Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

It opened two years behind schedule in December 2008, but closed 40 days later due to structural defects, and was subsequently dismantled for major repairs. The wheel itself was scrapped and replaced, but the original support structure and passenger cabins were retained. It was originally thought that reconstruction might be completed in late 2010, but repeated delays meant it did not reopen until 23 December 2013. A ride takes 30 minutes and, according to the Star's website, provides uninterrupted 360-degree views of up to 40 kilometres "encompassing the Docklands precinct, Melbourne’s CBD, Port Phillip Bay and as far as Mount Macedon, Arthur’s Seat and the Dandenong Ranges.

Construction

The project was undertaken by ING Real Estate and the construction consultant was Hansen Yuncken. The wheel was designed and built by Sanoyas Rides Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Japanese ship and amusement park ride builder Sanoyas Holdings Corporation, and the steel builder was Alfasi Steel Constructions.

Construction began in 2006.[7] By 1 March 2008 the outer rim had been completed,[13] and by 21 October air-conditioned enclosed passenger cabins, built in Osaka, Japan,[2] were receiving their fit out.[5] Each cabin weighs 13 tonnes, is 5.7 m (19 ft) long and 3.7 m (12 ft) high, has floor to ceiling glass walls, and can accommodate up to 20 passengers.

Opening

The wheel first opened to the public on 20 December 2008,[3] two years behind schedule.[16] Its most recently postponed opening ceremony, scheduled for 28 November 2008,[17] had been cancelled due to bad weather and delays in procuring parts.[3] It had cost an estimated A$100 million to construct and was expected to attract more than one million visitors annually. Tickets cost A$29 for adults and A$17 for children.[5] As at 2018 adult tickets cost A$39 for adults and A$27 for children

Closure

On 30 January 2009,[18] 40 days after opening,[19] the wheel was shut down by WorkSafe after cracks up to three metres (9.8 ft) long were inadvertently discovered by a contract worker installing LED lighting. One node was almost completely torn from its welded joint.Initially the operators blamed the 2009 Southeastern Australia heat wave for causing the damage and it was not known when the wheel would reopen.

Upon further investigation, engineers working on the wheel discovered the cracks were not caused by the heatwave but rather a problem in the original design. Fourteen cracks were found in the steel.

An undated press release on the operator's official website stated: "The Southern Star Observation Wheel was temporarily closed in January 2009. As a result of extensive design and technical reviews a conclusion was reached to build a new wheel."

Sanoyas, who designed and built the wheel, accepted responsibility for the cracks and undertook its reconstruction under warranty. Consulting engineers Arup, steel builder Alfasi, and construction consultant Hansen Yuncken signed confidentiality agreements preventing them from commenting publicly. Most of the original wheel was sold for scrap, but the main support columns and the passenger cabins were retained and reused.

The reconstruction process began in a factory in South Dandenong in December 2009, at which time it was expected that a year would pass before the wheel would reopen.

Located in: The District Docklands
Address: The District Docklands, 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia
Height: 120 m
Construction started: 2006
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 9:30PM
Cost: 100 million AUD (estimate)