Iconic Southsea landmark Solent Wheel is being dismantled to be moved to mystery location
The instantly recognisable Solent Wheel at Clarence Pier is being dismantled to be moved to an unknown destination, after carrying its final Portsmouth guests on Sunday, September 27.
Images captured by photographer Marcin Jedrysiak have shown the £750,000 structure’s 24 carriages gradually being removed from the 35-foot-high wheel to be taken away.
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Hide AdPunters on Sunday could enjoy the famous views all the way across Portsmouth, through the harbour and over the Solent for the final time, after tens of thousands have enjoyed the attraction since its installation in 2016.
Mystery surrounds the future of the structure and the site, with a three-week Oktoberfest celebration which had been planned by the owners of Clarence Pier being cancelled due to coronavirus fears.
The owners declined to comment on where the Solent Wheel will appear next.
The Ferris wheel, which has become synonymous with the pier and much-loved by residents and visitors, was originally unable to operate between October and March to help preserve migrating Brent geese.
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Hide AdHowever, council planners backtracked in 2018 to allow the attraction to operate year-round, with revellers using the space for private parties and even proposals of marriage over the years.
Fans expressed their sadness at the wheel's departure on a live video of the final rotation on Clarence Pier’s Facebook page, with people saying it was a shame the ride was going to be taken down and removed from the area.