Melbourne Star shut down for good as Covid-19 lockdowns continue

It’s the ride in Melbourne that some say has been plagued by bad luck for years, but now this wheel has had its last run.

The iconic attraction, the Melbourne Star, has had its last ride and will now be shut down for good.

Citing Covid-19 lockdown and travel restrictions as the cause, MB Star Properties Pty Ld said it was with a “heavy heart” the company had to announce the ride’s closure after 15 years in operation.

“The giant observation wheel has been a part of the city’s skyline for more than 15 years, during which time we have welcomed millions of guests from Australia and all over the world,” a statement read.

Panoramic image of the docklands waterfront area of Melbourne at night, showing the Melbourne Star attraction.

“Unfortunately, the global Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions and sustained shutdowns, adding to pre-existing challenges of operating amid increased high-rise development and changes in the Docklands area, has made it impossible to sustain the business.

“The directors of the wheel are absolutely committed to doing the right thing by our dedicated team and have made arrangements to ensure all our employees will be paid their full entitlements,” the company said.

After 15 years, the Melbourne Star will be no more. Picture: Visit Victoria

Standing at 120m tall, the Melbourne Star in Docklands has previously been hit with closures because of structural concerns.

The ferris wheel was shut down in January 2009 – just 40 days after opening – due to several concerning faults, including buckling and cracks. The entire wheel was rebuilt by the Sanoyas Group, which forecast it would attract 1.5 million visitors a year.

The complete rebuild and reopening was originally set for 2011, but instead moved to a reopening date in December 2015.

The Melbourne Star was shut down for five years for repairs just 40 days after opening. Picture: Ian Currie

Earlier this year, Johanna Maxwell, president of the Docklands Chamber of Commerce, said the lockdowns that had plagued Victoria had permanently affected areas like Docklands.

“Docklands won’t ever be the same. I know it’s a big claim, but lockdowns have changed this precinct more than anywhere else in Australia,” she told Docklands News.

“Getting the population vaccinated, investing in the businesses that are still hanging around and supporting initiatives like Docklands Dollars and Melbourne Money to encourage spending are the immediate attention needed.”

Victoria recorded a further 246 Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours to midnight on Monday. Of these, 121 were linked to known outbreaks, meaning 125 are mystery cases and remain under investigation.

The state is currently under lockdown restrictions, with Premier Dan Andrews promising that once Victoria reaches 70 per cent first dose coverage, it will trigger minor rule easing including the expansion of the 5km travel radius to 10km and more exercise time.

News.com.au has contacted Visit Victoria for comment.