Planning application lodged for UK’s first urban zip wire

The North West team at multi-disciplinary construction practice Ridge and Partners has been appointed to help deliver the UK’s first urban zip wire.

The 460ft high zip line will take thrill-seekers from the top of Liverpool’s Radio City Tower 450ft across the city centre to the roof terrace at the city’s Central Library.

A planning application for the proposed development, from the operators of three award-winning zip wires in North Wales, has been submitted to Liverpool City Council.

“At face value it’s a very simple concept,” said Ridge partner Chris Bradburn.

“You string a wire between two points, strap in your clients and send them on their way.

“In practice, it’s actually a feat of engineering and mechanical planning.”

Ridge’s team has been tasked with delivering a host of mechanical and electrical infrastructure to support the project at both ends of the line, including providing the CCTV infrastructure that will film each ride for customers to view at the end of their journey.

They will also plan the installation of specialised lighting and CCTV infrastructure to help monitor the performance of the pulleys and breaking systems.

“There are two riders in tandem and they’re travelling at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. Part of the thrill lies in the G-forces involved in slowing them down towards the end of the ride,” added Bradburn.

The project will include client bar and spectator viewing areas in the Radio City Tower, for which Ridge has been tasked with designing the complete mechanical and electrical infrastructure.

It will be the first permanent urban zip wire anywhere in the UK should it secure approval.