Singapore, June 27: The world's highest observation wheel will be built in Singapore, taking passengers 170 metres off the ground and giving them a spectacular view of neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, officials announced today.
Soaring 35 metres higher than the Millennium wheel in London, the Singapore flyer will cost USD 114 million and is expected to attract 2.5 million visitors in its first year of operation in 2006.
"It will be a technologically advanced engineering and design marvel, scaling new heights as it gently cruises to 170 metres above ground," the project's developer, German firm Melchers, said in a statement.
"It will sport stunning views of three countries and serve as the signature architecture gracing Singapore's landscape".
Designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurosawa, the Singapore flyer will have 32 air-conditioned "capsules" that can each carry up to 25 people for a 37-minute ride, with laser beams ensuring it will light up the Singapore skyline.

It will be located at the Bayfront Marina complex, have a waterfront dining area and will be accessible by train.

Senior minister of state for trade and industry Tharman Shanmugaratnam said one million of the estimated 2.5 million passengers in 2006 were expected to be from overseas, helping the Singapore flyer to generate about USD 94 million in earnings for the year.

Bureau Report