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Nearly five years after closing, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel has reopened in the city's Docklands.

The 120-metre wheel offers 360 degree views of Melbourne's CBD, Port Phillip Bay, Mount Macedon and the Dandenong Ranges.

Having opened in 2008, the then Southern Star Observation Wheel closed after just 40 days of operations due to structural defects.

It was dismantled and rebuilt by the Japanese company that first designed it.

Welcoming the reopening yesterday (Monday 23rd December) Melbourne Star Management Group Chief Executive Chris Kelly said it had been a painstaking journey to get it back up and running.

Kelly added "there are only three of these giant observation wheels currently operating anywhere in the world.

"This is the only one that has a solid steel spoke design, which makes it much more complex to design and much more complicated to fabricate and construct than a wheel like the London Eye."

The Melbourne Star Management Group has also announced the appointment of Peter Rowland Catering as the exclusive caterer for its functions and events venues.

The caterer is now accepting bookings for events in the Melbourne Star's function spaces from 1st February 2014.

The Melbourne Star will offer dedicated function space capable of hosting large and small gatherings, from cocktails for 400 guests to a sit-down dinner for up to 250 people. The Star Piazza, at the base of the Star, will have the capacity to host a cocktail reception for up to 1,500 people, making it one of Melbourne's largest open-air event venues.

Kelly added "Melbourne Star will be an important and unique venue with a difference for business events and special celebrations.

"As well as exceptional food and beverages and impeccable service, special event guests will be able to enjoy a ride on the Melbourne Star and take in an exciting new perspective of the city. Melbourne Star is set to become an integral part of Melbourne's business events and destinations programme and Peter Rowland Catering will be a key partner in this."

The Melbourne Convention Bureau is excited about the new partnership between two of our members, with Chief Executive Karen Bolinger stating "our clients are always looking for unique venues with quality catering and this partnership represents what Melbourne does so well, a collaboration with a difference.

"It's always great to have new product to showcase our city as a business events destination and this partnership will enable us to do that."

Businesses and organisations wishing to enquire about a special 2014 event at the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel should contact Peter Rowland on 03 9825 0000.

Image: Melbourne Star Chief Executive enjoys the view (top) and City of Melbourne Chief Executive Kathy Alexander and Tourism Victoria Chief Executive Leigh Harry at the official opening (below).

6th December 2013 - MELBOURNE STAR OBSERVATION WHEEL CONFIRMS LATE DECEMBER OPENING

12th October 2013 - MELBOURNE STAR OBSERVATION WHEEL SOLD TO ITS JAPANESE BUILDERS

30th August 2013 - FIRST CABIN RE-ATTACHED MELBOURNE’S STAR OBSERVATION WHEEL

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