this article was in the daily telegraph a few days back and for the record the $72 million refurbishments has hit the $100 million mark. Luna Park reopens, just for fun By NICOLETTE BURKE and SHOBA ROA January 6, 2004 THE famous smile at Luna Park has been whitened, the rouge reapplied and the rides rebuilt – all in anticipation of the park's opening within weeks. After $100 million in renovations, the historic site is going back to its roots as a traditional fairground, with a carnival atmosphere. The park's director Warwick Doughty said 600 staff would be hired in the coming weeks and workers would be trained to operate the rides in anticipation of the March launch. "The aim is to retain the original 1935 amusement park and introduce new streams of business which will make sure it is not a drain on the public purse," Mr Doughty said. The heritage-listed dance hall overlooking the Harbour, the Crystal Palace, has been renovated as a function venue, with the 6500 globes on the building replaced. Coney Island will maintain its original sandy-coloured walls and will have a new icecream parlour at the front. The amusement park was closed in 1996. It occasionally has opened since for Christmas and New Year's Eve events and school holidays. The Big Dipper, which caused much disquiet in the Milsons Point community over sound levels, was sold to Dreamworld on the Gold Coast for $5.5 million and renamed the Cyclone. Its space is occupied by a new arena to house circus and pantomime performances and will house 2000 people under a bright yellow and red big top tent. Mr Doughty said he was confident people would be attracted to the new-look park, especially as entry is free. The State Government continues to own the site, with a 40 year lease granted to Metro Edgley, a joint venture of the Metro theatre group and event promoter Edgley International.

finaly luna park is trying to advertise. mrgreen