You're going to be Frank? Why can't you just be Michael?? đ
Seriously though, this topic has come up many times before and still keeps coming up because it is still a very relevant topic of conversation. I keep bringing up the same sites as they are literally the only sites left in the park that POSSIBLY could be utilised. I have never said they would be used. There is a massive difference.
Lets dig a little closer to my suggestions.
The amphitheatre in between the Ferris Wheel and the Crystal Palace-
This is likely the only realistic spot for space utilsation for another ride. It would mean, as correctly pointed out by @Yyosh, the loss of a small seated area which serves the Helter Skelter Cafe. However, if this was filled in and the space used for another ride, then the seated area could be expanded from what it is currently. It would mean the loss of a large secondary entrance to the park from the boardwalk and also the small amphitheatre which the park did utilise as a small performance space. I am thinking that the park will retain this space for this purpose even though it is able to utilise this space under the amended Luna Park Act for permanent attractions.
The space next to the Rotor-
There is room next to the Rotor that is not utilised that COULD be used in some capacity for an attraction. As correctly pointed out, the area behind here is the parks loading and unloading dock but if this could be moved somewhere else , or access was given to another point, then definitely it could be used. Its interesting to note 2 points here. This space in the 1995 incarnation was home to the original position for the Tumblebug and the Luna park Shop- it was not a loading dock or drop off point. Things change and things could change again. This space is also permissable to be utilised as a permanent attraction space under the Luna park Act. Could it be used? Yes. Would it be used? In all reality, probably not but I must point out we are talking hypotheticals here.
The grassed area on top of the carpark-
This area is actualy quite large and could safely accomodate at least 3 or possibly more adult attractions. ( given what they have fit into Maloney's Corner and how well they have executed that, then its reasonable to assume that this could certainly be utilised.) There is the question of whether the rooftop could take the weight of rides. Lets consider that at the moment there is several tonnes of soil and grass that is sitting on top. This would not stay if they were to utilise this space as an expansion point- it would be removed. If the rooftop could accomodate safely this weight of soil and grass , then its easy to assume that it is suffciently engineered to take the weight of 3 rides if required. The same question was asked of the Tumblebug site when the question of a new coaster for Luna Park came up ( much like this topic- one that came up repeatedlyđ). Now we are seeing the new Big Dipper being built on the exact same site. Would it surprise you that the park has already considered this location as a potential site for new attractions? Whilst they have not followed through on their initial investigations , it certainly has not been ruled out as something for the future. Yes the access back to the Midway is an issue, but I am confident that an access point and ramp of some description could be engineered to connect this space in a way that is sympathetic to the Midway and the surrounding ticketing building/carousel and Helter Skelter cafe. Lastly, once again, this space has been cleared for permanent attraction use by the updated Luna Park amended act and as such, is why the park would have had initial investigations on the use of the site. Now I am not saying that this WILL be used but COULD it be, in the grand scheme of things? Absolutely.
There is no real issue with the rides we are getting true. My opinion is that , however, we are one ride short for the overall family to ride as a unit- rides that both adults and children would ride together. I still believe that to be true- especially if they keep the Rock'N Tug. This is why I posted some ride examples of what Luna Park COULD add in their next expansion. The park has traditionally been populated by family rides that could be enjoyed by every family member- young or old. I feel that this balance is just a little out of whack for mine. In saying that I am not unhappy with how the park is progressing- I think the park is doing a tremendous job with the space they have and what they are installing. Its fantastic to see and I cannot wait to see its completion.
If you are a 25 year old who only rides the carousel, the dodgems and the Ferris wheel, then you are not the target audience that an amusement park would be looking at. You would be in the extreme minority. I get that you love the history of the place- as much as I do. I just happen to love thrill rides and coasters just as much and this is intrinsically what Luna Park is all about.
100% Yyosh nailed it here âď¸
The park does need a dark ride of some description. I think there is a medium level chance of this happening sometime in the future. It may require some movement of rides ( particularly the Dodgems ) but it could be done. It will not happen for quite some time, however.
The River Caves return, is just pure fantasy, unfortunately. It would indeed be awesome if they could do it, but with the advent of the Big Top, the Deck and the other event locations within the park and the importance of these to the overall revenue stream, this will not see these removed for the space required to return the River Caves to the park.
As for your idea, I know that it entails expanding onto Lavender Green, and taking up more space from the adjoining railway sidings. Unfortunately, this will never occur. Firstly, it would take an act of parliament to gift this site back to Luna Park, amend the current Luna Park act and bring it into the overall site plan. From what we saw with Luna Park's attempt earler last year to utilise Lavender Green for semi permanent attractions and small rides, it elicited a strong dissension from the nearby residents, so strong that the DA was withdrawn. The railway sidings are planned to be in use for at least the next 7- 10 years at the earliest and there is a strong push for the railway site to be incorporated into a "High Walk" along its entire length- an idea which has garnered strong resident and local government support.
Your idea to expand here is a nice one but it is actually a total fantasy that is not based on anything coming into fruition. My thoughts around expansion at least have some grounding in reality and are based on what space IS currently available.
Actually you only pointed out that it needs to go in a more suitable location. Whilst I 100% agree with you, I aactually pointed out that the current location that the Tug is situated in, is NOT permissable for a permanent ride site under the amended Luna Park site act. Thats a big difference. I do agree 100% though that if the Tug is to stay, then it needs a good refurb and retheme to bring it inline with all the other new attractions.
âď¸This for mine is the only way we will ever see another huge expansion to Luna Park. If this were to occur, then the sky is the limit. There are many issues to overcome if this was to happen, but it is a great idea if it were ever to become a reality in some way.