Vienna: Ferris Wheel Plaza Bankrupt

As reported by Austrian media, the general contractor for the Ferris wheel Plaza in Vienna, the company “Explore 5D” is bankrupt. In conjunction with this, debts of nearly 15 million euros have been reported. Vienna’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Grete Laska (of the SPÖ party), is also in the line of political fire: a motion of no confidence against her is currently under debate by the opposition in the Viennese city parliament. Meanwhile, the Vienna Kurier reported in late June that Merlin Entertainments has shown some interest in the famous Ferris wheel at the Prater and that negotiations over a wax figure cabinet (“Madame Tussaud’s”) at the Ferris wheel site are underway. (eap)