Designs have been unveiled for the Tricentennial Tower, a 98-metre observation tower with a double helix gondola ride.

Planned for New Orleans, the Tricentennial Tower will offer a sky-high restaurant and observation deck with 360 degree views of the city, as well as an interactive experience which takes visitors on a panoramic virtual reality tour of New Orleans through the ages.

Afterwards, rather than experiencing the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster, visitors can coast back down to the ground with views over the French Quarter, Commercial Business District, Mississippi River and greater New Orleans area.

Designed by US Thrill Rides, company president Michael Kitchen explains: “The concept would create a very high-quality, 360 degree panoramic viewing experience; a thoroughly immersive journey through New Orleans’ history from the city’s 1718 founding through to its 300th birthday celebration in 2018.”

Developers hope the tower will become an attraction for tourists, much like Seattle’s Space Needle or the London Eye.