A new 35-metre Ferris wheel is being constructed on the Torquay seafront, ensuring the popular attraction remains a part of the local landscape this summer. Torbay Council confirmed that work on the site began on 21 May 2026, with a new operator, DeVey Events Limited, stepping in to manage the installation.
The arrival of the new wheel follows the departure of the previous operator, The Mellors Group. Despite having secured planning permission to operate at the location for four years in April 2025, The Mellors Group decided not to return for the 2026 season due to operational and financial considerations. The previous 45-metre wheel had been a regular fixture on the seafront since 2012 and famously appeared in the 2019 film Chalbaaz.
The new attraction is set to feature enclosed gondolas, which will provide panoramic views across Torbay and the English Riviera. According to the council, the wheel will offer extended operating hours from daytime into the evening, complemented by on-site catering outlets intended to support the local economy and enhance the visitor experience.
Councillor Jackie Thomas, the cabinet member for tourism, culture, events and corporate services, highlighted the importance of securing a rapid replacement for the seafront attraction. The installation continues the tradition of hosting large-scale summer features in Torquay, which remains a key draw for tourists visiting the region.
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