Staten Island, the smallest borough of New York City, is building the largest Ferris Wheel in the world and “repurposing” its waterfront in an effort to attract up to 55-million visitors a year. At 625 feet (190m) the Staten Island Ferris Wheel will carry 1,440 passengers and be larger than the world’s current highest ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer which is 541-feet (165m) tall.
The new attraction, with 36 rider capsules, will add to the New York City skyline and riders will be able to see Manhattan from their perches. As many as 30,000 riders per day or about 4.5 million riders a year are projected.
The Ferris wheel project, one of the most expensive in the island’s history, will cost close to $250 million. The project is being described as a “game changer” for Staten Island, as it will generate revenue for both New York City and Staten Island. The project will be part of “Harbor Complex,” a 350,000 square-foot retail complex featuring 100 designer outlets and restaurants as well as a 200-room, 120,000-square-foot hotel. All told, the project will create 1,200 construction jobs.
Starneth BV will design and manufacture the new Ferris wheel and its team will include designers and engineers from the 433-foot (135m) “London Eye” observation wheel built for the recent London Olympics.
