just like the aquarium was suppossed too, now look a it.just like fed sqaure was a bad idea, and waste of tax payers dollars, now it is in the top most visited icons in the WORLD!

at the moment melbourne is setting all time records for international flights + tourism to the city, we re also getting a large volume of intersate tourists. there are also plenty of melbournians who would be delighted to go on the observational wheel ride. The whole point to an "attraction" is to attract more visitors, and hence this is what it will do, at least attract more to the area.


1. I never said Fed Square would fail. I always thought it was a sure fire winner and still love it.

2. Record amounts of tourists still does not equal alot of tourists. It's all relative. London gets something like 24m, Melbourne maybe 1m? Someone here will know the exact figures. On those numbers London could support 24 'Eyes'!!

I HOPE to be proven wrong but I will not be convinced until I actually see this thing spinning full of people for more than a year...

If it were to go ahread, and is built, Christmas time, New years eve, and Valentines day would be 'winner' nights for the wheel, possible Australia day night for the fireworks too.
But i doubt any other time (exept maybe the first few days/weeks/ that it's open will be booked.

2. Record amounts of tourists still does not equal alot of tourists. It's all relative. London gets something like 24m, Melbourne maybe 1m? Someone here will know the exact figures. On those numbers London could support 24 'Eyes'!!

Put it into an equation though, look where london/uk is, its surrounded by hundreds of millions of people, that can fly there for 50 euros (think cheap airlines like jetstar), melbourne is surrounded by 15 million people, then you add the tourists that come to australia, it really isnt that much, so to compare to london is bad example I think.

The idea isn't unique but the design can be an architectural masterpiece and can be unique. The developers have stated that the 'Southern Star' is modelled on London's Eye. The big difference is Melbourne needs a proper ice skating rink, it doesn't need a ferris wheel. A ferris wheel is one of those things people who don't know what to spend their money on build. The big advantage of the rink is that ice hockey teams, and professional ice skaters preparing for the winter Olympics etc. can also use it. So it can have more than one use. The one down here in Oakleigh is old and is simply not enough.

But do you understand you can put an ice skating rink ANYWHERE in melbourne and it would work, the wheel really only has two places in melbourne, and they are both relative to the CBD; waterfront city, or the original proposal on the bridge. why would we waste such a prime position for a skating rink that serves no purpose for its location, the wheel will serve its location well, very, very well, the snapshots of the wheel at night would be amazing from different angles with the skyscrapers in the background.

You sure do argue funny.

how do I argue funny? i was arguing that the current site is ideal for the wheel, how is that amusing?

... so to compare to london is bad example I think.


um. London has the Eye, Melbourne is building one, isn't it logical to compare it to London, when trying to determine its likely success??

Having been on the Eye twice now (when people visit, wouldn't do it otherwise) my personal opinion is that it's a stupid idea for Melbourne, and not that good for London -

Firstly, the obvious s******s that everyone will give when they see we've so sadly done such an obvious copy.

Secondly, from it's location there is about 180 degrees or more that is not worth looking at, and the rest will gradually get blocked. Don't forget that London is a low rise city, and thus, there are very few obstacles. Also, you can't compare what can be seen from the London eye to what will be available in Melbourne.

Thirdly, There are no other observation decks in London. Melbourne has one very good one (with better views) and another fantastic one on the way.

Finally, they are crap for observation. The London eye takes around 40 minutes to rotate. Being on the river, you get some good views as you go up, but generally you're waiting for the top - the best part only lasts around 10 minutes and then as you're going down the view gets worse, so you kind of spend the last 10 minutes waiting for it to finish. Anyone who's been up the Rialto or Sydney tower knows you need alot longer to appreciate the view.

Also, in Melbourne this effect will be so much stronger, because the new quay buildings will directly block most of the view for most of the ride, so all you'll get to see is a shopping centre.

With the London Eye, it's a bit like the Grand Canyon scene in National Lampoons Vacation.

I don't think it'll work.

^ That's PC gone mad. The word s******s was written as the word sn!ggers - as in childish laughs, but got blocked because it had a racial slur in it. What happens if I write shitaki mushrooms???

um. London has the Eye, Melbourne is building one, isn't it logical to compare it to London, when trying to determine its likely success??

we were discussing tourism to melbourne and the increases, and the potential of tourism to melbourne, like i said london is surrounded by hundreds of millions of people that can fly there cheap, melbourne does not have this many.

http://web.aanet.com.au/sirbugalugs/21-07-2005%20tour/docklands/Picture%20201.jpg

http://web.aanet.com.au/sirbugalugs/21-07-2005%20tour/docklands/Picture%20213.jpg

http://web.aanet.com.au/sirbugalugs/21-07-2005%20tour/docklands/Picture%20214.jpg

http://web.aanet.com.au/sirbugalugs/21-07-2005%20tour/docklands/Picture%20216.jpg

we were discussing tourism to melbourne and the increases, and the potential of tourism to melbourne, like i said london is surrounded by hundreds of millions of people that can fly there cheap, melbourne does not have this many.

yeah my point exactly - when trying to predict the success of something which is a direct copy of something else, it's good to compare it to the circumstances in which that something else exists - and succeeds or doesn't. Therefore - based on that comparison - I can't see the Melbourne (version of the London) Eye succeeding. OK

Does anyone believe this will ever be built?Or will it be just another grand scheme amongst Melbournes "never built"

um, look two posts above yours :lol:

ferris wheel? it's not 'grand' and it's only a fragment of an overall scheme ;)

yeah my point exactly - when trying to predict the success of something which is a direct copy of something else, it's good to compare it to the circumstances in which that something else exists - and succeeds or doesn't. Therefore - based on that comparison - I can't see the Melbourne (version of the London) Eye succeeding. OK


It's the way you phrase it.

^ Huh?

On channel 10 news tonight, they had a news piece on docklands studios, and they have another big contract signed! Its for a steven king tv series, will take 8 months to film! great news on that front! will have to get some more info on it.

Steven king hey? awesome...


Also just on the topic of movies, Ghost Rider will be in Aussie cinemas on August 16 (i think... well sometime around then anyway)

Too bad thats August 2006 =\

Yeh thats right drunkill, ghost rider next year august! and yeh steven king's (i think its spelt stephen!?) work is always pretty gruesome (his novels anyway), can't wait for some more info on this one.

What's the point? Did anybody get to see Salem's Lot or Evil Never Dies or whatever else cable TV series that was filmed here?

Docklands horror series on the way

28jul05

A BIG-budget horror series based on a Stephen King bestseller will be shot in Victoria.

Nightmares and Dreamscapes: The Stories of Stephen King will be an eight-part series.
It will be shot at Docklands' Central City Studios and in regional Victoria over the next eight months.

It is the latest in a string of big budget films shot in Melbourne, including Ghost Rider and Charlotte's Web.

It is also the third horror or thriller series shot in Melbourne by US production company Coote/Hayes.

"The production will see more than $20 million spent in Victoria with an estimated 150 jobs for local crew, technical staff and actors," Premier Steve Bracks said.

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,16071295%255E2862,00.html

A had a quick browse and got this link for the short stories

http://www.horrorking.com/dreamscapes.html

Some of them sound quite good, gave me a bit of a twilight zone feel but with an additional touch of wrongness, which is cool.

However, there have been some lame conversions of Stephen Kings stories to screen including Salem's lot (filmed in Australia) so I'm not TOO excited yet.

What's the point? Did anybody get to see Salem's Lot or Evil Never Dies or whatever else cable TV series that was filmed here?
I'm sure there was alot of "point" for the local industry, for whom these projects provide stable employment and heightened international profile.... :bash:

Stage 1 Waterfront City is almost finished now:

http://www.waterfrontcity.com.au/images/stories/2005.08.23lr.gif

http://www.theromanceofliving.com.au/images/location/5.jpg

I think this waterfront plaza will be Unbearably windswept and barren for most of the year:
http://www.theromanceofliving.com.au/images/location/3.jpg

Old Plans:
http://www.bdp.co.uk/graphics/news/pictures/2003/mel_waterfrontcity.jpg

New plans:
http://www.theromanceofliving.com.au/images/location/1.jpg

http://www.waterfrontcity.com.au/images/stories/headers/wheel-shot.jpg

^^ If you half the amount of people in the renders, then you might have a more realistic view of what it would look like on weekends, and if you show one twentieth of the people, you'll get a realistic impression of what it would be like on a weekday.

I think initially you'd be right. However, once the wheel's built along with more infrastructure I believe it could become quite busy. Here's hoping anyway :)

Build it and they will come!

If its done right i see no reason why it couldnt' become like Cockle bay and King Street Wharf in Sydney...

^^ If you half the amount of people in the renders, then you might have a more realistic view of what it would look like on weekends, and if you show one twentieth of the people, you'll get a realistic impression of what it would be like on a weekday.

Exactly my thoughts. There's no incentive to shop/dine/etc there over the city.

Remember that there is now a large population of residents in Docklands which is growing all the time, so it is not just visitors who will use these areas.

Docklands will have a population of more than 20,000 in ten years time which is about the same as the population of St. Kilda.

This development is coming along nicely. I like the Waterfront Plaza and its views of the city. Great angle. As for the plaza being cold and dead as a door nail, all I can say is if Vancouver can have outdoor cafes all year round (and in winter with heat lamps) then there is no reason why this doesn't have a chance. I think it has a unique enough location in Melbourne and if the tenant mix is right it will work. Whats exciting about this development is how its going to benefit areas west (hopefully) and give life to Docklands for the people that reside there.

I remember when Docklands was in its early days how much I liked Mirvacs Yarra's Edge (and I love the apartments there and prox to CBD) OVER Newquay - but with this development next door and the good infrastructure added, its possible I might have to shift my preference north-west. Be interesting (and despite Coode Island and the port) to witness the long term impacts on western areas like Waterfront Footscary, Yarraville, Spotswood and Williamstown. Heaven forbid the western areas become really trendy. Personally I love the urban / industrial mix of this area. It has heaps of potential which is only limited by some peoples lack of vision. Melbourne really is a city in transition and THATS so exciting to watch. Melbourne is indeed marvellous.

ps. As for cafes in cool climate cities may I suggest coffee and patio heatlamps. A million dollar view is worth the torment of 7-10C by the docks. Anyway, Melbourne's the fashion capital of Australia because they do something many Australians have difficulty with - they wear clothes AND with a certain degree of style I might add. However, best we remember this development IS Melbourne and not Pacific Fair in the Gold Coast. Melburnians are tough urban creatures and used to Melbourne weather and the variety it offers. They'll come .... as long as Docklands doesn't suck which I'm sure it won't. The face of the city is changing.... eventually people's perceptions will too.

A million dollar view is worth the torment of 7-10C by the docks.

Or you could just put on a jumper and have no torment! if a jumpers not your style chuck a coat on!

What stage does is the wheel meant to go in? The final stage?

Big wheel to turn city
Jen Kelly, city editor
19sep05

A GIANT $60 million ferris wheel planned for the Docklands is a step closer to reality with the first passenger pod complete.

The glass-and-steel prototype capsule, designed to hold 22 passengers, was built at a factory in Osaka, Japan.

It comes as the developer prepares to put out a tender for construction of the wheel's steel frame, supports and base building next month.

The company expects the work to start on the Docklands site in the second quarter of next year.

Tickets will cost about $25 and rides will last about 30 minutes.

Southern Star is also planning to offer queue-jumping "fast-track" tickets for visitors who are prepared to pay more for a shorter wait.

The 120m-tall Southern Star Observation Wheel is hoped to become Melbourne's equivalent to the popular London Eye.

It is expected to open by late 2007 and will be at the north end of Waterfront City, a $1 billion Docklands development.

According to developer ING Real Estate, passengers in the 21 room-sized, airconditioned capsules will be able to see all over Melbourne and the Docklands and out as far as Geelong.

Couples wanting to tie the knot high in the sky can book a wedding in one of the pods.

And a function room in the base building will be hired out for events, including catering.

ING Real Estate managing director Mark Broomfield said the company would begin seeking naming rights sponsors for the wheel early next year.

The developers hope to return to Osaka next month, when the second pod is expected to be under construction.

Mr Broomfield said the finished pod was exceptional and far better than had been expected.

"The quality was probably equivalent to the London Eye," he said. "We were extremely pleased with the outcome."

About 1.5 million people are expected to ride the wheel in its first year.

Mr Broomfield said the wheel would be the second-highest observation wheel in the world, beaten only by the 135m-tall London Eye.

"A point of difference between the Eye and Southern Star is the location," he said.

"The eye is very much a stand-alone destination, whereas the Southern Star will be part of a broader entertainment, retail and tourism destination which as a whole should be complimentary to one another."

Anyone see Singapores idea for thier wheels? it looks great, it's on a podium and in that are carparks and stuff (could be shops here) and gardens all around it. Not to mention it will be bigger then the London Eye. and right next to the river too.

The glass-and-steel prototype capsule, designed to hold 22 passengers, was built at a factory in Osaka, Japan.

It comes as the developer prepares to put out a tender for construction of the wheel's steel frame, supports and base building next month.



Why on earth is the pod being built in Japan, is there nowhere is Aus that can build these?

i think a 400ft ferris wheel is a fab idea. wish sydney had one.
docklands will look great in a decade or so.
http://www.waterfrontcity.com.au/images/stories/headers/wheel-shot.jpg

For those who don't read the Herald Sun and want to see the pics, I scanned the article:

http://www.bestlinkworld.com/pics/wheel_article.jpg

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,16645208-1243,00.html

F*&k yeah! :)

i'm glad this one came through, but i still wonder if we should have stretched it the extra 10 metres or so.....

(it's 120 metres tall)

i'm not sure if you guys have talke about this before, i couldn't find anything sorry if i'm duplicating a thread here.

Bah, you copycats ;)

The London Eye has been a fantastic success, am i sure Melbournes version will be as well - quite a list of observation decks/places stacking up; Rialto, Eureka, and this Wheel!

Yawn. Who needs it.

its all covered in the waterfront city thread

oh, ok.... thought that perhaps a 120m observation wheel deserved it's own thread...

nup.

Bah, you copycats ;)

The London Eye has been a fantastic success, am i sure Melbournes version will be as well - quite a list of observation decks/places stacking up; Rialto, Eureka, and this Wheel!

you seem to be the only one talking positively about it....

i remember liking the wheel in london, but i really don't think it fit well againt the backdrop of london. i think a wheel would fit much more nicely against modern melbourne.

it would be nice to make it distinctive to the eye...

what a crap argument you've got there. :|

Big Yawn – do cities really need this type of development?
It’s tacky and definitely will be a major eye sore!

you seem to be the only one talking positively about it....

i remember liking the wheel in london, but i really don't think it fit well againt the backdrop of london. i think a wheel would fit much more nicely against modern melbourne.

it would be nice to make it distinctive to the eye...
Yeah maybe the Melbourne backdrop, pitty about footscray, the massive amounts of rail, industrial and the ports though

Funniest thread of the day.

you seem to be the only one talking positively about it....

i remember liking the wheel in london, but i really don't think it fit well againt the backdrop of london. i think a wheel would fit much more nicely against modern melbourne.

it would be nice to make it distinctive to the eye...

that's like building the great wall here and saying it looks better in Australia than in China.

It seems to be getting stuck in a rather bizarre part of the city. It' would have been better being put somewhere where you get a great vista of the city. Even at Luna Park or in St Kilda perhaps.

that's like building the great wall here and saying it looks better in Australia than in China.


london may have made the observation wheel popular, but i fail to see how it would be like building another great wall...

theres a child like charm to the whole idea, you guys all spend to much time analyising structures on all the wrong merits.

^Yeah couldn't agree more. If it aint a funky ass design or somewhat crazy looking, I don't wanna hear about it. I blame RMIT, they have done this to me, I wasn't always like this. :D

london may have made the observation wheel popular, but i fail to see how it would be like building another great wall...

theres a child like charm to the whole idea, you guys all spend to much time analyising structures on all the wrong merits.Stop listening to Celine Dion. It's affecting your brain. Just kidding mate. Listen, the reason most here I suspect think it's a shit idea is because:

It's been done. In London. Better. There are 3 reasons alone why it's a crap idea.

It's 2005. I repeat, it's 2005. A ferris wheel is just a bit old-school today. IMO.

The site for it is dubious.

Ultimately it's just a way for some businessmen to make money. Nothing wrong with that, but it is not in any way going to "enrich" the city of Melbourne. Give us a break.

There, I've said my peace.

Yeah, its a retarded idea. If it was on a skyscraper however..... :D

Ha ha. If I could photoshop I'd do something up.

threads merged, and yes the wheel sucks

Yeah, its a retarded idea. If it was on a skyscraper however..... :D

It's something that's never been done before in Melbourne so I'm looking forward to it. Why does every new development have to be a scraper, shopping complex, stadium or apartment building?

It's something that's never been done before in Melbourne so I'm looking forward to it. Why does every new development have to be a scraper, shopping complex, stadium or apartment building?

I think you missed the joke somewhat ;)

Well I think we could all agree that it's lucky they didn't build the wheel over the yarra.

Why does every new development have to be a scraper, shopping complex, stadium or apartment building?

Because then you will be called a NIMBY. Don't even mention open space here. We don't want that. We want more skyscrapers covering all the empty spots of the city. Then we can all appreciate our underdeveloped parks.

Don't get me started about that. Grollo and Nonda along with the rest of Melbourne were robbed of the 'Cocoon' because of that stupid wheel. Their proposal was the best by far. They should have won that competition because the third Wheel proposal didn't utilise the bridge.

would you guys like the wheel if they made it go really really fast? i would....

would you guys like the wheel if they made it go really really fast? i would....

But what's the point of that? You wouldn't get as long to admire the view and take your photo's...

Stu

:(

youve exposed the fact that i didn't undertake a pheasability study before posting in a forum... i'm so ashamed :)

i know! how about a 120m "observation-zipper" ;)

They should have built the wheel on the Geelong waterfront, you would get views all the way to Melbourne.

In Geelong it would be a great landmark and a great boost to the tourist industry in the city. In Melbourne it's tucked away in a corner of docklands behind other skyscrapers because we didn't really want it and it doesn't really fit the image that Melbourne has of itself.

They should have built the wheel on the Geelong waterfront, you would get views all the way to Melbourne.

In Geelong it would be a great landmark and a great boost to the tourist industry in the city. In Melbourne it's tucked away in a corner of docklands behind other skyscrapers because we didn't really want it and it doesn't really fit the image that Melbourne has of itself.


Who doesn't want it? A few guys on SSC. This Melbourne image (blagh blagh blagh) stuff is really boring now. But you're right, it's an image that Melbourne and only Melbourne has of itself. Get off yer high horses! It's just a ferris wheel! Oh I forgot it's so tacky and will cheapen Melbourne's image forever. I suppose you guys think tourists will cancel their plane tickets en mass because Melbourne has become so trashy with that ferris wheely thingymybob.

This Melbourne image (blagh blagh blagh) stuff is really boring now.

you're starting to remind me of MrToolTall, only delurks and posts in threads where someone talks a little too much about Melbourne.

honestly if you can't hack people debating something quite relevant about their own city they live in, then off you go, back under your rock.

you're starting to remind me of MrToolTall, only delurks and posts in threads where someone talks a little too much about Melbourne.

honestly if you can't hack people debating something quite relevant about their own city they live in, then off you go, back under your rock.


What? I thought I smelt a RAT.YES I did I did smell a rat.

Honestly some creatures should leaves there little droppings elsewhere....

I'm entitled to my opinion. So stuff you!

the observation wheel is cool
most people like/want it
personally i don't think it will look out of place at all,
the economics of it are sound

end of discussion.

end of discussion.

Sigh, that's what people usually say when they have no solid argument to back themselves up ;)

sometimes i prefer the format of:

fact1
fact2
etc

QED.

it's nothing new.

Yes, right. Getting back on topic... studios! :)

Shit guys , the wheel isnt that bad ! We could have got something worse. :shrug:

lozza

Why should the wheel be built:
forge an attraction to waterfront city, if not, an initial attraction
add an icon to the skyline
provide jobs
provide breathtaking views of melbourne, and coastal surrounds (and no im not talking about footscray)
fill in a space that would have probably been set aside as free space or "Place"

why the wheel should not be built
an expensive project that is a risk to developers
a bad view of footscray (boo f**king hoo)
the possibility of having to wear a jumper as it might be a bit cold (some peopls argument that it would not be used during winter, for some reason being inside a capsule you would freeze, and wearing a jumper is simply out of the question?)


the benefits outweigh the negatives do they not?

please list yours.

and Yoyogi, a rat???

I can picture myself years from now getting an approval to knock the thing down and build my ice-skating rink or apartments. :D

[QUOTE=Lightning~Bolt]
why the wheel should not be built
an expensive project that is a risk to developers
a bad view of footscray (boo f**king hoo)
the possibility of having to wear a jumper as it might be a bit cold (some peopls argument that it would not be used during winter, for some reason being inside a capsule you would freeze, and wearing a jumper is simply out of the question?)


Maybe if Footscray gets a good look at itself it will be shamed into building skycrapers. hehe Just kidding. I actually like Footscary - its got a character thats all its own. Not such a bad thing. Anyway, I for one actually like the look of the Port area and Westgate & Bolte Bridge(s). I know thats strange to some but part of Melbourne's appeal is that is so very, very urban and has so many faces. Its shockingly modern and old and classy. Its Australia's Sybil and is different things to different people. Its a working city with something for all taste. Not some bloody beach resort thats all the same. Its got a great mix of everything and thats part of its appeal I think.

Really surprised at how mature Docklands is looking already. I know its got a ways to go but still I remember standing by the old port authority building back in 1993 thinking when will this all take off. I though Docklands would be a painfully slow process. Well, its just rolling along and really starting to come together. I'm very impressed overall.

I don't think the ferris wheel will take away from this part of town. I would have been shocked if they built it on the Yarra around Flinders Street Station. However, where its going, it will fit into the toy like, modern face of the Port. Melbourne shouldn't be ashamed of its Port. Its just another face it puts on. It'll be fun. Besides, all the old farts need only head down the Yarra. If your a big fart head down to Geelong or Captain Cooks Cottage. And if that doesn't do move to Ballarat or Bendigo.

Considering that about the last 50 posts on this thread have been about the ferris wheel, it surprises me that the thread dedicated to it was merged with Waterfront City. 50 posts is a lot more than many other threads.

It was merged because the wheel has always been talked about in this thread, well it is based in waterfront city, so it belongs here.

Also, i was at the Cricket this lunchtime/arvo... i went around the concourse of the dome, and i saw this, camera phone so excuse the quality... is it the base of the wheel? it looks something like it, but it seems to have appeared overnight almost, no one has talked about it yet.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/DrunkOku/Drunkills%20random%20crap/P1060463.jpg

Hey Drunkill nice snap!! I think you might be right!!! Can't think what else it would be for?? Waterfront doesnt have any structures with a base like that, except the wheel, nice spotting there!

http://www.waterfrontcity.com.au/images/stories/headers/wheel-shot.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b140/DrunkOku/Drunkills%20random%20crap/P1060463.jpg

Wish i had of got another shot, or gone closer, but if i had of gone cloer i'd of missed out on the cricket... but i guess i can go back to the city tomorrow, i'll go to the docklands if i do.

Too bad the shed on central pier blocked the bottom of it. The mystery still remains though.

It'd be a pretty small wheel - this looks more like part of some atrium-type structure...

http://static.flickr.com/27/50376154_420511a69d_o.jpg

Yeah and the shape is all wrong, wouldn't support the wheel.

Stu

It's because it ISN'T THE WHEEL! That structure is nowhere near where the wheel is going.
That structure would not support a wheel of the size that is going to be built there.

http://img351.imageshack.us/img351/5676/captobv2yo.jpg

^Lol.

you cheeky little buggers!!

instead of telling us what it aint, how about you start telling us what it am??

Maybe it's a device that's going to help build the wheel?

If its done like the London one then it will be used to hoist the completed wheel upright, as it will be assembled flat. Only an assumption though...

FCDB

If it's got anything to do with the wheel, it'll need to be lifted and carried over the tram tracks and through a couple of fences and paddocks.

This photo from the official site is from the 4th of October and shows some early progress on the structure - I've put a pink dot in to help with location...

http://static.flickr.com/25/50596524_10371a1b9c_o.jpg

Now here's a map, also from the official site, rotated and marked with another dot for comparison. The wheel is clearly some distance away.

http://static.flickr.com/30/50596525_e12d026823_o.gif

Then there's a matter of scale. Drunkill's photo shows it's not much taller than the low-rise buildings in the area, and in my photo you can see that it's a fairly lightweight structure. The supports for the wheel, on the other hand, are quite massive:

http://static.flickr.com/32/50596523_7cd668e4bb_o.jpg

As for "what it am", stuffed if I know. The renders just show an open area:

http://static.flickr.com/26/50596522_94ded808ec_o.jpg

It looks to me like the sort of frame you could chuck a glass skin over, like this one at the front of the Esso building at Southbank...

http://static.flickr.com/31/50603809_6e9b794e97_o.jpg

... but that's entirely speculation. It's currently up on blocks, so maybe it's a temporary thing. Anyway, I've done my research for the day - Lightning~Bolt, why don't you hit the WFC website, grab some contact details and do some enquiries if you're still curious?

I looks like it has a flag pole ontop it might be a massive tent or 'Big Top'.

Lightning~Bolt, why don't you hit the WFC website, grab some contact details and do some enquiries if you're still curious?

I may have to mugley ;-)

It'd be a pretty small wheel - this looks more like part of some atrium-type structure...

http://static.flickr.com/27/50376154_420511a69d_o.jpg

AND THEY ARE TRYING TO HIDE IT AT WATERFRONT CITY :)

I think it is a temporary structure which has something to do with the Volvo Ocean Race.

Well now we know what the tent is for. And they say its permanent.

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,16921417%255E2902,00.html

AFI ceremony given Dainty touch of glam
Claire Sutherland
15oct05

A MULTI-million-dollar makeover will transform Australia's premier film and TV awards into a star-studded extravaganza next month.





A glittering event is planned at the new Docklands film studios for the rejuvenated Australian Film Institute awards on November 26.

The party for about 800 A-list guests will begin at the new Waterfront City development at Docklands before moving across to the biggest sound stage at Central City Studios.

Oscar-winner Russell Crowe will host the spectacular, expected to attract the cream of Australia's acting talent.

The Golden Globe-style awards will have a 1950s behind-the-scenes glamour theme.

The invitation-only dinner will be produced by concert promoter Paul Dainty, best known for bringing the likes of the Rolling Stones and World Wrestling Entertainment to Australia.

The Herald Sun can reveal Dainty has signed cosmetics giant L'Oreal Paris as a major sponsor.

He has also secured Channel 9 to broadcast the event on the night.

News Limited, publisher of the Herald Sun, is a media sponsor.

L'Oreal will invite some of its international faces, which include Beyonce Knowles and Halle Berry, to attend and is planning a signature Powder Room for hair and cosmetic touch-ups on the night.

Previous awards ceremonies, run by the AFI, were criticised for being lacklustre and tedious.

Last year's awards could not secure a free-to-air TV broadcaster.

But Dainty has completely overhauled the event for 2005.

A long red carpet will stretch from the waterfront piazza to the new Pavilion -- an enormous permanent tent structure -- where guests will enjoy pre-ceremony cocktails.

It will be the first event held in the Pavilion, due for completion weeks before the awards.

Enormous screens will be set up in the piazza,

as well as bleachers for fans to sit in to see the stars arrive.

Adjoining restaurants will host AFI parties.

The event itself will be an invitation-only dinner.

Dainty said the evening would include performances from international music acts, and three or four "big moments" in the ceremony.

"With all due respect, the awards have been in the doldrums for the last couple of years and they should be the premier event on the film and TV calendar," he said.

Dainty said a personal friendship with Crowe helped secure the superstar for the event.

"I've known Russell for years, since long before he became a Hollywood star," he said. "He's very patriotic about the Australia film industry."

Premier Steve Bracks said he hoped the awards would be a major Melbourne event for years.

Mr Bracks said using the Central City Studios was particularly appropriate for the awards.

"We see Victoria as the film heart of Australia," he said.

"Obviously, having Russell Crowe is a great coup and that will attract its own attention.

"Having Russell Crowe as host and having the Herald Sun and Channel 9 behind it is a great fillip for the industry."

Adding to the cachet of the awards is the fact that the entrants' list is the strongest in years, with the likes of The Proposition, Little Fish, Look Both Ways and Wolf Creek all likely to be nominated next Friday.

Kestie Morassi, star of the bloody R-rated thriller Wolf Creek, yesterday met Mr Bracks to go over plans for the event.

Morassi was all for improving the event.

"Why not jazz it up a bit and celebrate the fact that we can make amazing films and have a bit of fun with it," she said.

Geeez sounds great for the surging Victorian film industry.Dont think Crowe is much of an asset though!

Looking more like a tent now...

http://static.flickr.com/29/57460144_c0b9f732cd_o.jpg

Waterfront City reminds me of the Transformer Metroplex. (The one that transforms into a massive low-rise base).

Am i correct in saying that what has already been built for Waterfront City is mainly a mixture of retail and commercial? i haven't seen anything residential as yet? Are there any major tenants signed up to lease the sites yet?

lozza

i hope the article is wrong and the tent isn't permanent, it looks like it's blocking a lot of the pedestrian plaza that will soon join up to the ferris wheel. Pedestrian movement will be funnelled to the sides making it a pain in the ass to get through, I suppose if it has lower sides that are left up when not being used for events it could be a good place to sit in the shade or out of the rain... may have to go down and get a better look.

Went down to NQ yesterday and visited the Waterfront city display boat (yes the display is on a boat...cool). The comely lass said that they were busting a gut to get the strip open by the end of November. I had a good squiz and it might happen as there was shop fitout going on, which can all happen pretty quickly.

The big tent is a temporary structure, albeit 2-3 years lifespan. Will provide indoor entertainment area until resi is built across Docklands Drive in the next couple of years. Then it must come down as it will obstruct views. A low rise building MAY occupy the space then.

Only restaurants/retail with office above in the first section btw water and Docklands drive. Second section retail lower, no restaurants (lat night noise etc) and resi on top. Then wheel at the arse end.

I must say that when this opens it will VASTLY increase the number of storefronts open in this area and hopefully add a bit of office 9-5 life. The place was like an 80's Bourke ST Mall on a Sunday (Dead) yesterday arvo.

Waterfont City has the lowest standard of design so far seen at Docklands, very dissapointing. They never should have released this site so soon, it should have been put out to tender in around 2007.

The current developers have had to build something of a low standard just to get the revenues ticking over after their grand plans went down the tubes because Kenett decided to release every precinct in Docklands to the market at the same time.

I agree Grollo...this has disaster written all over it. At least it is light-weight enough to bulldoze in a few years and start again with a quality development.

^^ thats the level of insight i wish the government had, why can't they consult proffesionals in the field before each decision.....

^^ thats the level of insight i wish the government had, why can't they consult proffesionals in the field before each decision.....
They do consult professionals, but mostly you will find work is completed giving what the people paying for it want to hear... i.e. an excuse to get the ball rolling and get the votes rather than telling them to wait for the 'right time' which will probably be when the next government is in and can take credit for it. (funny enough the next government is taking credit for it)

This area looks quite bleak, and hopefully will look more alive by the time that the volvo sailing and the comm. games come around.

The docklands will be in view at these times (with the comm. games have some events utilising this area (road walking I think is one of them).

It is going to look sadly like one huge development site (wasteland could be the word to people who see on TV).

Obverall though, the Docklands is looking good, and I dont mind the Tent either (I know, dont shoot me for it hehe). It is picking up in regards to life which is good, and there seems to be alot of developments in the pipeline that are being approved.

Lets all hope it thrives!

Waterfont City has the lowest standard of design so far seen at Docklands, very dissapointing. They never should have released this site so soon, it should have been put out to tender in around 2007.

The current developers have had to build something of a low standard just to get the revenues ticking over after their grand plans went down the tubes because Kenett decided to release every precinct in Docklands to the market at the same time.

I believe that in initial planning for docklands, the study of other such regeneration areas proved that it is better to have a fairly strong overall masterplan in place before commencing construction. This is intended to provide security to those who take the first step. London docklands was a financial disaster at the beginning because the uptake was not strong or steady enough BECAUSE the forward planning was not entrenched in the tender process. All the precincts have a maximum 2 year period before they MUST commence the next stage of development. This provides security for both the developers that they can slow down with the economic cycle as needed, but to the tenents that there won't be any large gaps in the developments cycle, thus rendering their investments stagnent.

Therefore, all tenents know that there will be a constant and steady increase in the population of the area, whereas without this overall plan and forced development, it is feasible that when the market overheats there could be periods of 5 years or more where a developer would choose not to put any new stock on the market.

It also provides security for tenents/owners because they know what function/scale/mass is going to be in their area. You wouldn't want a situation like 200 spencer street, where the flats behind will lose ALL their views and therefore, a large slice of value.

The truth is people that Waterfront City, will create a lively precinct when all is finished....

Just take a look @ some of these ideal renders/CGI's:

http://www.theromanceofliving.com.au/images/location/5.jpg

http://www.theromanceofliving.com.au/images/location/3.jpg

http://www.theromanceofliving.com.au/images/location/1.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/32/50596523_7cd668e4bb_o.jpg

Loving the ambient water pools in the foreground http://www.sayhey.co.uk/invboard/html/emoticons/cloud9.gif :

http://static.flickr.com/26/50596522_94ded808ec_o.jpg

What has been built so far isn't really the best architecture going around, it's the next stages that will be of better quality and design as seen in the renders and the model on the display suite boat. I swear the blonde girl on the boat was hitting on me, first offering me a coffee and chatting to me about stuff. She only did that after she found out I was studying architecture.

I swear the blonde girl on the boat was hitting on me, first offering me a coffee and chatting to me about stuff. She only did that after she found out I was studying architecture.Nah, it's because you were wearing a mask made from your avatar :)

^Told you did she? There's only one way to find out. Someone else has to go pretending to be an archi student. It worked for George Costanza. Although he pretended to be an architect:D

Cheap – buy and buy
Kamahl Cogdon, consumer reporter
05nov05

BARGAIN-hungry Melburnians are leading a discount-shopping revolution.

Experts have declared Melbourne the nation's bargain capital, with cash registers in overdrive in the growing band of factory outlets and discount centres.
Across Victoria, the number of factory outlets is estimated to have hit 2000.

Retail researcher Michael Morrison, from Monash University's Australian Centre for Retail Studies, predicts the discount shopping phenomenon will continue to grow.

Mr Morrison said much of the growth would occur in purpose-built discount mega-warehouses such as the Direct Factory Outlet centre which caused traffic chaos when it opened in Strathmore last month.

"It's the expectation of a bargain and also having one spot where you've got an incredible selection," he said.

"And also, you've got to be there before your friends."

Melbourne has three discount centres -- DFOs in Cheltenham and Strathmore, and Brand Smart at Nunawading.

A new DFO centre is also planned for the Spencer St station redevelopment and Docklands is to get a Harbour Town Brand Direct Outlet at Waterfront City.

Mr Morrison said discount centres encouraged big spending and offered a completely different experience from regular shopping centres.

"I'm not saying that people have had enough of the Chadstones of this world, because for me these power centres are a different experience," he said.

"I'm going to go to these places and do some serious shopping and spend some serious money. At Chadstone, you can buy, but you also go to watch a movie, socialise or buy a meal.

"These power centres are about power buying. It's a different shopping psychology."

Brand Smart founder Simon Williams said discount centres were reaping the rewards of consumers becoming more value conscious and less brand loyal.

"I think the most important thing about retail these days is that nobody owns any one customer," he said.

"Most people do a little bit of shopping at their regional shopping centre, their convenience shopping centre and they also do some at their factory outlet centre."

Mr Williams said retailers also preferred to take control of their own brands, rather than rely on other outlets to clear their stock.

:ohno: Death to DFOs!! :bash:
Let's not cheapen Melbourne, please keep them out of the city centre!

:ohno: Death to DFOs!! :bash:
Let's not cheapen Melbourne, please keep them out of the city centre!

Nah, disagree! Bring it on ! The more people to get down to Docklands the better ! U need things like this to get the volume of people down there . This makes the area more vibrant.... : )

Lozza

^Told you did she? There's only one way to find out. Someone else has to go pretending to be an archi student. It worked for George Costanza. Although he pretended to be an architect:DNah it's because you look like the Hoff. Crikey, even I'd do the Hoff.

Although my girlfriend might have something to say about that. LOL.

^^:rofl: Ditto. Getting back to WfC. What exactly are the boats doing during the Volvo Ocean race? Are they just berthing there?

Staying 2 days (i think maybe just 1) for the stopover, big party ect, then setting off again on the next leg.

I wonder who will be in melbourne for the pirates of the carribean boat, what actor will get our leg, if it's johhny depp, all our girls will be running away for a day or two. If it's keira Knightly i think the guys will be gone :o

If it's keira Knightly i think the guys will be gone

Damn straight! :nocrook:

Wasn't Geoffrey Rush in Pirates? Would be an obvious choice considering he lives/lived in Camberwell.

Yeah but seeing him in a corset just isn't the same as seeing Knightley in one.

ummm...a guy in a corset?

Archihoff is into corsets Mants... let the man be :p

Yeah i was guessing rush, but it would be good for all three... one for the guy one for the girls and one for the older ladies.

Staying 2 days (i think maybe just 1) for the stopover, big party ect, then setting off again on the next leg.


The Melbourne VOR stopover is nearly a month. From 17 Jan to 12 Feb with an in-port race. The next stop at Wellington gets the miserable little pitstop :)

http://www.melbournestopover.com.au/2005-2006/about-the-race/200506-course/

ummm...a guy in a corset?You obviously haven't seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show http://www.sayhey.co.uk/invboard/html/emoticons/nopompom.gif

Just bring on the 100m diameter $40 million+ Melbourne Eye ferris wheel.

The whole Waterfront City precinct is anticipated to be completed some time in 2011. Apparently the 19-hectare Waterfront City precinct was the last, and largest, major parcel of land to be committed at Docklands.

Looking alright. Reminds me of Knox's O zone.

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/9959/wfc3qv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/8646/wfcii2ql.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/6279/wfciii4di.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Looking alright. Reminds me of Knox's O zone.
:eek2: That's a good thing??

Not good just alright. :D

Nice photos there Archibomber, your right, it does look a lot like Ozone.

That lady on the chair has no idea why you took her photo ;-)

Fences were down today and some sort of boating event was happening.

Haven't been impressed by WFC until now, but it's starting to look like a great spot for water-oriented festivals in summer.

http://static.flickr.com/25/65030105_6ff46e2d2a_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/27/65030511_d31ba08559_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/26/65030848_51973e3c22_o.jpg

OMG there's a Dairy Bell! :drool: I love Waterfront City all of a sudden. :D Top stuff Mugley you made my day.

Its looking rather good.

One thing that really looks bad though is thouse powerlines behind it, that go over the rovver. Looks not so good next to the Bolte Bridge either, but I guess it is way too expensive to fix now.

OMG there's a Dairy Bell! :drool: I love Waterfront City all of a sudden. :D Top stuff Mugley you made my day.Is Dairy Bell good?

^^ Orgasmic some would say... expecially when a classmate works there, free ice-cream!

^^ Orgasmic some would say... expecially when a classmate works there, free ice-cream!What's his name? Can I tell him you sent me? :lol:

^^ Orgasmic some would say... expecially when a classmate works there, free ice-cream!

Couldn't have said it better myself. Now what's your classmate's name? :D

Not at that store... at the big one in Malvern :D and nu! you shall not recive my rightfull ice-cream!

By the way, WFC is starting to look more popular.

Mugley you think it will be ready for this weekends film awards? Lets hope so, will be looking forward to the coverage on Channel 9, should at least have a few fly-over shots of it all ;-)

Broadcast Date: Saturday 26 November 2005
Channel: Free to Air / Nine
Broadcast Time: 10.55 pm
Classifications: Special, PREMIERE PG
Timeslot Duration: 65 mins


Russell Crowe presents the 47th Australian Film and Television awards, from the Waterfront City Pavilion, Melbourne. This year's nominees include Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Sigrid Thornton and Guy Pearce.

Hmm... you think that they'd actually put it on in a decent timeslot, not almost 11pm at night. Especially now that they've got the angry kiwi hosting it...

Mugley you think it will be ready for this weekends film awards? Lets hope so, will be looking forward to the coverage on Channel 9, should at least have a few fly-over shots of it all ;-)Hopefully it'll be ready for the AFI Craft Awards on Friday.

The concreting under the tent looked about 90% done on Sunday, and there's already a video screen set up just to the right of where the band were playing. The rest of the work should be mainly putting up temporary seating.

OK thanks, the thing I find amusing, is Fridays weather, really bad thunderstorms, possible thunder, and really, really strong winds, should be interesting. Saturdays OK weather though.

Nothing to worry about. Tent shouldn't be affected by wind anyway due to its shape.

Nothing to worry about. Tent shouldn't be affected by wind anyway due to its shape.

Would be amusing if it did happen though, could you imagine the tough gladiator Russel Crowe running for cover....

It'd be funny if it happened midway through a speech he was giving, he'd have a go at everyone for evacuating. And he'd throw his phone at anyone heading towards the exit.

^^hahaha, would not suprise me!!

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2005/11/24/crowe_narrowweb__300x448,0.jpg

Russell Crowe outside Melbourne Central City Studios in Melbourne.

don't know if this has been posted but anyway:
http://www.waterfrontcity.com.au/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=117&Itemid=30

Three words that come to mind when looking at the first stage of Waterfornt city:

Windswept
Barren
Uninspired

^^
I agree
The whole docklands area is looking a very ordinary as a whole. What a waste of space!!

any arial-ish shots of the docklands thus far?


Three words that come to mind when looking at the first stage of Waterfornt city:

Windswept
Barren
Uninspired


you know thats not all that surprising... you would kind of expect it.

The next stage will look far better. As for the rest of Docklands I'm not entirely sure what people were expecting. So far it has turned out to be among the best in terms of large scale urban renewal projects. Other than the Arkley and Boyd and 700 Collins I'm pretty happy with what's been built thus far. What I love is the variety of towers they don't all look the same as opposed to say Vancouver where they're all James KM Cheng designs.

The Eureka thread is over here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=280103) SUPRAZ :happy:

The idea of the variety walk of fame is great. Some may say tacky, but sometimes the best attractions appear tacky, but people want to see them.

This will create a great attraction down there. Until more is built there will be that feeling for a while that were mentioned in past posts.

Does anyone think that the waterfrontcity area will be a success? There appears to be too many shops in the proposals.

Overall, I also think as a whole the area is good, with some improvements to get people down there, especially international tourists would be even better. I see that there is still no world on the central pier and ideas about building anything there. When does anyone think that will go ahead?

We could easily have a Walk of Fame of Australian Music/Theatre Performers linking our East End theatres in the CBD: Athenaeum, Capitol, Comedy, Forum, Her Majesty's, Princess, Regent.
http://img457.imageshack.us/img457/3884/theatres7rv.jpg
You could even extend it over Princess Bridge to the Victorian Arts Centre.

I don't think it would suit the CBD, however it would be really good at Waterfont City because of the link with the studios down there.

any arial-ish shots of the docklands thus far?
you know thats not all that surprising... you would kind of expect it.

austux took some a few months back>

http://www.jeremy.id.au/gallery/docklands

Three words that come to mind when looking at the first stage of Waterfornt city:

Windswept
Barren
UninspiredI'd highly recommend going down there some time when there's an event on, nice weather and people around.

The place may not be much chop for architectural inspiration, but it's perfectly cromulent as an open leisure space. Similar to the playing surface at the MCG (another barren and windswept spot), it's about the stuff going on there rather than its intrinsic visual appeal. Sort of like a plainer version of Fed Square.

And a bit of planned open space down that way has got to be a good thing - at least Docklands doesn't seem to be descending into City Road-style podium desolation (touch wood).

The place may not be much chop for architectural inspiration, but it's perfectly cromulent as an open leisure space.
It'll be better when it's embiggened.

It'll be better when it's embiggened.Hehe. Nice one, and double points for beating Archi to it :)

Some pics from today of preparations for tonight's awards. Can't believe Wolf Creek isn't up for Best Film, hope it cleans up in its other categories (except for Best Cinematography, it doesn't really compare to The Proposition in that area).

http://static.flickr.com/31/67006269_62584e9c1d_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/29/67006267_23c91e49af_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/32/67006266_9624cc1aa8_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/24/67006264_5f6f37e3b5_o.jpg

Looks kinda uninspired.

it looks like it has scrubbed up well for the big day.
Will be interesting to see how it comes up on the TV tonight.
I wonder how big that tent actually is...

Looking good so far, anyone capture some of those fly-by aerial shots? Looking really good.

Russel Crowe's doing a really, really good so far, he's a funny man, suprised me...

surprised me too. Nice effort. He couldn't get the name of the studio right for the first half though "Melbourne City Studios, Docklands" :lol:

the production as a whole was pretty good, and so were the nominations.

Anyone know what's filming at Central City atm?

Heres an update for you.Some positive news for the local industry.

Film and television industry to receive additional $1 million production investment boost from Film Victoria

The Film Victoria Board has announced it will allocate an additional $1 million to its production investment program, boosting the budget available for investment to over $4.3 million for the 2005-2006 financial year. The board agreed to the additional program boost after approving $1.3 million in investment for seven new drama and documentary projects at its recent meeting.

Following increased industry demand for production investment finance over the last six months, Film Victoria decided to allocate an additional $1 million in funding from its Special Initiatives Fund, to further boost production in the local industry.

President of the Film Victoria Board, John Howie said, 'This is an important boost for the Victorian film and television industry. The Board is confident that this additional allocation will see a positive flow-on effect to the number of Victorian projects that move into production, resulting in business opportunities and employment for the local industry.'

Since July 2005 Film Victoria has confirmed production funding for 14 film and television projects with a total commitment of over $3 million. This investment represents support to three feature films, two documentary features, one comedy-drama series, one mini series drama, two telemovies, two documentary series and three stand alone documentaries.'In the past few months we have confirmed millions of dollars in development funding and production investment. We’ve created new industry initiatives and now we’re allocating additional funds to productions. We will remain committed to stimulating the industry in Victoria, securing opportunities to develop the talent and ideas of local practitioners,' said Sandra Sdraulig, Chief Executive Officer of Film
Victoria.

The $1.3 million in production investment agreed to at the Board meeting will support three television drama productions and four documentaries, including a feature documentary.

Production investment approvals for television projects include Wilfred from Renegade Films. Wilfred is an 8 x 30 minute narrative comedy for SBS that follows the adventures of a dog called Wilfred, his owner Sarah and her boyfriend Adam, based on the original short film screened at Tropfest. Written and performed by Adam Zwar and Jason Gann, the series will be directed by Tony Rogers.

Bastard Boys is a 4 x 1 hour mini series for the ABC that deals with the 1998 waterfront dispute which occurred between the maritime unions and the federal government backed Patrick Stevedores. Written by Sue Smith, Bastard Boys will be directed by Ray Quint who will also produce the mini series with Brett Popplewell and Executive Producer Scott Meeks.

Apollo Films were supported for their telemovie for the ABC, Before Dawn. The drama follows the crucial chapter in Australian history when Prime Minister John Curtin stared down Winston Churchill to have Australian troops returned from Burma to protect Australian shores in the wake of the Japanese attack on Darwin. The team behind Before Dawn, writer Alison Niselle, director Wain Fimeri and producers Andrew Wiseman and Richard Keddie, will commence principal photography in mid 2006. The one hour documentary Fabric of a Dream by writer/director Dennis K. Smith charts the extraordinary life of Fletcher Jones; the man and the company he built during paralleled against the demise of the Australian textile and clothing industries. Fabric of a Dream will be produced by Film Australia Ltd in association with Melodrama Pictures and producer Melanie Coombs.

Production investment for Film Camp’s hip hop feature documentary Words from the City has also been approved. Produced by Philippa Campey, written by Natasha Gadd and written and directed by Rhys Graham the documentary will focus on a number of Australian artists across the country and examine the political and social aspects of the scene and its ambitions to unite all Australians.

The Australian/Canadian co-production Captain Cook-Obsession & Betrayal in the New World is a high end 4 x1hour documentary series written and directed by Wain Fimeri, the writer of the acclaimed documentary Revealing Gallipoli. The documentary re-examines Captain James Cook’s place in history with the extensive use of CGI and dramatic recreations. Producers Stephen Amezdroz and Pat Ferns will commence pre-production in early November 2005.

Family Footsteps is a 4 x 1 hour documentary series written and directed by Sean Cousins and Steve Westh and produced by Tony Wright for December Films. Family Footsteps is an immersive documentary which provides a “sliding doors” experience for Australians to experience the life they may have lived if their ancestors had not immigrated to Australia. Principal photography is due to commence in early 2006.

[release from Film Victoria]

Some more good news fo Aussie films.

2006 shaping as the year of the local film hero

By Daniel Ziffer
November 28, 2005

THE glitter is still being dusted off 2005's AFI award winners, but a glimpse of the coming year looks promising for fans of home-grown films.

International stars, long-awaited follow-ups and fresh talent will hit local screens, with more than 16 Australian feature films expected to have their premiere in 2006.

Director Ray Lawrence will release the much anticipated Jindabyne, his first film since the success of 2001's adult drama, Lantana.

US actress Laura Linney, twice nominated for an Academy Award, and Irish heart-throb Gabriel Byrne join locals Deborra-Lee Furness, John Howard and Leah Purcell for the drama, set in an alpine NSW town.

A group of men head off to a remote spot for a fishing weekend and discover a girl's body in the water.

They remain fishing for the rest of the weekend, which triggers repercussions.

The film is based on a Raymond Carver story, which in turn inspired Paul Kelly's 1989 song Everything's Turning to White.

Melbourne's grittiest streets have been used in M, a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Macbeth set in the local underworld.

Director Geoffrey Wright, who did Romper Stomper, has picked actor Sam Worthington — Somersault, Dirty Deeds — as our Macbeth. Also starring is comedian Mick Molloy, who has co-written Boytown with his brother Richard.

Now shooting in Melbourne, Boytown concerns a chart-topping 1980s boy-band who reunite for another crack at the big time. A radio host on Triple M, Molloy co-wrote and starred in 2002's Crackerjack, which made almost $8 million at the Australian box office putting it in the top 20 most successful local films ever.

Despite the relative success of this year's releases, Australia's record low of box-office share in 2004 — just 1.3 per cent — means a big local hit would be a welcome relief for the industry. Also hitting local screens this year are:

■The director of Head On, Ana Kokkinos, returns with the erotic mystery The Book of Revelation, starring Tom Long and Greta Scacchi.

■Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush joins Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish in Candy, a heroin-laced account of a love affair.

■Susan Sarandon is Irresistible as a woman convinced she is being stalked. New Zealander Sam Neill also stars.

■Crime thriller Like Minds features Toni Collette as a forensic psychologist

Proposed site for the new Royal Children's Hospital that has been dumped. Yipeee
http://www.rch.org.au/rchredev/media/siting_options/RCHsiting_0905_dockland_02L.jpg

Good to see the new Hospltal will stay at Parkville.Just watch all the local nimbys whinge about losing some of thier precious park.

Great news for the Aussie film industry. Can´t wait to see a few of those movies, especilly the one with Toni Collette, I like her. Anyone seen Japanese story? Twas a great film.

MG2

very average for mine, its the model in their display suite so were stuck with it

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/wfcm.jpg

Come on, it's not that bad! It's an entertainment precinct, you expect to much silvermb?

I like these designs. Looking good

melbournes going to be the entertainement capital of australia

What do you mean "going to be"? It already is!

Urbanity comes to Docklands. Needs a few streets with parks 'n plazas in between created and WC lol is perfect for doing so.

I'm just glad the tent is being replaced with something worthwhile like a small park. No I'm not being sarcastic.

Had a look at the Melbourne Stopover festivities early this afternoon. Normally I only risk eye damage taking photos, but today I was going for dehydration and sunstroke :)

Lots of tents with seafood and wine and blokes on crutches...

http://static.flickr.com/14/89134984_5d6d4fe2bc_o.jpg

Now that the token wide shot's out of the way, time for some random stuff...

http://static.flickr.com/13/89134983_4be66e0bc2_o.jpg

Part of the Catch crabs at Waterfront City promotion

http://static.flickr.com/22/89134982_1b56636ce7_o.jpg

What's that Skip? You were attacked by a primary school art class?

http://static.flickr.com/31/89134981_34a04818ff_o.jpg

Livinia sprung cheating on John So with a sailor. Here they discuss the pros and cons of breast enhancement surgery :)

http://static.flickr.com/33/89134980_5242735325_o.jpg

"But I don't want to end up with a giant right one and a tiny one on the left!"

http://static.flickr.com/16/89134979_eb1ccee5cb_o.jpg

For anyone who wants to see WFC in action as a public events space, this weekend is a good opportunity. Just remember to drink plenty of water and slip slop slap!

thats not funny, mugley

Lol Mugly, too bab it's still quite dodgy, only a few extra obsticals. Ahh it will get better as the docklands progress.

LOLOL Nice one mugs http://www.sayhey.co.uk/invboard/html/emoticons/rotfl.gif

Nice one mugley :okay:

Oh Livinia, why won't you return my calls? :D

you guys are fukin losers, "oh livinia, why wont you return my calls?" wtf, how fuken sad can u guys be seriously, its jelousy, you old guys jelous of livinia the nice attractive lady that she is, and who is getting somewhere in life, alot further then most of you pathetic losers............
btw, waterfrot city's realy turning out to be popular, its great down there.

wtf?

Looks like the "little brother" is at it again...

^^^...is that what he calls his other personality????

:|

you guys are fukin losers, "oh livinia, why wont you return my calls?" wtf, how fuken sad can u guys be seriously, its jelousy, you old guys jelous of livinia the nice attractive lady that she is, and who is getting somewhere in life, alot further then most of you pathetic losers............
btw, waterfrot city's realy turning out to be popular, its great down there.

i don't understand

Plenty happening down here at the moment, will be action packed this weekend

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a173/favco750/037cedb2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a173/favco750/0fdc630a.jpg

i don't understand

don't worry about it, it's his little brother/ alternate personality....

he really should have multiple user accounts on his system (for multiple sets of cookies etc) and not leave his one logged in...

you guys are fukin losers, "oh livinia, why wont you return my calls?" wtf, how fuken sad can u guys be seriously, its jelousy, you old guys jelous of livinia the nice attractive lady that she is, and who is getting somewhere in life, alot further then most of you pathetic losers............
btw, waterfrot city's realy turning out to be popular, its great down there.

Wow haven't heard that one before, I guess to someone who must be about ten I would be considered old. :D

Table Mountain, Cape Town It aint!
http://web.aanet.com.au/sirbugalugs/31-01-2006/waterfront%20city/pics%200411_1.jpg

First and second place.
http://web.aanet.com.au/sirbugalugs/31-01-2006/waterfront%20city/pics%200801_filtered_1.jpg

http://web.aanet.com.au/sirbugalugs/31-01-2006/waterfront%20city/pics%200961_1.jpg

http://web.aanet.com.au/sirbugalugs/31-01-2006/waterfront%20city/pics%200981_1.jpg

http://web.aanet.com.au/sirbugalugs/31-01-2006/waterfront%20city/pics%201011_1.jpg

nice shots sirbugalugs!!!!!!!!!

Had a look at the Melbourne Stopover festivities early this afternoon. Normally I only risk eye damage taking photos, but today I was going for dehydration and sunstroke :)

Lots of tents with seafood and wine and blokes on crutches... (see picture above)

Now that the token wide shot's out of the way, time for some random stuff...

(see picture above)

Part of the Catch crabs at Waterfront City promotion

(see picture above)]

What's that Skip? You were attacked by a primary school art class?

(see picture above)

Livinia sprung cheating on John So with a sailor. Here they discuss the pros and cons of breast enhancement surgery :)

(see picture above)

"But I don't want to end up with a giant right one and a tiny one on the left!"

(see picture above)

For anyone who wants to see WFC in action as a public events space, this weekend is a good opportunity. Just remember to drink plenty of water and slip slop slap!

Great photos, as always. And I never knew Livinia had come to my part of town until now! In fact I still don't know who Livinia is.

The place seriously needs more trees ... big trees.

waterfront city was great on saturday night, really like the light shoiw they put on, makes the place look great, it's amazing the transformation the place had over just a short period, and the best news was it was packed down there, all the bars, clubs and restaurants had heaps of people in them, its starting to pick up pace, wait until dock 5 is up even more!

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,18229932%255E2862,00.html

$60m ice skating bonanza
Peter Mickelburough
Herald-Sun 22feb06

ICE skating is to become Melbourne's hottest pastime under a $60 million plan to build an ice sports centre at Docklands.

The centre will feature twin, full-size ice rinks. the Herald Sun has learned. It will also be home to Australia's Olympic Winter Institute and the centre of our future Winter Olympic campaigns.

It will host national and international ice hockey, ice skating, curling and speed skating events, with seating for hundreds of spectators.

It will be open to the public for recreational skating.

The Bracks Government last week approved the plans of a private consortium led by ING Real Estate Development Australia, Ice Sports Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee's Olympic Winter Institute.

..."We have now been through the selection process and have agreed on a site and developer, so it's now up to the private sector to make this work," Sports Minister Justin Madden said yesterday.

The rinks will be built on top of a 1300-space multi-level car park as part of the next stage of Waterfront City, which is being developed at Docklands by ING REDA as a retail and entertainment precinct.

As Australia's only world-class ice sports venue, the centre will be home to the Olympic Winter Institute.

...construction to begin this year, once a financier was found.

Detailed plans are now being drawn up by Cox Architects and Arup Engineers -- who both worked on the MCG redevelopment -- and Stadium Consultants International, a Toronto-based firm specialising in ice sports arenas.

Weee, escapades on ice.

Cool, literally. Perfect area for it.

The ice skaing rink has been discussed since the Docklands was first launched in the mid 1990s by the Kennett Govt. It was supose to be built at Batman's Hill but now its at Waterfront City. Its a bit too far away from Pt for my liking, but hey, its better we have one then not I say.

^^Skaters can walk the extra 2 blocks, better at Waterfront City than Batman's Hill.
I prefer offices, apartments and shops at Batman's Hill.
Sporting facilities at Waterfront City. :)

Edit, just remembered that there is a tram line that goes there anyway. :)

^^I agree Waterfront City's supposed to be an entertainment precinct and is serviced by that Docklands Drive tramline, so this development's good. Hope it's a decent design. I finally got my wish.

[url]http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,18229932%

The centre will feature twin, full-size ice rinks. the Herald Sun has learned. It will also be home to Australia's Olympic Winter Institute and the centre of our future Winter Olympic campaigns.


This will be great for Melbourne & Australia!!!!!!,

But Melbourne or even Australia hosted the Winter Olympic Games, would be like seeing cows flying!!!, its not going happen
Australia has got NO chance of ever hosting the winter olympic games, while Melbourne might be the closet major city to the snow, The snow is shit and our so called mountains are a like small bunch of hills compard to overseas!!!!

The only way Australiasia will ever see the winters game would be in NZ!!!

Australia has got NO chance of ever hosting the winter olympic games, while Melbourne might be the closet major city to the snow, The snow is shit and our so called mountains are a like small bunch of hills compard to overseas!!!!

Wrong!
Snow is great and Mt. Buller, Mt. Hotham and Falls Creek all have excellent facilities.
It's obvious you're not from Victoria, so you are excused. :)

I think they meant it will be the home base for preperations for our future winter Olympic campaigns overseas. The winter Olympics will never be held in Australia.

Wrong!
Snow is great and Mt. Buller, Mt. Hotham and Falls Creek all have excellent facilities.
It's obvious you're not from Victoria, so you are excused. :)

YOUR WRONG!!!!!!!!!!

ummm, I lived in Marysville for a couple of months (what is located right near the snow) and 10 years in Mildura, so I've lived most of my life in VIC!!!!!

And I've been to Mt Buller & Falls Creeks and yes they might be good for Australian standents but for overseas mate there shit!!!
Those mountains only go up to around a pissy 1800m maximum while for europe and other cold countries there mountains go up to around 5000 metres or even higher and its way colder over there!!!!

Also every person I've spoken who has traveled overseas say the same old thing Australian mountains (including every state) are tiny compard to overseas mountains!!!!!!!!!!

Obvious you don't think, so your excused!!!! :)

yeah I agree with crawf. Australian snow mountains are shit in general. nothin compared to canada and europe

Outburst!

"Loud noises!" :colgate:

Fart.

Anyway I hope there is somthing on top of it, or somthing, somehow they put the ice rink at the top of a huge 14 sotry tower or somthing, or at the bottom, or somewhere inside a tallish building.

This will be great for Melbourne & Australia!!!!!!,

But Melbourne or even Australia hosted the Winter Olympic Games, would be like seeing cows flying!!!, its not going happen
Australia has got NO chance of ever hosting the winter olympic games, while Melbourne might be the closet major city to the snow, The snow is shit and our so called mountains are a like small bunch of hills compard to overseas!!!!

The only way Australiasia will ever see the winters game would be in NZ!!!

I think the future winter olympic campaign was in reference to training for olympics in the future and so on. Not for bidding. We will never host a winter olympics.

Anyone seen any renders? Apparently there was one in the Herald Sun the day after the announcement...

MG2

Melbourne or even Australia hosted the Winter Olympic Games, would be like seeing cows flying!!!, its not going happen
Australia has got NO chance of ever hosting the winter olympic games

One should Never say Never, and crawf_231 try to respond without name-calling.
I still stand by what I said, and I much prefer to have my ski facilities on the mountain as they are in Victoria unlike New Zealand where you have to base yourself off the mountain and then travel to the slopes. :)

One should Never say Never, and crawf_231 try to respond without name-calling.
I still stand by what I said, and I much prefer to have my ski facilities on the mountain as they are in Victoria unlike New Zealand where you have to base yourself off the mountain and then travel to the slopes. :)

Not sure how much you know about skiing, but I'm surprised if you do ski that you wouldn't know that it would actually be impossible for any Australian resort to hold a winter olympics, because we simply don't fullfill anywhere near the requirements for some of the sports. The only skiing events possible in Australia would be the bumps, slalom and jumps. The downhill for instance requires a vertical drop of well over a kilometre. The longest vertical drop in Australia is at Thredbo, which is only around 600m and far too flat.

That notwithstanding, the chances of Australia investing in Olympic standard venues is near enough to nil without a major change in climate, because they'd never get used again. The snow is also far too unreliable. The bobslead track would be hard to keep as ice in our warm conditions.

So fair enough, Australia has some nice resorts and facilities, but a winter olympics will never happen here.

^^ A lucid explanation why it won't happen. That's cool.
I do ski by the way (downhill), but I don't follow the sport (participate only).

I don't know if this is old news or not, but I am just looking out of my office and I can see a freakin ferris wheel at waterfront city!!! does anyone know anything about it?

I don't know if this is old news or not, but I am just looking out of my office and I can see a freakin ferris wheel at waterfront city!!! does anyone know anything about it?

How big is it? Probably not very? I'm assuming a temporary one as Watergate starting from tonight (opening ceremony) will be one of the focal points for games celebrations/entertainment.

yeah, I saw it from the bolte last night.

It looks like a mini theme park using portable show-rides, obviously operating for the duration of the games.

The Ferris Wheel was tiny - definitely not of the 100m+ magnitude that the next waterfront ferris wheel will be!

yeah pretty much what Dan said. Its red, its still a reasonable size though. maybe 50 meters?

http://users.bigpond.net.au/dasa/ssc/waterfrontcity.jpg

from here (http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/bc348d5912436a9cca256cfc0082d800/474c212282a9bb91ca25711d0080f86b!OpenDocument)

FROM THE MINISTER FOR SPORT & RECREATION

DATE: Wednesday, February 22, 2006


MELBOURNE ICE-SPORTS CENTRE CONSORTIUM ANNOUNCED

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Justin Madden today announced that a consortium including ING Real Estate Development Australia (ING REDA), Ice Sports Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee’s Olympic Winter Institute was to be given the opportunity to develop an international standard ice-sports centre in Docklands’ Waterfront City precinct.

“The National Ice Sports Centre will fill the gap in ice-sports facilities in Melbourne and will establish Victoria as the national leader in winter sports,” Mr Madden said.

The Government made a commitment of $10m towards a new ice sports centre to be developed, owned and operated by the private sector. Today’s announcement follows a public expressions of interest process.

“We are very excited about this project and we’re looking forward to confirmation from the developer of private sector backing, with the development of the centre contingent upon the preferred developer securing investment finance,” Mr Madden said.

Mr Madden said Waterfront City in Docklands, being developed by ING REDA as a retail and entertainment precinct, was a perfect fit for the ice-sports centre.

The centre will be Australia’s only world-class ice-sports venue. It will feature two rinks with spectator seating and will be equipped to host national and international ice hockey, ice skating, curling and speed skating events. It will also be available to the public for recreational skating.

“I have asked my Department to monitor the developer’s progress in bringing the proposal together, and to report back to me. We have now been through the selection process and have agreed on a site and developer, so it’s now up to the private sector to make this work.” Mr Madden said.

Andrew Shelton, Director of Ice Sports Australia Pty Ltd, said: “Ice Sports Australia is delighted to have this opportunity to progress the development of the project, together with ING REDA and the Olympic Winter Institute. Detailed planning and design have already commenced. Construction is expected to begin later this year.”

Geoff Henke, Chairman of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, who is in Torino with the Australian Olympic team, welcomed the initiative. “This is the largest and best credentialed team that Australia has sent to the Winter Olympics. Look at the talent we already have without a venue of this calibre available for use. Imagine our capabilities when Australian ice sport athletes can access a venue of this standard. I think our dominance in the pool might soon spread to a new sporting sector.”

Mark Broomfield, Managing Director of ING REDA said: “This latest project reaffirms our intention to create so much more for Melbourne than just another mixed use development; Waterfront City is a destination in its own right. The cutting-edge centre will become part of our wider recreational and lifestyle offer; it will be yet another iconic addition not only to Melbourne’s Docklands, but to the City of Melbourne,” he said.

w00t
Now lets see designs and renders.

That article was posted somewhere a while, this will be great, more leisure facilities for docklands!

http://www.austadiums.com/news/news.php?id=219

Melbourne's $60m ice skating bonanza


Ice skating is to become Melbourne's hottest pastime under a $60 million plan to build an ice sports centre at Docklands.

The centre will feature twin, full-size ice rinks. the Herald Sun has learned. It will also be home to Australia's Olympic Winter Institute and the centre of our future Winter Olympic campaigns.

It will host national and international ice hockey, ice skating, curling and speed skating events, with seating for hundreds of spectators.

It will be open to the public for recreational skating.

The Bracks Government last week approved the plans of a private consortium led by ING Real Estate Development Australia, Ice Sports Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee's Olympic Winter Institute.

The consortium is yet to secure finance to build the centre, but has used private funding to pay designers here and in Canada to draw up detailed plans.

The State Government promised a world-class ice sports centre after the golden success of Alisa Camplin and Steven Bradbury at the Winter Olympics four years ago.

Premier Steve Bracks' $10 million commitment to develop a National Ice Sports Centre before the 2002 state election had raised expectations the complex would be finished at least a year ahead of the current Winter Olympics in Turin.

But the plans were put on hold for almost two years after the election, with rink operators, developers, financiers, designers and builders not briefed on Government proposals until March 2004.

"We have now been through the selection process and have agreed on a site and developer, so it's now up to the private sector to make this work," Sports Minister Justin Madden said yesterday.

"The centre will fill the gap in ice sports facilities in Melbourne and establish Victoria as the national leader in winter sports.

"We are very excited about this project and we're looking forward to confirmation from the developer of private sector backing, with the development of the centre contingent upon the preferred developer securing investment finance."

Mr Madden said he had asked his department to monitor the developer's progress.

The rinks will be built on top of a 1300-space multi-level car park as part of the next stage of Waterfront City, which is being developed at Docklands by ING REDA as a retail and entertainment precinct.

As Australia's only world-class ice sports venue, the centre will be home to the Olympic Winter Institute.

Ice Sports Australia director Andrew Shelton said the centre would offer something Victoria had never had and could not be compared with the "ice rink in a tin shed" of the past.

He expected construction to begin this year, once a financier was found.

Detailed plans are now being drawn up by Cox Architects and Arup Engineers -- who both worked on the MCG redevelopment -- and Stadium Consultants International, a Toronto-based firm specialising in ice sports arenas.

Peter Mickelburough
Herald Sun

Anyone go on the charity run today? I was spewing I couldn't make it, only chance to get some shots on Bolte Bridge of Docklands, especially Vic harbour precinct. Channel 7 news has thier background-shot camera on the top of Bolte Bridge, and the shot they get is stunning!

Is that the fun run where u run inside the telstra dome complex?? - coz I did that a few years ago

No, start in docklands, run over bolte bridge go through domain tunnel and then end up somewhere.

yeah I was in the run. fantastic day! the view from the bolte bridge was amazing. A lot of people were taking photos, don't know if they were forumers or not. Running through the domain tunnel was a nightmare, nearly choked to death from the humidity.

yeah I was in the run. fantastic day! the view from the bolte bridge was amazing. A lot of people were taking photos, don't know if they were forumers or not. Running through the domain tunnel was a nightmare, nearly choked to death from the humidity.


jordan you should have got some pics!!

its on again next year, so hope to go and get some nice ones!

Great news!

Work to spin Ferris wheel
Jen Kelly, city editor
30may06

MELBOURNE'S giant $60 million Ferris wheel will soon become reality: construction is expected to begin within weeks.

The 120m-tall Southern Star Observation Wheel will be Melbourne's answer to the 135m-high London Eye.

Developer ING Real Estate is hoping to begin preparatory site work at the Docklands by June 30.

But the opening date has been pushed back from late next year to 2008, partly because of language barriers between the project's Australian and Japanese partners.

"Dealing in two languages adds to the time because of translation," said ING Real Estate managing director Mark Broomfield.

The capsules are being built in Osaka.

ING is in Japan this week inspecting modifications to the passenger pod, before the other 20 capsules are built.

Mr Broomfield said other components of the 38-storey wheel would be built in Australia.

Long heralded as the second tallest wheel after the London Eye, Melbourne's version is unlikely to hold that title for long, if at all.

Mr Broomfield said a giant wheel proposed for Singapore could be higher than 120m

Why, oh why?............
Sorry to sound cynical, but (a) who cares about a 'second tallest' title - if it's not the tallest than it means nothing, and (b) why is Melbourne building this?
Melbourne will already have two observation decks (probably) - one of which will be at over twice the height of this wheel. Also, who wants a bird's eye view of industrial waste land? It's kinda embarassing IMHO. It's a real "I want one of those" mentality. London's is a huge success because London didn't have a public viewing gallery of their city until the Eye came along. Also, it's smack bang in the middle of the city opposite Big Ben and tourists can see all the famous landmarks very clearly.
Don't get me wrong, as an addition to Melbourne's skyline I think the wheel will look pretty cool - it'll look spectacular from driving over the Bolte - but if ING think it's going to be a financial success then they are seriously deluded. In fact, I fear for the future condition of the whole Waterfront City area......it's brand new restaurants have already started to close down.
Sorry to be a bit negative (especially considering I've never actually been to WFC), but I just don't 'get' this new precinct. I don't think it's really something that Melbourne needs (the only thing that may have made it unique was the Harbour Town shopping centre, but a DFO is going to open before it does and in a much more convenient location). Or is it just me?............

^^^ lol .."who wants a bird's eye view of industrial waste land" thats classic :lol: :lol: :lol:

but i do hear you mate.. it does seem like a waste

Why, oh why?............
Sorry to sound cynical, but (a) who cares about a 'second tallest' title - if it's not the tallest than it means nothing, and (b) why is Melbourne building this?
Melbourne will already have two observation decks (probably) - one of which will be at over twice the height of this wheel. Also, who wants a bird's eye view of industrial waste land? It's kinda embarassing IMHO. It's a real "I want one of those" mentality. London's is a huge success because London didn't have a public viewing gallery of their city until the Eye came along. Also, it's smack bang in the middle of the city opposite Big Ben and tourists can see all the famous landmarks very clearly.
Don't get me wrong, as an addition to Melbourne's skyline I think the wheel will look pretty cool - it'll look spectacular from driving over the Bolte - but if ING think it's going to be a financial success then they are seriously deluded. In fact, I fear for the future condition of the whole Waterfront City area......it's brand new restaurants have already started to close down.
Sorry to be a bit negative (especially considering I've never actually been to WFC), but I just don't 'get' this new precinct. I don't think it's really something that Melbourne needs (the only thing that may have made it unique was the Harbour Town shopping centre, but a DFO is going to open before it does and in a much more convenient location). Or is it just me?............


BUT LOOK INTO THE FUTURE>>>>>>

Those resturants will re-open once the whole area is complete...people forget that it is an on going project..yes in the long run if you miss out you will be kicking your self.

There arent the residents now....but in the future there will be so it may fail in the short term...but in the long run it will be a success.

As for the wheel, its a STUPID IDEA.

Stupid wheel. We should do a ferris triangle!!!1111

When stage 2 and then the apartment towers (not very tall ones but still) get built, plus the ice skating rinks it'll be heaps busier and have more of a vibe to it. Personally I think WFC was poorly planned not in terms of the scheme but the way the development is staged and built it sort of seems like it was a bit rushed and shouldn't have been built as yet. As for the pointless wheel, personally I'd prefer a massive slide. :D Everybody loves slides.

Why, oh why?............
Sorry to sound cynical, but (a) who cares about a 'second tallest' title - if it's not the tallest than it means nothing, and (b) why is Melbourne building this?

Tend to agree Garmatt, it smacks of an inferiority complex that this city should have given up a long time ago. We don't need to copy anyone. The attractions that make this city great are unique, and to graft another city's attractions onto our own is sad and totally unnecessary.

Blue

the wheel is unoriginal, "highest in the southern hemisphere" / second best / we've got nothing real to give to the world colplex again..

hah, every city must have one of these flippin wheels in Northern England. I went on one in Manchester last weekend and went past another on the train in York.

Yawn-tacular.

I feel this will be like the monorail in The Simpsons.

I feel this will be like the monorail in The Simpsons.

Yeah something will break on it and it will start whizzing around and they wont be able to stop it. Then once they fix it no one will ever want to use it again and will just sit there becoming derelict.

They should build something fun and exciting not slow and leisurely. Like a rollercoaster or something. Even the world's second fastest/tallest/deadliest rollercoaster would be more exciting then the worlds second most something or another wheel.

Still, at least they are building something!

Mediocrity should not be tolerated! :hm: :down:

when will they start building the new retail complex and the melbourne eye??

Meh, although not necessary it will give a good vantage point for the skyline in its totality, something that niether Rialto nor Eureka will. Its not the biggest or the best, but they're not uncommon, so I don't feel like its a hockey copy of the London Eye. Its not ugly, and in reality its not like we were going to have something else fantastic there....it would have been an unremarkable campus style building if not this...

When all is said and done i'm sure every forum member here will be queueing up to have a peep when it opens.

When all is said and done i'm sure every forum member here will be queueing up to have a peep when it opens.

I'll be spinning the damn thing :)

When all is said and done i'm sure every forum member here will be queueing up to have a peep when it opens.

I will be going on it, once its complete

now as for this proposed retail plaza - can the city handle another huge shopping complex?

me think not

I will be differently going on it, once its complete

now as for this proposed retail plaza - can the city handle another huge shopping complex?

me think not

Depends really crawf, it should be timed right, that is at least have a few more residentials finished around Docklands, then have it open, there's its market right there, the Docklands residents.

A stupid wheel!
God, why can't we come up with something original?
This will be the focus of everything hideous in Melbourne.

it was a good idea when over the old rail bridge. To have it in the middle of nowhere is nothing special. Should mix things up a bit though. I don't think people automatically will think we are trying to copy London.

I think it is better where it is going to be at Waterfront than when on the Sandridge Bridge... people are already attracted to that area with Crown Casino, Flinders Street, Eureka and Queensbridge square all relatively close by. At Waterfront it creates an attraction and will draw people to an area that would not have been as heavily visited otherwise, it a good thing :)

Stu

I think it is better where it is going to be at Waterfront than when on the Sandridge Bridge... people are already attracted to that area with Crown Casino, Flinders Street, Eureka and Queensbridge square all relatively close by. At Waterfront it creates an attraction and will draw people to an area that would not have been as heavily visited otherwise, it a good thing :)

Stu

Exactly! This is what will bring an initial attraction that Docklands so desperatley needs.

just had a look at the renders, plans and pictures of the waterfront project

and to be onest it isnt that impressive as I first thought, which is such a shame because this area has huge potetial

is this what Melbourne or Australia really deserves?
a tacky 120m observation wheel what will be blocked by 80m+ buildings
and have views of a tacky american brand direct shopping centre, powerlines and industrial land
- you would waste $25 bucks on a 40min ride basically looking at nothing, when you could pay less than $10 and look at senstational 360 degree views over Melbourne at Rialto or Eureka for how as you want.

and as for people saying that the observation wheel is going to give melbourne world-wide exposure like London is bullshit, the only reason london has got exposure from it is because its the biggest in the world (but it will be overtaken very soon by an asian country)

last but not least im glad they didnt put the wheel on the sandridge bridge, because imo it would of ruined Melbourne's impressive skyline

btw hate to say this but I can the Docklands Project becoming Victorias Worst Embarassment

Thank god at least Melbourne's doing something, as opposed to Adelaide - the wheel is crap......but Dockalnds is fuckin' awesome.....and this is from someone coming from overseas let alone from "go'in nowhere Adelaide!"......when Adelaide can claim Melbourne for anything, then critisize Melbourne, you tool!

As I have said before, the wheel is tucked away right up the arse end of Docklands so it's not a major focal point for Docklands but just another attraction to add to the mix.

The thing is being built by the developer with private sector money so who gives a shit really?

just had a look at the renders, plans and pictures of the waterfront project

and to be onest it isnt that impressive as I first thought, which is such a shame because this area has huge potetial

is this what Melbourne or Australia really deserves?
a tacky 120m observation wheel what will be blocked by 80m+ buildings
and have views of a tacky american brand direct shopping centre, powerlines and industrial land
- you would waste $25 bucks on a 40min ride basically looking at nothing, when you could pay less than $10 and look at senstational 360 degree views over Melbourne at Rialto or Eureka for how as you want.

and as for people saying that the observation wheel is going to give melbourne world-wide exposure like London is bullshit, the only reason london has got exposure from it is because its the biggest in the world (but it will be overtaken very soon by an asian country)

last but not least im glad they didnt put the wheel on the sandridge bridge, because imo it would of ruined Melbourne's impressive skyline

btw hate to say this but I can the Docklands Project becoming Victorias Worst Embarassment

The powerlines and Industrial land wont even be seen from the Dockland Apartments....and in the future that area too will be redeveloped when it is realised that the Port of Melbourne needs to Expand and will eventually be moved to Cerebrus on Western Port Bay...far away from Central Melbourne.

Thank god at least Melbourne's doing something, as opposed to Adelaide - the wheel is crap......but Dockalnds is fuckin' awesome.....and this is from someone coming from overseas let alone from "go'in nowhere Adelaide!"......when Adelaide can claim Melbourne for anything, then critisize Melbourne, you tool!

OMG u childish insecure dickhead

I wasnt critisizing Melbourne at all, I was voicing my opinion (I love Melbourne), I just think that with many other forumers (mostly victorians) that the docklands project could become a major embarasment - but time will tell

so your from overseas and that makes u an expect - get a life
and btw im not from Adelaide, im from Alice Springs - but i lived most of my live in VICTORIA

"go'in nowhere Adelaide!"......
look at my sig!!
and the reason why Melbourne is doing alot more things than Adelaide is probley because its 4 TIMES bigger, u idiot

The powerlines and Industrial land wont even be seen from the Dockland Apartments....and in the future that area too will be redeveloped when it is realised that the Port of Melbourne needs to Expand and will eventually be moved to Cerebrus on Western Port Bay...far away from Central Melbourne.

well at least there going to redeveloped the industrial area, but can anyone see waterfront city project being successful??

I wasnt critisizing Melbourne at all, I was voicing my opinion (I love Melbourne), I just think that with many other forumers (mostly victorians) that the docklands project could become a major embarasment - but time will tell
Have you even been to Docklands? How can you generalise about the area from just seeing some renders of ONE incomplete precinct which is on the edge of Docklands anyway? IF you actually go to Docklands, you'll see the highest standards of architecture and the creation (from scratch!) of Australia's most urban area, an area that is pedestrian friendly and built for PEOPLE to use.

Really, tell us, what is so embarrassing about Docklands?

We're not Dubai after all. I'd take high quality low rise development over glossy towers any day. Just look at Southbank, 20 years ago it was another industrial wasteland and it was only a few years ago when there was decent high rise construction in the area. All it took was to build a nice promenade along the river and put some shops and restaurants (and later a casino) along it.

Have you even been to Docklands? How can you generalise about the area from just seeing some renders of ONE incomplete precinct which is on the edge of Docklands anyway? IF you actually go to Docklands, you'll see the highest standards of architecture and the creation (from scratch!) of Australia's most urban area, an area that is pedestrian friendly and built for PEOPLE to use.

Really, tell us, what is so embarrassing about Docklands?

of course Ive been to docklands

nothing is embarrassing YET

but with another u/c tacky brand direct s/c in the city, a tacky looking observation wheel and poorly built residential apartments - that will change, tho hopefully im wrong

now dont get all insecure or pissed off at my comment - because every city (including Adelaide) does stupid things

Crawf - you're the dickhead.

By way of back-tracking you make out that everyone has 'misinterpreted' your comments, but it's pretty clear what you're saying.
I have no insecurities at all about what's happening in Docklands - the biggest and most exciting urban renewal project in the country....I just find it rich that you use the word 'embarassing' to describe it. If anything it reeks of your insecurity and jealousy that it's not happening in Adelaide and is not likely to in our lifetime.
Coming from overseas does not make me an expert...but it gives me an insight as to how these new precincts and developments compare with what's happening on a similar scale elsewhere, and in my opinion Docklands is up there with the best of what I've seen. And I do have a life...a bloody nice one - but thanks for your concern!
When Adelaide attempts something of a similar scale to Docklands then we'll see how embarassed Melbourne is of it's pathetic attempt to develop it's urban wasteland.