How the Weymouth Eye could look if approved
Proposed observation tower the Weymouth Eye has moved a step closer to reality as the leasing of its site was agreed by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.
Merlin Entertainments have yet to obtain planning permision for the 53-metre structure, with construction needing to begin next month if it is to be ready for the 2012 Olympic Games – during which Weymouth will host sailing events.
Under the proposed timescale, the tower would be erected in March 2012, with testing taking place in June and the public opening coming in July, shortly before the start of the Olympics.
A spokesman for Merlin Entertainments said: “We are obviously pleased with the council’s decision but planning is key, without that nothing happens. It is very important to us because without it we will have to rethink our plans.”
“It’s out of our hands now but obviously we need to start the project in August in order to have it ready for the Olympics. It’s not an Olympic project – we see it as a long term project – but the boost of having it open for the Games has a strong influence on us doing it.”