ING to open Southern Star Observation Wheel in November

From Friday, 14 November selected charities, education groups and tourist industry groups will be offered preview flights prior to the official public opening on Friday, 28 November 2008.
 
Premier Brumby was first taken on a guided walking tour of the first stage of the new Harbour Town shopping centre by Greg Boyd, CEO of ING Real Estate Development Australia – the developer of the $1 billion Waterfront City project.

The Premier also announced that the extremely popular free City Circle Tram will be extended to Waterfront City’s new entertainment and tourism precinct. The City Circle Tram is forecast to attract up to 3 million visitors in 2008 of which around 75% will be tourists.

The teams from ING Real Estate (developer), Hansen Yuncken (builder), Sanoyas Hishino Meisho (Japanese manufacturer) and Alfasi (steel contractor) are currently completing all final preparations prior to the November opening.   This work includes:

– A complex process of around 290 hours of rotations for the commissioning of all 21 cabins: involves fully powering all cabins, full safety procedures, registration with authorities, testing air conditioning, heating and alignment
– Installation of cameras for tourism purposes and loading all control software

The Southern Star is a stunning new addition to the Melbourne landscape and is expected to become a major tourism drawcard for Melbourne, offering spectacular views across Melbourne’s city centre, Victoria Harbour and beyond.

The Southern Star experience consists of a 30 minute flight and unlike traditional wheels, it rarely stops and passengers can board the slowly-moving structure whilst it is still in motion. 

Each of the 21 cabins hold up to 20 people each and are fully powered to ensure a flat and stable platform for unobstructed views that can be enjoyed from a number of vantage points. 

The Southern Star’s distinctive state-of-the-art structure will feature a world-first 3.7km LED lighting system providing stunning ever-changing displays at night.

It will cost $29 per adult, and $17 per child, to ride the Southern Star.  Cabins will also be available for private hire for marriage proposals, weddings, birthdays and other special events.

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Marc Pallisco

A former property analyst and print journalist, Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au.