Plans unveiled to install Ferris wheel at Ashford Designer Outlet

Plans have been unveiled to install a Ferris wheel at the Ashford Designer Outlet.

Bosses at the McArthurGlen-owned site want to add the attraction to the site from July this year.

It would be in the centre’s car park, occupying seven disabled parking spaces for six months of the year over the next five years.

The bays would be relocated inside the centre’s car park.

The structure would be 33m high and, if approved, open for rides seven days a week.

In planning documents submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC), it states it would take three days to construct using a crane.

Once dismantled and removed, the 25 sq m section of parking would return to its original use.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, London-based Montagu Evans stated: “The application proposes the temporary installation of an observation wheel which would be ancillary and complementary to the wider Ashford Designer Outlet offer.

“The proposed observation wheel would be focused on serving existing customers at Ashford Designer Outlet and is unlikely to be a leisure destination in its own right.

“It’s not anticipated to lead to an increase in trips to the site as the customer base is expected to be general visitors to the centre for retailing purposes.

“In any event, the temporary loss of parking is unlikely to cause any parking stress on surrounding streets.

“The centre is well served by the existing car parking, which is under capacity for the majority of time, with plenty of overspill spaces available on the busiest trading days.”

They add that McArthurGlen has operated a “Big Wheel” at its Cheshire Oaks outlet centre in Wirral since 2022, which has proved to be a “popular complementary attraction for shoppers”.

LED lighting would also be installed on the roof of the gondolas as well as on one side of the rims, spokes and outer posts.

At the time of writing, no comments for or against the proposal has been lodged on ABC’s planning portal.

The wheel would be open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday, from 9am to 9pm on Saturdays and 10am to 6pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

Last year, Ashford Designer Outlet secured its bid to host its first Christmas market despite fears the stalls could draw trade from the town.

Approved by ABC last August, the plans featured nine festive huts offering “gourmet food” and bespoke gifts from mid-November through to Christmas Eve.

Our reporter was full of praise for the festive fun, but did feel it lacked a special ingredient.

The Ferris wheel application is currently under consultation with a decision expected by ABC later this year.

Speaking on the plans, centre manager, Peter Heritage said: “We can confirm that a planning application for an Observation Wheel has been submitted to Ashford Borough Council.

“If approved, the temporary attraction will open for up to six months each year for the next five years, and we await to hear back from representatives on their decision.”