons to back the wheel. It is a 'win-win project', he said.
The project's press release notes the continued success of other wheels in the UK: the Yorkshire Wheel's visitors have increased 20% yearly. The London Eye has surpassed expectations, now famous globally and one of the capital's main attractions.
The Brighton Wheel has attracted customers throughout winter, and moving towards the warmer months this success looks set to continue.
David Sewell, chairman of the North Laine Traders Association, believes an estimated 250,000 extra visitors yearly to Brighton and 30 new jobs are reasons to back the wheel. It is a 'win-win project', he said.
The project's press release notes the continued success of other wheels in the UK: the Yorkshire Wheel's visitors have increased 20% yearly. The London Eye has surpassed expectations, now famous globally and one of the capital's main attractions.
The Brighton Wheel has attracted customers throughout winter, and moving towards the warmer months this success looks set to continue.
Although the wheel has come at an inevitable cost to some, it is a temporary structure whose presence looks justified during a deep recession; should the outlook brighten it could be removed. These are exceptional times, when such a boost to Brighton's economy was impossible to ignore.
