Estepona Big Wheel
by Chris Chaplow
The Estepona Noria (Big Wheel) attraction, located on the Paseo Marítimo next to the European Union roundabout, opened on the 8th August and will be in operation until the 29th September 2024. On the last days of July the larger component parts were delivered and unloaded. During the following weekend (3/4 august) the structure was assembled and the 14 cabins were attached over the next few days.
The 40 metre high panoramic Ferris will be a temporary attraction will be in operation until the 29th September 2024.
The Mederyt Group which managed the Big wheel in the city of Malaga, is the company responsible for installing the project. The Town hall stated a geotechnical study has been carried out. Many observers have on social media commented that the site is very close to the canalised Monterroso River. The completed structure weights 145 tonnes including 100.000 litres of ballast water in the two bases which presumably was pumped from the sea. Permits have been applied for from the Coastal Authority. The Mederyt Group will pay a canon (fee) to the Town Hall for the use of public land, the amount has not been disclosed.
The big wheel is 40 metres high and has 14 air-conditioned cabins, each with a capacity of eight people.
The term Big Wheel in English is "Ferris wheel" in American English (and la Noria in Spanish). The original Ferris Wheel was designed and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. as a landmark for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It was 80m high.
Other Big Wheels
Mederyt Group have since November 2022 managed an identical 40m high Mirador Princess R-40 14-cabin Big Wheel located in the Benalmadena Marina.
Mederyt Group managed the 70m high Mirador Princess 42-cabin Big Wheel located in the Port of Malaga city from September 2015 to March 2019 where location was controversial due to its proximity to residential apartments.
There was Big Wheel in Seville from June 2015 to November 2016 promoted by another company next to the Aquarium by the river.
Mederyt Group installed an identical 40m high Mirador Princess model R-40, 14-cabin Big Wheel in November 2022. located in Ramblas of Almeria City. It was dismounted and removed in August 2023 as the ticket sales had not reached expectations.
Mederyt Group installed an identical 40m high Mirador Princess model R-40, 14-cabin Big Wheel in Sanlucar to celebrate the 500th Aniversary of Ferdinand's Magellans circumnavigation of the world.
Height comparisons of other Big Wheels and structures
135m - London Eye: 135m (2000)
100m - Malaga Port cranes
97m - Giralda Seville
94m - Malaga Cathedral tower
70m - Malaga Mirador Princess Big Wheel (2015-9)
65m - Big Wheel at the Malaga Feria in 2013
54m - Cadiz cathedral clock tower (1845)
50m - Mirador del Carmen Tower, Estepona (2023)
42m - La Equitativa building in Malaga
40m - Estepona Big Wheel (2024)
40m - Benalmadena Marina Big Wheel (2022)
33m - Malaga Port lighthouse
22m - Estepona lighthouse
22m - Los Remedios Church Tower
Height comparisons of other tall buildings in Andalucia
180m - La Torre Pelli, Sevilla. tallest building in Andalucia (2015)
112m - AQ Urban Sky, Malaga. tallest residential building in Andalucia (2024)
108m - AQ Urban Sky Torre II. Malaga. 2nd tallest residential building in Andalucia (2024)
105m - Edificio Torre Laguna, El Ejido, Almeria. Ofice and residential (2011)
100m - Pillars of Hércules, Los Barios, Cadiz. Iconic twin tower offices (2009)
74m - AQ Parque Princesa, Malaga. Residential (2023)
71m - Málaga Towers, Malaga. Residential (2024)
66m - La Torre de los Remedios, Triana, Seville. Offices (1981)
65m - La Torre Atalaya de San Lázaro, Granada. Residential (2004)
Location
Paseo Marítimo, at the junction of Avenida Juan Carlos I and Avenida España, next to the European Union roundabout