Great Wheel Corporation was a company engaged in the development, building, financing, and operation of Ferris wheels, which they often termed "observation wheels" or "observation platforms".
Great Wheel Corporation, registered in Singapore as GWC Holdings, was a consultant for the Singapore Flyer, the world's tallest Ferris wheel since it was completed in 2008. Florian Bollen was chairman of both Great Wheel Corporation and Singapore Flyer Pte Ltd.Firm linked to Flyer under German probe The Singapore Flyer went into receivership in May 2013.Singapore Flyer in receivership
In 2009, Great Wheel Corporation merged with World Tourist Attractions to form Great City Attractions.World Tourist Attractions, Great Wheel Merge Ahead Of IPO World Tourist Attractions went into administration in December 2010, followed by Great City Attractions in July 2012.
In May 2010, Great Wheel Corporation was one of several companies named in a report lodged with the prosecutor's office in Berlin, Germany, for alleged embezzlement.
History In 2009, World Tourist Attractions had merged with Great Wheel Corporation to form Great City Attractions, said at that time to be "the world's largest operator of Observation Wheels."
In May 2010 it was reported that Great Beijing Wheel Co., the company set up to build the tall Beijing Great Wheel, under construction since 2007,Beijing begins construction of world's biggest wheel AFP 2007-11-05 had gone into receivership after breaching the conditions of a loan.Beijing Ferris wheel company in receivership
On 23 December 2010, the holding company WTA Global Holdings, which traded as World Tourist Attractions, went into administration, having hit financial difficulties due to the seasonal nature of its trade. At that time, it was operating five large transportable wheels in the UK, in Dublin, Liverpool, Manchester, Weston Super-Mare, and Hyde Park in London. Some proved not to be viable during the off-season, while others simply failed to make the profits initially predicted. The company collapsed owing £16.4 million, including £8.9 million to unsecured creditors, who were expected to get nothing.Big wheel business debts revealed
Early in 2011 the assets of WTA Global Holdings were bought out of administration for £230,000 by Great City Attractions,Big wheel operator enters administration operating as a subsidiary of Elliot Hall Ltd, a new company set up by WTA Global Holdings director Elliot Hall.
In July 2012 it was reported that Great City Attractions had also gone into administration. It ceased trading the following month.
In May 2013 the Singapore Flyer went into receivership, and accountants Ferrier Hodgson were appointed as receiver and manager of the company's charged assets.
Unbuilt projects Great Wheel Corporation was involved in a number of giant Ferris wheel projects, all of which failed either prior to, or very shortly after, the start of construction. Name HeightCountry Location Project history Beijing Great Wheel 208 () Beijing Originally due to open 2008Went into receivership in 2010Great Dubai Wheel 185 () Dubai Planning permission granted in 2006Originally due to open 2009Project cancellation confirmed January 2012Great Berlin Wheel 175 () Berlin Originally due to open 2009"Delayed";Planned Great Wheel for I-Drive area of Orlando on hold -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com no subsequent announcementsJeddah Eye 150 () Jeddah Originally due to open 2012Construction should have begun in 2009; no subsequent announcementsGreat Orlando Wheel 122 () Orlando "Suspended" in 2009Great Orlando Wheel Corp. placed in receivership in 2013Orlando Ferris Wheel Project Gets Receiver for Liquidation
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