There is to be more than the usual Christmas tree in front of Belfast City Hall this festive season.

Work gets underway this week to erect Belfast's very own ‘Big Wheel’, which is set to rival the London Eye as a tourist attraction.

The construction of the massive 60m, £3.5m wheel is underway outside the City Hall after months of delay.

Within weeks members of the public will be able to enjoy panoramic views from the 'Belfast Eye' 200ft above the city.

The wheel has 42 air-conditioned passenger capsules, which can hold up to 330 people and each flight takes approximately 15 minutes.

-- Advertisement --

The construction operation is scheduled to take between two and three weeks with engineers flying in from Holland to erect the wheel.

An official opening has been scheduled for November 19, so that shoppers and visitors can view the city sights during the Christmas period.

World Tourist Attractions successfully won the tender to operate the wheel earlier this year.

The UK firm has already built landmark big wheels in Manchester and Seville where they have become top tourist attractions.

John Lowry, from the company, said they are delighted to have the construction of the wheel finally under way.

"We are due to stay until March, but we would like to stay longer," he said.

"We've got engineers from Holland and technicians from England putting the wheel together.

"It took a long time, but it is great to finally be over and to bring the wheel to Belfast.”

Despite the City Hall closing for major renovation work the wheel will remain in the grounds for the next five months.

(BMcC)