Ferris wheel will remain until June and that is good news for school children (Antwerp)
The Ferris wheel The View on Steenplein will remain in place until May of this year. There is also good news for schools. Students on a school trip can spin the Ferris wheel for free. “It is much more interesting from an economic and environmental point of view that we are allowed to stand longer,” says René Bufkens, operator of the Ferris wheel The View.
Sacha Van Wiele, Tess Jacobs
READ ALSO. Antwerp is considering a permanent Ferris wheel on the redeveloped Scheldt quays
The Ferris wheel of 55 meters high has become a familiar sight in the Antwerp skyline over the years. During the corona period, The View Antwerp was on Steenplein without interruption for fourteen months. The Antwerp alderman’s college now gives the operator of the Ferris wheel permission to stand there until May of this year. It cannot be ruled out that the Ferris wheel will have to be widened earlier for the forced works on the Scheldt quays this spring.
“The reason for the extension is simple: we want to give everyone the chance to enjoy the laps on the Ferris wheel for as long as possible and to discover that The View has certainly not stolen its name,” says Peter Wouters (N-VA), Antwerp alderman. of Markets and Foren.
According to alderman of Tourism Koen Kennis (N-VA), the Ferris wheel on Steenplein is in place. “Especially when I notice how much visitors like to slide, often with children, to turn around and enjoy the view,” says Kennis.
30,000 customers
Owner Bufkens is satisfied with the decision. “I am very happy. We have just had a nice winter period. About 30,000 customers have taken a ride on our wheel. We received a lot of visitors, especially during the winter in Antwerp.”
That The View should not be broken yet, except for an average cost. “Setting up and dismantling such a wheel entails a lot of transport,” says the operator. “All those cameras in the city center are no sinecure. It is much more interesting this way, both economically and from an environmental point of view.”
In consultation with the city, Bufkens will make the wheel available free of charge to schools in and outside the city from January 23, on weekdays from 11 a.m. All school children on school trips are welcome.
“Children who get to know Antwerp better during a school trip now get a great opportunity to view the heart of our city center from a different perspective,” says Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA). “The Ferris wheel offers a nice added value to reflect on our rich history and the growth of our city in a fun, playful way.”
permanently
The city commissioned almost a year ago to investigate whether a permanent Ferris wheel is feasible. The best location on the completely redeveloped Scheldt quays is being checked. Bufkens certainly likes this. “The View is now part of the city’s skyline. You see it often on television as well. If it were to become a permanent fixture, I can only applaud it,” says the manager.