Luna Park Sydney
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other places with the same name, see Luna Park (disambiguation).
 The Luna Park Face |
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| Location | Milsons Point, Sydney, Australia |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.lunaparksydney.com/ |
| Opened | 4 October, 1935 |
| Previous names | Luna Park Milsons Point, Astroland |
| Operating season | Year round |
| Rides | 14 total
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| Slogan | Just For Fun |
Luna Park Sydney (originally Luna Park Milsons Point, now formally Sydney's Luna Park) is a historical amusement park, located on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour, Australia. The heritage-listed park first opened in 1935, and is open for business as of 2006, but over its 70-year history, the park has experienced multiple closures, changes of ownership, legal battles, and community action in both support of and opposition to Luna Park's operation.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] Beginnings
The location of Luna Park was formerly occupied by a series of workshops, cranes, and railway sidings used to provide for the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. When the Harbour Bridge was completed in 1932, North Sydney Council opened applications for tenders to develop the site. At the same time, Herman Phillips, David Atkins, and Ted "Hoppy" Hopkins, the minds behind Luna Park Glenelg in South Australia, began to search for a location to establish a new Luna Park, due to difficulties with Glenelg Council and local residents.
Despite initial resistance from North Sydney Council towards the idea of an amusement park, Herman Phillips won the tender in March, 1935. Immediately after this, Luna Park Glenelg was placed in voluntary liquidation. The rides from Glenelg were purchased by Phillips and his fellow directors, dismantled, transported to Sydney, and reassembled at the Milsons Point site over a three month period. The construction and reassembly cost £60,000, and employed almost 1,000 engineers, structural workers, fitters, and artists, led by Hoppy and Arthur "Art" Barton.
[edit] Early years
Luna Park first opened to the public on October 4th, 1935, to almost immediate success. After a successful opening season, the park closed down for the winter months (a process which was repeated until 1972). During the closed season, rides were overhauled and repainted, and new rides and attractions were added, to provide the impression to patrons that the park had changed during the three month closures.
During the Second World War, Luna Park was a magnet for servicemen; both those treating their girlfriend to a night out, and those looking to meet someone. The park's external lights were 'browned out' in case of a Japanese sneak attack on Sydney, the neon lights were disconnected, and non-essential uses of electricity (primarily for ride facades) were curtailed. The influx of servicemen drew prostitutes to the area, and large-scale brawls were a common occurrence - usually between Australian home defence troops and American sailors on shore leave.
In the early 1950s, numerous changes and additions were made to Luna Park. Atkins and Hopkins went on a world tour, bringing back new ride designs and amusements from amusement parks in Holland, the United States, Germany, and Britain. The Rotor was constructed and installed, and became the stage of many stunts. Arthur Barton redesigned and reconstructed the enormous face over the park's entrance, which had begun to sag and distort. (This design of the Face was based on illustrations of Old King Cole, and was the basis for the current incarnation of the Face). A mothballed submarine (K-12) was acquired from the Dutch Navy, and was used as both an attraction and a backup power supply for the Park's rides.
[edit] Post-War decline
The increasing availability of television and motor cars in the early 1960s offered the public significant entertainment alternatives. Despite efforts by Hopkins (at that point Park Manager) to maintain public interest throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, including the installation of the Wild Mouse and hiring of go-go girls, the park and the remaining six years of its lease were sold in 1969.
World Trade Centre Pty Ltd purchased the site and lease for $750,000. Hopkins and Barton, the last of the 'original showmen' that had built, run, and maintained the park, retired in 1970, leaving the park in the hands of the purchasing consortium. Soon after this, World Trade Centre Pty Ltd applied to construct a $50 million international trade centre on the Luna Park site, consisting of seven high-rise buildings, 929 thousand square metres of exhibition space, and a heliport. This plan was rejected by the New South Wales government, and after a reshuffle within the consortium, the decision was made to continue operation as an amusement park.
Over the next few years, the new managers scrapped several of the old rides, replacing them with new, American-designed thrill rides. After consultation with Hanna-Barbera, Luna Park's slogan was changed from "Just for Fun" to "The Place where Happiness is". Another result of the consultation was the creation of a park mascot, 'Luna Bear - the Space Age Koala'. The park was opened year-round in 1972, removing the valuable overhaul and maintenance period for the rides. When Luna Park's lease expired in 1975, the directors went into negotiation with the New South Wales government to renew the lease. However, when Neville Wran became State Premier in 1976 the negotiations ground to a halt. The park was allowed to continue operating.
On April 16th, 1979, 13 people were injured on the Big Dipper. A steel runner had come loose, halting one of the three rollercoaster trains. The following train rammed the stationary one, causing the injuries.
[edit] Ghost Train tragedy
- See this article's section on the Ghost Train for more information.
Tragedy struck on June 9th, 1979, when the park's Ghost Train caught fire. Because the ride was understaffed and the park's fire hose system did not adequately cover the ride, the fire quickly spread and destroyed the entire ride. Searches of the charred rubble revealed the bodies of six children and one adult. The park shut down.
A coronial inquest was conducted by the NSW government. It was unable to establish the cause of the fire, but concluded that Luna Park's managers and operators had failed in their duty of care towards the Park's patrons.
The NSW government called for tenders at the end of July 1979. Two rounds of tenders failed to produce a satisfactory result for both the government and the applicants. A third round of tenders was called for in March 1980. As these tenders were being considered, 'Friends of Luna Park', a group founded by former and current Luna Park artists and concerned citizens, organised a "Save Luna Park" protest march from the Opera House to the Face. This was followed by a free concert headlined by Mental As Anything to promote awareness of the Park's plight. One of the results of this was the listing of the Luna Park Face as an item of national heritage by the National Trust of Australia, with the rest of Luna Park given a 'recorded' classification.
[edit] Harbourside
Australian Amusements Associates won the tender in September 1980, and took over administration of the site in early June 1981. Luna Park was closed at the end of May, and on May 31st and June 1st, an auction was held to sell everything in the park that could be removed. Two days later, everything that hadn't been sold (with the exception of the Face, Crystal Palace, and Coney Island) was bulldozed to the ground and burnt. The park was rebuilt by Australian Amusements, following design advice from Texas-based LARC International.
Harbourside Amusement Park opened in April 1982 (the change in name caused by a dispute between the current and previous owners, preventing use of the Luna Park name). The park ran until 1988. During this six year period, the Face was removed from the entry gates, the owners of Harbourside butted heads twice with the Department of Public Works, and one director was the subject of an inquiry by the Corporate Affairs Commission. The park was closed when the directors were presented with reports from independent engineers stating that several rides in the park had to be shut down for "renovations and repairs".
In November 1988, Harbourside's lease was transferred to Luna Park Investments Pty Ltd. A year later, after no efforts had been made to redevelop and reopen Luna Park, the New South Wales State Government issued an ultimatum - open Luna Park by June 1st, 1990, or lose the lease. Despite this ultimatum, Luna Park Investments did a minimum to prepare the site. Rides were moved around, repainted, and renamed, to give the appearance that the new owners were trying to make an effort. The directors kept putting forward excuses to try and gain an extension, even going so far as to declare a union ban on their own site. Four days after the government ultimatum passed, the lease was terminated and the Luna Park Reserve Trust was established. Soon after this, the National Heritage Trust added several buildings on the site to its list of protected structures.
[edit] A new beginning
In 1991, a two-stage plan for the redevelopment and restoration of Luna Park was given the green light, with $25 million granted by the Open Space and Heritage Fund towards the project. The actual construction plans were approved by North Sydney Council in August 1992, with Ted Hopkins also supporting the plans shown to him. Construction work began in January 1993, with the Face being moved back to its place over the entry gate. An 'army' of tradesmen and artists worked for six months on the restoration of the park's buildings, and on the repair of numerous artworks, including several of Arthur Barton's murals.
During the reconstruction, there was vocal opposition from a number of residents and companies, on a variety of issues. The main points of opposition were the noise levels of the park after opening, and the installation of a 40 metre tall steel roller coaster (to be named the Big Dipper after the original). The Environmental Protection Authority approved the construction of the new Big Dipper, on the condition that the Trust abided by strict noise control guidelines and covered the cost of soundproofing for any residents affected by excessive noise. In addition, North Sydney Council imposed a series of times when the roller coaster could not operate.
Luna Park reopened in January 1995. In the months that followed, the park was affected by poor weather conditions, causing lower than predicted attendance. Legal claims against the operation of the park and roller coaster were filed by some local residents, and backed up by business figures whose tenders for the redevelopment had not been accepted. The newly-elected Carr government put the park's long-term viability in doubt; first removing the government guarantee of a $14 million loan to the Trust, then dissolving the Trust's board of directors and appointing an administrator. The park was forced to close again on February 14th, 1996.
[edit] Metro Edgley
Although the government said at the time of closure that submissions to utilise the Luna Park site would not be considered, several groups made public their ideas about how the park could be altered and run to satisfy the majority. There was also 'grass roots support' for the reopening of Luna Park; one example of this was the collection of a 5,000 signature petition by a small group of high school students. In June 1997, the New South Wales Government presented four development proposals to the public. After a month of public viewing and comment, a 'diverse-use' plan, encompassing rides and amusements, restaurants, cafés, and function capacity was announced as the 'winning' proposal. Tenders were called for to make it a reality.
It wasn't until July 1999 that the results of the tendering process were made public. Metro Edgley Group was awarded the tender. Their proposal intended for most of the rides to stay, but called for the Big Dipper to be replaced with a multipurpose concert venue, and asked to redevelop Crystal Palace as a function centre. Further consultation with North Sydney Council brought the development to a standstill, with the Council and the directors of Metro Edgley clashing over several aspects of the proposed redevelopment. A revised proposal was submitted in early 2000, but this was not cleared by the Council until 2002. On top of this, specific applications had to be lodged for each element of the plan, each of which in turn would require community consultation. The development eventually began in 2003.
During the long decision-making and approval process, Luna Park was permitted to open for several charity-organised events, including for Variety Club and the Spastic Centre. The park was also allowed to operate on weekends and school holidays in late 2000 and early 2001, under strict, court-appointed conditions.
[edit] Redevelopment to today
The redevelopment and restoration of Luna Park was conducted over 14 months. The rides were removed, restored, and upgraded to comply with modern safety standards. Crystal Palace was redesigned with several function rooms, one of which took up the entire lower floor. A 2,000 seat multipurpose auditorium, the Big Top, was constructed.
Luna Park re-opened on April 4th, 2004. Despite rain and low temperatures, several thousand people attended the opening day, many enjoying the opportunity to indulge in nostalgia. Within two months, the total attendance figure reached 200,000.
As of 2006, Sydney's Luna Park is open and operating, having celebrated its 70th anniversary in October 2005. After the closure of Wonderland Sydney in April 2004, Luna Park became the largest amusement park in New South Wales.
[edit] Park Layout
[edit] The Face
Based on the enormous smiling faces at Luna Park St Kilda and Steeplechase Park in the United States, Luna Park's 9 metre wide smiling Face, as well as its flanking towers, have presided over the main entrance for almost all of the park's 70-year history. There have been eight distinct Faces during this period (the three after the original 1935 face were actually environmentally-caused alterations of said face, whose exposure to the salt air from the harbour had caused it to gradually sag and distort). The eighth and current Face, completed in 1994 and carved from polyurethane, is based on Arthur Barton's 1950s "Old King Cole" version.
[edit] Midway
Stretching from the Face to Coney Island, the Midway has always been the main thoroughfare of Luna Park. The Midway, as it has always done, allows access throughout the main section of the park. It is the focus of many activities and amusements, and provides access to the Crystal Palace, Big Top, and Coney Island, along with the majority of Luna Park's permanent rides.
[edit] Crystal Palace
Beginning life in 1935 as a dodgem hall and office space, the Crystal Palace has seen many uses over the past seventy years, including as a dance hall, a BMX track, a games arcade, and a restaurant and bar.
Since the 2004 reopening, Crystal Palace has been host to four of the seven rooms used by Luna Park's functions business. The main room stretches across the entire lower floor of Crystal Palace, and is often used for wedding receptions and other large social functions. The Midway-facing exterior of the building is host to numerous sideshow games, such as laughing clowns.
[edit] Big Top
Constructed during the 2003 redevelopment on the site of the Ghost Train, the Big Top (originally to be named the Luna Circus) is a fully licensed, multipurpose venue capable of seating 2,000 people (this capacity can increase to 3,000 for standing-only concerts). The modular design of the stage and seating allows the entire venue to be easily reconfigured to suit events such as concerts, large functions, and exhibitions. In addition, the concrete building is heavily soundproofed to cut down on noise pollution.
The Big Top has been host to numerous large events, including the first MTV Australia Video Music Awards.
[edit] Coney Island
First constructed in 1935, Coney Island - Funnyland is the only operating example of a 1930's funhouse left in the world. Although some changes have been made over the years, the layout is almost identical to when Luna Park opened in 1935. The design was based on funhouses in Europe and the United States, and contains rotating barrels, moving platforms, large slides, and arcade games.
Today's Coney Island is also host to the restored artworks of Arthur Barton, along with photographs and memorabilia spanning the Luna Park's 70-year history. The slides and amusements are the same ones first used in 1935, but modified to meet modern safety standards. The amusements were saved from the 1981 demolition by the 'Friends of Luna Park' action group, who purchased them for $9,200, on the condition that they remain in the heritage-listed building.
[edit] Maloney's Corner
Named after Tony Maloney, a long-time Luna Park employee, Maloney's Corner was built on land purchased from the New South Wales government and the State Rail Authority during the 1994 development, so that supports for the Big Dipper could be built. During the 2003 redevelopment, this area was paved over and the Kids Rides, Ranger, and Spider were relocated here from the Midway, to provide room for other developments. In addition, temporary rides hired by Luna Park for use during peak periods (such as school holidays) are set up in this area.
[edit] Rides
[edit] Current rides
- Note: This list does not include mobile rides contracted to work at Luna Park during peak periods. Luna Park will bring in between three and five independently-operated amusement rides during school holidays.
- Rotor - Luna Park's Rotor was first installed in 1951. It was continually a popular ride until its demolition at the end of 1986. A slightly smaller Rotor was constructed during the 1995 redevelopment.
- Commander Baldocks Galloping Horses and Racing Cockerels Carousel - First constructed in the late 19th century, the Racing Cockerels Carousel was leased to Luna Park by a private collector, beginning in 2004 and ending in November 2006. The carousel retains its original steam engine (although electricity is used to power the ride), and is accompanied by an 89-key, 1904 Gavioli organ.
- Skylab Ferris Wheel - Standing 35 metres tall, the 24 gondola Ferris wheel was introduced to the park during the 1982 Harbourside development.
- Flying Saucer - A 1988 ex-road HUSS UFO, one of less than 25 operating in the world.
- Tango Train - A Music Express.
- Wild Mouse - A Wild Mouse roller coaster, Luna Park's Wild Mouse was first installed in 1962, and although it has been disassembled and removed on several occasions, it has always returned. After the closure of Australia's Wonderland in 2005, the Wild Mouse became the only permanent roller coaster in New South Wales.
- Dodgem City - An eighteen car dodgem hall, Dodgem City is the latest in a series of dodgem car tracks constructed in the park, beginning with the one inside Crystal Palace in 1935.
- Tumblebug - A HUSS Troika, the Tumblebug was installed in 1995. The ride is named after the Tumble Bug operated by Luna Park from 1935 to 1973.
- Spider - A HUSS Breakdance installed during the 1995 redevelopment, the Spider received its name from the park's 1938 ride.
- Ranger - An HUSS Ranger.
- Kids' Rides - Luna Park is also host to four rides designed specifically for children. These are:
- U-Drive - A 'train' of cars propelled around a small track.
- Whirly Wheel - A miniature Ferris wheel.
- Space Shuttle
- Magic Castle
[edit] Previous rides of note
[edit] Big Dipper
- Main article Big Dipper (Australian roller coaster)
Big Dipper is the name of two different roller coasters that have operated at Luna Park over its seventy year history.
[edit] Ghost Train
Luna Park's Ghost Train was designed and constructed in 1935 prior to the park's first opening.
The Ghost Train was the scene of Luna Park's greatest disaster, on the night of June 9th, 1979. A fire broke out inside the ride, and due to a combination of low water pressure, understaffing within the park, and inadequate coverage of the Ghost Train by the park's fire hose system, the fire was able to completely consume the ride. The fire was extinguished before it could spread to the adjacent River Caves and Big Dipper rides.
Inspection of the rubble after the event revealed the bodies of seven people - John Godson and his two children, Damien and Craig, along with four Waverley College students; Jonathon Billings, Richard Carroll, Michael Johnson, and Seamus Rahilly. The park was shut down immediately after the incident.
A coronial inquiry into the incident did not determine the cause of the fire, although it was demonstrated that the ride's permanent wiring and attractions were not the source of ignition. Coroner Kevin Anderson found that Luna Park's management had failed to develop an adequate fire suppression program, despite recommendations by North Sydney Council and the Fire Department eighteen months earlier. Anderson's report stated that while the park's owners and management had failed in their duty of care towards patrons, the failure was not "that high degree of negligence necessary to support a charge of criminal negligence". The NSW Government called for new tenders to operate the park at the end of July 1979.
The seven victims of the 1979 fire are remembered by a plaque on an external wall of the Big Top, which was constructed in 2004 on the site of the Ghost Train. The plaque is located next to the Big Top ticket office.
[edit] See also
- Luna Park for a list of amusement parks that also bear the name.
[edit] References
- Marshall, Sam (2005). Luna Park - Just for fun, 2nd edition, Sydney, Australia: Luna Park Sydney Pty Ltd. ISBN 0-646-44807-2.
- Historical information boards located within Luna Park Sydney
[edit] External links
- Luna Park's website
- Sydney Morning Herald article - concerning the 2003 redevelopment
| Theme parks in Australia | |
|---|---|
| Currently operating | |
| Adventure World | Dreamworld | Jamberoo Action Park | Luna Park Sydney | Luna Park, Melbourne Sea World | Warner Bros. Movie World | Wet'n'Wild Water World | WhiteWater World |
|
| Closed down | |
| Leisureland Fair | SegaWorld Sydney | Wobbies World | Wonderland Sydney |
