The Flyer Players

Since its inception in 2001, the London Eye has exceeded expectations to become the number one paid attraction in London, and one of Europe's most successful attractions. It attracted 3.8 million passengers in 2001 and 4 million passengers in 2002; representing about 27% market share among all paid attractions in London, ahead of the next most popular attraction, Madam Tussaud.

Singapore Tourism Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Melchers Project Management on 27 June 2003 for their partnership in developing the Singapore Flyer.  The project will be undertaken by an experienced and reputable international consortium led by Melchers Project Management Pte Ltd (MPM).  STB's role in this project is mainly to facilitate the land lease needed for the development of the project. Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between STB and Melchers, STB (left hand) will purchase the land needed for the Singapore Flyer from the Singapore Government (right hand) and lease it to MPM, the project developer, on commercial terms.  The entire Singapore Flyer project is fully funded by the private sector.

Melchers Project Management will be the owner and operator of the Singapore Flyer.   Melchers Project Management (MPM) was incorporated in January 2002 as a supplier and developer of visitor attractions and associated services in the Asia Pacific region. Melchers Project Management is a wholly owned subsidiary of C. Melchers GmbH & Co. Melchers Project Management isolated a group of visitor attractions termed as Iconic Viewing Platforms or IVPs. The first IVP by MPM is Carlsberg Sky Tower which commenced operations in February 2004 and is located on Sentosa Island, Singapore. Construction of the second IVP by MPM is the S$240 million Singapore Flyer is expected open in February 2008. To facilitate the undertaking of this international project, Melchers Project Investments Pte Ltd was set up.

Architect for the Singapore Flyer is the renowed Japanese Architect Kisho Kurokawa (KL International Airport, Republic Plaza, Fusionpolis) of Kisho Kurokawa Architect & Associates. Although the concept is similar to the London Eye, the Singapore Flyer will hold its own with a unique design that emphasises Singapore"s tropical environment and physical context. For example, the entire terminal building is characterised by an ecologically-sensitive design, from the roof garden (to ensure energy saving) to a rainforest garden in the inner courtyard, where the public can catch a glimpse of the landing stage of the wheel.

Arup is the Structural Engineers for the Singapore Flyer. Arup uses a custom-written computer software in the design to optimise the arrangement of tension spoke cables with the size and stiffness of the rim structure. The resulting structure will be lightweight and elegant, creating a new icon for the Singapore skyline.

Takenaka will be the contractor that will be building the Singapore Flyer. The concept design stage for the wheel, and the associated terminal and car park buildings is complete with the next stage of design.

Updated On: 15.02.17