A BLUEPRINT to bring a big wheel back to York has been submitted to City of York Council for assessment.

York Museums Trust and wheel operators Great City Attractions (GCA) want to site a 60-metre high wheel in the Museum Gardens for three years.

It would be constructed on a little-known area of land behind York Art Gallery, where derelict former Canadian Air Force huts are situated, which would be demolished.

The 21 fully enclosed, air conditioned and heated capsules would offer stunning views of the Minster, city centre, River Ouse and St Mary’s Abbey in the gardens.

Tourism chiefs say it would be a big boost for the industry in York, particularly the evening economy, as it would remain turning until 10pm, unlike the previous one sited at the National Railway Museum between 2006 and 2008.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of Visit York, has spoken of the knock-on effect of the wheel on trade for restaurants and other evening businesses.

She said: “We know the wheel attracted thousands of additional visits to the city while it was here and longer opening hours will be another incentive to both residents and visitors to come into the city in the evening.”

The new wheel should be carrying passengers by Easter, providing councillors give it the go-ahead. Organisers are hoping council officers will recommend the plan and councillors will grant permission by February, giving them enough time to clear the site and build the structure in time for the main tourist season.

Some of the profits from the wheel will go to the trust, which will use it towards a proposed £6 million revamp and expansion of the art gallery.

Visitors on board will be able to listen to a commentary about the views and the city’s history.

Access to the wheel will be from both the gardens and from Exhibition Square, along a new entrance created along the side of the gallery building.