I spotted these unusual extensions earlier this week whilst having a coffee at the Macquarie Street Mint Cafe. I recall my friend former Councillor Kathryn Greiner consulting me about this development application concerned about public safety and liability issues. I offered that you wouldn't get me near it but that it was a great idea for tourism. PS the restoration and adaptation of the Mint for the Historic Houses Trust is a masterpiece of adaptation well worth a visit and available for functions!
Picture and article today's Daily Telegraph
Use the viewing platform Skywalker
August 27, 2005
IT LOOKS like a platform for bungee jumping but this angular addition to Sydney Tower is actually the beginnings of the city's next high-flying tourist attraction.
Set to open in October, "Skywalk" is a viewing platform that will give visitors the chance to go beyond the glass 268m above the city.
Double deck steel pathways will link two suspended platforms jutting out on the north and south sides of the famous golden turret.
The hydraulic viewing platforms will overhang the building, getting people out over the streets and surrounding buildings below.
The venture, owned by Sydney Aquarium, will challenge the ever-popular and highly lucrative BridgeClimb on the Harbour Bridge.
Like BridgeClimb, Skywalkers will have to dress up in overalls and remain attached to safety rails during the 95-minute walk.
Unlike the grey outfits worn by BridgeClimbers, Skywalkers will blend into the tower's backdrop in garish golden jumpsuits.
It will cost $109 for adults and $85 for kids between 10 and 15.
The $5 million project has been a small feat of engineering, with workers having to take all materials up in lifts from street level.
The whole structure is being assembled on the top of the tower before being put in place.
Sydney Aquarium bought the idea for Skywalk from a New York investor who runs a similar attraction on top of the Empire State Building.
The company expects about 50,000 thrillseekers to take the tour in its first year of operation.
Meanwhile, the revolving restaurant in the tower will re-open on Monday, renamed 360 Bar and Dining Room, after a $1.5 million refurbishment.
2 comments:
James(is that your real name?), thanks for your virtual anonymous flaming of my blog site - not. let us know your one so we can enjoy your intellectual brilliance and courage for open debate.
All donations to my campaigns are disclosed per the laws of Australia and policies of Council. I sincerely thank those who support my campaigns because without them (and its the same for Greens or Clover Moore - dont duck that one) we could not get our message out in the campaign. SM
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