Plans have been unveiled for a giant bubble boat capable of carrying 250 people. The spherical craft, which will be largely transparent, is designed to be an educational and tourist attraction by day, but will turn into a restaurant and club by night.
'Bubble on the Tyne', also nicknamed the 'Goldfish bowl', is the brainchild of Parviz Alizadeh, owner of a restaurant on the banks of the Tyne in Gateshead. The floating bubble, which will cost around £4 million to build, will be powered by three propellers, while telescopic legs will extend to allow it to secure itself to the river bed.
A tube will meet the bubble to form the basic shape of the structure, which will be connected to the quayside by two bridge tunnels.
Motor Boats Monthly, 27 February 2009