The company behind the Yorkshire Wheel, World Tourist Attractions, confirmed yesterday that it is considering moving to a site on the banks of the River Ouse in the heart of York.

The 200ft observation wheel has been at the National Railway Museum since April 2006, but World Tourist Attractions' directors are due to submit a planning application to York Council to move it to North Street Gardens, next to the Park Inn Hotel.

More than 500,000 people take a ride on the wheel each year, but the company is looking to bring in even more business by the move and hopes it could open late into the evening.

World Tourist Attraction's senior operations manager, John Lowery, said: "The Yorkshire Wheel has proved to be a huge success at its present location, but we feel that we could attract even more people with a move into the city centre. However, we are committed to staying in York – the city is such a prime tourist destination."

Talks have already been held with York Council and the company has looked at several sites.

The Yorkshire Wheel, only 30ft shorter than York Minster, has 42 capsules which can each hold up to eight people. It takes 13 minutes to complete a revolution.

However, the York attraction normally only opens until 6pm while other wheels in Manchester and Belfast operate until midnight.

According to Mr Lowery, the Yorkshire Wheel could be moved in time for Christmas.

A National Railway Museum spokeswoman said: "The Yorkshire Wheel continues to be a valuable addition to the National Railway Museum and draws new and repeat visitors from all over the country.

"No definite decision has yet been made about its long-term future and we are still in talks with World Tourist Attractions, the owners of the wheel."

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