Oxford eye (From The Oxford Times)

Oxford eye

6:40am Thursday 20th August 2009

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Oxford has to be an ideal location for Great City Attractions to bring its big wheel. There can be few cities in the world that provide such a spectacular view from above as Oxford.

Indeed, the view from above is possibly the best way to see Oxford in all its historic glory.

If GCA gets permission for its big wheel in Worcester Street car park, then we expect it to prove a big attraction to locals and tourists alike.

As this is a temporary installation, we see no reason why permission should not be given.

There may be some who say it is inappropriate in a city of the heritage of Oxford and that it will disturb the historic skyline of ‘dreaming spires’. The temporary nature of the installation should negate those arguments.

That said, a large observatory of the kind proposed could be a popular and permanent attraction in Oxford. Its purpose of providing a view of the city’s heritage from above has a certain merit in educational and heritage terms.

Also, this summer of swine flu, recession and poor weather teaches us that, even in Oxford, we cannot take the revenue from tourism for granted.

Most tourist venues are continually seeking to renew themselves and provide new attractions to bring in the tourists.

Oxford benefits hugely from the tourist pound, but has always relied on its largely unchanging historic University and colleges to provide the attraction.

The revamp and extension to the galleries at the Ashmolean Museum — which are due to open in the autumn — will provide almost a new attraction. However, no city, not even Oxford, can afford to rest on its laurels.

Whether it be a big wheel or some other attraction, Oxford should always be seeking to welcome new and innovative tourist ventures.

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