Sydney's iconic Luna Park to get nine brand new rides next year thanks to a $30million overhaul - with one very exciting new rollercoaster
Luna Park's iconic grinning facade will enjoy a park-wide $30million face lift after looming large over Sydney Harbour for 85 years.
A plan to transform it next year into a world-class amusement park and tourist destination fit for the 21st century was unveiled on Tuesday.
The upgrade will include nine new rides including six new children's rides, a thrill ride, a family roller coaster as well as a new Big Dipper.
The Big Dipper, which will be the first inline seating launch rollercoaster in the world, is a 'one-seat wide' train smaller than the previous one at Luna Park, to limit the impact on neighbours.
Luna Park's iconic grinning facade will get a $30million facelift after looming large over Sydney Harbour for 85 years
Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said every ride and attraction would comply with regulations relating to noise, height, lights, and hours of operation that had been in place since 2004.
The investment will create more than 2,500 direct and indirect jobs during construction, boost tourism, and help in the economic recovery of NSW post-COVID-19, he said.
'This investment will attract more people to Sydney and ensure that Luna Park continues providing joy and excitement to millions of families and children for the next 85 years and beyond,' he said on Tuesday.
'It is yet another sign of confidence in NSW and our economic future - and a sign of confidence that Sydney is back in business.'
He said if the park could not operate at full capacity due to COVID-19, it was the ideal time to upgrade facilities.
Luna Park managing director Peter Hearne said the upgrade would respect the heritage and history of the much-loved Sydney destination, which was styled on New York's Coney Island.
The upgrade will include nine new rides - including six new children's rides, a thrill ride, a family roller coaster as well as The Big Dipper (pictured, mock-up of the rides)
Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said every ride and attraction would comply with regulations relating to noise, height, lights, and hours of operation that had been in place since 2004
'The people of Sydney love Luna Park, which is as emblematic a symbol of our city as the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House,' Mr Hearne said.
'We are just going to make it even better than it is now, while still preserving its wonderful heritage.
The upgrade comes after a decision by the Land and Environment Court in 2018 which threatened the viability of the park by stopping expansion.
In the past, residents have launched initiatives to stop expansion due to noise complaints (pictured, mockup of the rides)
In the past, residents have launched initiatives to stop expansion due to noise complaints.
Letter drops are being conducted in nearby suburbs such as Milsons Point and Kirribilli to inform residents of the development,
North Sydney councillor Ian Mutton told the Sydney Morning Herald he was concerned the plans were made without 'any attempt at community consultation'.
He said he thought 'a lot of people would be concerned'.
'There's nothing inherently wrong with new rides. The real worry is the pressure on finite resources such as roads and parking,' he said.
The park will close for renovations on January 27 and re-open in mid-June, with the Big Dipper expected to be finished in November 2021.