Viewing platform planned

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ADVENTURE Island bosses are planning to add to their range of attractions with a 40-metre-tall viewing platform, offering visitors sweeping views of the city.

The theme park’s new City Wheel opened in December to much acclaim, and it is now hoped the viewing platform will go ahead next year, with a height that exceeds the City Wheel it will be situated by.

An application for the platform states that it is planned to be installed in summer 2024, subject to a development control committee, alongside a retrospective planning application on the 36-metre-tall City Wheel, which was installed ahead of securing permission.

The part-retrospective application, which is recommended for approval, attracted a number of complaints from residents concerning its impact on views.

There were also concerns over light pollution and lack of consultation with residents in the wider area.

Adventure Island owner Philip Miller explained that it was important for it to be up for the celebration of Southend’s ascension to city status: “We were very keen to ensure the City Wheel was erected in the year of the celebration of Southend being awarded city status.

“We have been working with Southend Council over the last year to ensure all of the necessary reports and consents are put into place.

“This has included an extensive, year-long ornithological survey and habitat regulation given the sensitivities of the nearby foreshore. We are also very keen to see that the City Wheel remains a permanent fixture on Southend city skyline.”

A heritage impact assessment undertaken says there would be a moderately detrimental impact on views of the pier from Royal Terrace, but that the wheel would also be a “significant visitor attraction” and would provide employment to the tune of five full time jobs.

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ADVENTURE Island bosses are planning to add to their range of attractions with a 40-metre-tall viewing platform, offering visitors sweeping views of the city.

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