In the area between Raņķa Dam and Slokas Street, part of the Rīga Ferris wheel is already visible. It will be 65 meters high. This project is being developed by the Lithuanian-owned company RPR Operators, which promises to invest over EUR 3 million in the improvement of the park area, while the total investment will exceed EUR 10 million.
The municipality has leased this plot of land to the company for a rent of EUR 27 thousand per year, including VAT. The building rights for the site were auctioned for 30 years and acquired by RPR Operators five years ago.
The Ferris wheel was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022, but implementation of the project has been delayed.
Dmitrijs Uspenskis, Board Member of RPR Operators, said the project was complex, its harmonization has been delayed, and its implementation has only started in January of this year. He said the Ferris wheel will likely be put into service in August this year.
What will happen to the rest of the park, where the infrastructure is still not at a level that satisfies city guests and residents? Rīga Vice-Mayor Edvards Ratnieks (National Alliance) said Uzvaras Park is divided into three parts. The builder of the Ferris wheel is responsible for one, but the most popular part of Uzvaras Park was already upgraded last year and works will continue this year and next. On the other hand, a new network of walkways and lighting will be created in the middle part of the park. The total investment in the second round will reach EUR 6 million.
