IT looks like something dreamt up by Jules Verne. But a far cry from the world of science fiction, this ‘Bubble on the Tyne’ is the very real proposal for an attraction to be installed on the river.
Gateshead restaurateur Parviz Alizadeh believes the floating venue would be the perfect addition to the riverscape, offering educational and tourism services by day, and an exclusive private club by night.
The businessman is so confident in his unusual creation he has invested £12,000 of his own money to research the project and patent the designs.
With a construction price-tag of £4m the bubble boat, or Goldfish bowl, as it’s creator has nicknamed it, won’t come cheap, but La Riviera owner Mr Alizadeh believes sponsors will come forward.
Reaction has so far been encouraging, although the Port of Tyne Authority have indicated the unusual build would have to meet strict safety and conservation guidelines to stand any hope of being allowed on to the river.
Mr Alizadeh, 50, said: “It’s the craziest idea I’ve ever come up with, but that’s its charm. Because I’ve had La Riviera for 10 years I’ve been able to think about it and plan it. Every single part of it will be built in the North East. And it will be made in conjunction with the universities.
“You will see fish swim under your feet and the stars above your head. It will have a retractable roof for dining alfresco.
“Three propellers underneath will allow it to generate its own power. And telescopic legs will contract and expand until they find the ground.
The Bubble on the Tyne is planned to be moored next to La Riviera and would entertain up to 250 people.
He has also revealed the idea was inspired in part by ex-Newcastle United player Jermaine Jenas, who quit St James’s Park in 2005, citing the close proximity of fans to the club – a situation he described as a ‘goldfish bowl’.
The NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) has welcomed the inventiveness of the idea, but dismissed it as a solution to the region’s conferencing aspirations.
A study is being undertaken to assess the feasibility of installing a bespoke conference centre either behind the Baltic art gallery, in Gateshead, or on the site of the Metro Radio Arena.
NGI chief executive Andrew Dixon said: “It’s a great idea for a social space but is no solution to our needs for a conference venue.”
Bruce Murray from Mermaid Architecture Limited, who have designed the Bubble and are hoping to bring Ali’s dream to life said: “You must dare to dream and then believe in that dream.”