Plans have been submitted for a new Belfast City Centre Ferris wheel at the former Europa Buscentre site.

The temporary attraction would form part of the growing HALT at Weavers Cross leisure area beside Belfast Grand Central Station.

The proposal has been submitted for planning consideration but has not yet been approved.

Plans submitted for new Belfast City Centre Ferris wheel at Weavers Cross

A new Belfast City Centre Ferris wheel could become part of the city skyline under plans submitted for the former Europa Buscentre site.

According to planning documents, the temporary wheel is proposed for the southern end of the Weavers Cross development, close to Belfast Grand Central Station.

The site at the former Europa Buscentre on Glengall Street has already been transformed into HALT at Weavers Cross, a food, drink and entertainment destination.

HALT describes itself as a city space offering street food, entertainment, art and live music. It currently hosts several food vendors and a bar. Visit HALT at Weavers Cross.

Belfast Ferris wheel would be a temporary attraction

The proposed Ferris wheel would operate as a temporary leisure attraction while the wider Weavers Cross development progresses.

Planning documents describe the proposed attraction as the Bella Vista Wheel.

The design and access statement says the wheel would provide an elevated experience for visitors and form part of the site’s temporary leisure offering.

Examples of Ferris wheels used in other UK city centres are also referenced within the proposal.

Members of the public can search for planning applications through the Northern Ireland Planning Portal.

HALT continues to grow at former Europa Buscentre

The former Europa Buscentre closed when services transferred to the new Belfast Grand Central Station in September 2024.

HALT later opened on the site as part of the temporary use of land earmarked for the wider Weavers Cross regeneration project.

Its current food offering includes businesses such as Bodega Bagels, Fowl Play, BLOCK 313 and other independent vendors.

The site has continued to expand with outdoor seating, entertainment facilities and other leisure uses.

Visit the official HALT website

Find out more about Weavers Cross

Major redevelopment planned around Belfast Grand Central Station

The Ferris wheel proposal comes as work continues to develop the wider area surrounding Belfast Grand Central Station.

Weavers Cross is planned as a major mixed-use development featuring residential, commercial, hotel, retail and leisure space.

The official Weavers Cross website says the overall development has the potential to provide around 1.5 million square feet of mixed-use space around the transport hub.

The Ferris wheel would therefore be considered a temporary use rather than a permanent part of the final development.

Belfast has had a city centre Ferris wheel before

A large Ferris wheel previously stood beside Belfast City Hall.

Commonly known as the Belfast Wheel or Belfast Eye, it operated between 2007 and 2010 before being dismantled.

Temporary Ferris wheels have also appeared at events and locations across Belfast in the years since.

The latest proposal could now bring a large observation wheel back to Belfast City Centre.

Plans have not yet been approved

The latest proposal was submitted during September 2026.

However, planning permission has not yet been granted, meaning the Ferris wheel cannot currently be treated as confirmed.

Further information and documents can be searched through the Northern Ireland Planning Portal as the application progresses.

Would you like to see a Ferris wheel return to Belfast City Centre?