World's tallest Ferris wheel coming to NYC - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Mayor Bloomberg unveiled plans to transform Staten Island's waterfront by building the world's largest Ferris wheel along with a new retail complex and hotel.

They would sit on sites adjacent to Richmond County Bank Ballpark in St. George.

He says the New York Wheel will be built just to the north of the ballpark and be 625 feet tall – 84 feet higher than the Singapore Flyer, currently the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. It will also be taller than the planned ‘High Roller' wheel for the Las Vegas Strip, which is set to rise to 550 feet.

The New York Wheel will be comprised of thirty-six capsules, each able to carry up to 40 passengers with a max capacity of 1,440 people per ride.  The city hopes as many as 30,000 people will ride the amusement a day.

The two development sites are located steps from the Staten Island Ferry in St. George, and are currently used as parking for the Richmond County Bank Ballpark and the St. George Ferry Terminal.

The New York Wheel is expected be open 7 days a week, 365 days per year from roughly 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the fall, winter and spring.  Rides will last roughly 38 minutes.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2014, with the goal of hosting a grand opening by the end of 2015.

The Wheel's designer and manufacturer will be Starneth, comprised of members of the team that built the London Eye.

For more information about the New York Wheel, please visit: www.NewYorkWheel.com.