VIP cabin experences, “sushi in the sky”, a fully serviced bar and mixed reality games for kids to play while 120m in the air are among the many upgrades set to feature at the Melbourne Star when it reopens to visitors later this year.
In an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with the Herald Sun, co-owner of the wheel and managing director at Skyline Attractions Jay Jones revealed his grand plans for the Docklands giant, promising the wheel experience would be “different from the minute you walk in the door”.
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel closed to the public in September 2021 after prolonged Covid lockdowns and border closures starved the business of foot traffic.
There it has sat, lifeless, for nearly five years.
But Mr Jones with wife and business partner Jane Jones say they’ve put their “hearts, lives on the line” to restore the landmark with a massive $11m upgrade.
First, they ripped off 4km of lights and replaced them with a massive new programmable LED lighting system, capable of full-colour animation and synchronised sequences.
More than 7500 people flocked to the Docklands to see the lights switched on, plus fireworks, on July 30.
Now dazzling the city skyline, the Star is undergoing a makeover inside before its grand reopening later this year.
Watch the video tour:
1. VIP cabins
Two of the observation cabins are set to be fitted with a private bar and high table for wine tastings and dining experiences, like “sushi in the sky”.
The Jones’ say they are looking to partner with Victorian wineries and local restaurateurs to bring the best of the state’s offerings to their guests.
“The cabins are going to be lifted in the interior decor,” Mr Jones said.
“There’s going to be a permanently built bar inside, so you can have a waiter in there serving cocktails or serving champagne.
“We’re already getting people talking to us about weddings and engagements, and so those sorts of things can happen in that cabin.”
2. Interactive software in cabins
Mr Jones revealed refurbished cabins would also feature “mixed reality” games for children.
The games will integrate with the environment, so children can play while also admiring the city views.
Mr Jones said in-cabin software program would allow guests to interactively “see and learn about more of the buildings” in their direct line of sight.
Each cabin will also feature high-speed WiFi for guests.
3. Mechanical makeover
All 32 motors and drive towers that power the wheel’s rotatiuon have been removed, replaced and serviced. It needs just 20 to make it move.
The only mechanical component that could not be replaced on the entire wheel is the main center bearing, which cannot be removed.
“We’ve engaged two independent engineering companies, so we make sure that we’re not missing anything,” Mr Jones said.
“We’ve had three teams of nondestructive testers come through and do all the testing that had been missed over the five years it was closed.”
4. A new viewing platform
City views were previously blocked by panelling, but the new owners are removing posts to build a new balcony area for views of the skyline.
”We’ll put a new glass safety balustrade all the way around, we’ll have festoon lighting in between the posts so this becomes like a festival area with great views of the city there as well,” Mr Jones said.
5. Bar and lounge areas
Before Covid forced the Star into liquidation, visitors walked into a pram parking area and coffee shop.
But a full renovation of the space will see the foyer transformed to include the “Melbourne Star Bar”, new lounge area with booth seating and new gift shop.
“If granddad comes and doesn’t want to go on the ride when the kids are, he can sit and have a beer and wait,” Mr Jones said.
“It also gives us the opportunity to do functions.”
6. New entrance
Teams are installing 800 metres of LED lighting on the roof and under the glass walkway at the entry way to create atmosphere as guests walk in.
New wraparound LED screens will line the walkway toward the foyer, featuring iconic Victorian tourist attractions such as the Twelve Apostles, the MCG, Mornington Peninsula and Puffing Billy.