Relocation puts fresh spin on Cape Wheel

The V&A Waterfront’s Cape Wheel is set to reopen after a seven-month break in which it was to relocated from its previous location between the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre and the Union Castle Square to a brand new location.

Passengers will now be treated to panoramic views of the city and Granger Bay!

WHERE IS THE CAPE WHEEL NOW?

Now located at the V&A’s Breakwater Boulevard overlooking the waters of Granger Bay, the wheel transforms Breakwater Boulevard into a new visitor attraction, with special elevated views across Granger Bay on one side, Robben Island in the distance, views of Table Mountain on the other end, as well as sights of Signal Hill and the Cape Town Stadium.

Riders will, from 40m up, have below them the sight of commercial shipping traffic with giant container ships coming and going, large cruise and charter boats heading in and out of the harbour, kayakers accompanied by schools of dolphins, as well as the possibility of spotting the occasional whales that visit the bay from time to time.

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JUST IN TIME FOR EASTER HOLIDAYS

V&A Waterfront CEO David Green said the time is right to restart the operation of the wheel, just ahead of the coming Easter holidays.

“We had to find the perfect location for the wheel and I’m excited that we will be reopening the experience once more. I think our visitors will especially enjoy repeat visits to experience the different views to be experienced at this new location, said Green.

“The recent signs of economic recovery for tourism and retail have been extremely positive and at the V&A Waterfront, we are looking forward to the return of the iconic Waterfront Wheel as part of our attractions which offer jobs and support livelihoods of so many Capetonians.”

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ABOUT THE CAPE WHEEL

• Opened to the public in 2008, the Cape Wheel stands at 40m and offers visitors an 15-minute, four-revolutions riding experience.

• Features 30 high-tech fully enclosed air-conditioned cabins with sweeping views of Granger Bay and the city behind it. Two of the cabins are wheelchair friendly.

• In addition to the 15-minute ride, the wheel offers a variety of unforgettable experiences, including a VIP experience for four passengers, a sky dining picnic, a free ride on your birthday special, a senior’s discount on Tuesdays and discounted ticket prices for pre-booked school outings.

Ticket sales open from 15 March. For more information and ticket prices, visit www.capewheel.co.za.

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HISTORY OF THE CAPE WHEEL

• The Wheel of Excellence, which was renamed to the Cape Wheel, was designed by Ronald Bussink, and was constructed in Germany in 2007.
• The Wheel, which stands 40 metres high and takes nearly a week to assemble, has travelled around the world, visiting Belgium twice, Germany twice and Sweden from 2009 to 2010.
• It first visited Cape Town in 2010 where it was initially meant to remain for only a six-month period during the FIFA World Cup. But since then, it has found a permanent home at the V&A Waterfront, the oldest working harbour in Cape Town.