Who the project was for:
Grating FRP Australia supported Rise Pacific in the structural upgrade of the original Wild Mouse roller coaster at Luna Park, Sydney. As part of the roller coaster’s heritage restoration, new access gantries were required to meet current Australian Safety Standards without compromising the visual appeal of the heritage-listed structure.
Sydney’s Luna Park is a rare surviving amusement park featuring fantasy architecture in the Art Deco style of the 1930s.
The concept is based on the success of the first Luna Park which opened on Coney Island, New York in 1903. American entrepreneur Herman Phillips and others brought the idea to Australia and opened Luna Park in Melbourne in 1912 and Luna Park Glenelg, Adelaide in 1930.
Industry:
Heritage Amusement / Marine Infrastructure
Location:
Luna Park, Sydney Harbour, NSW
Scope:
Supply of compliant access gantry FRP grating and support components for heritage roller coaster refurbishment
Project Purpose:
To deliver an access solution that met Australian Standards (AS) for maintenance gantries while aligning with heritage aesthetics and marine environmental conditions. The goal was to design a visually integrated FRP system suitable for use in a high-vibration, high-moisture coastal setting.
Project Challenges
Compliance:
- Standards compliance for access grating: All new gantry work needed to conform to Australian Safety Standards while being compatible with the historic roller coaster frame.
2. Heritage:
- Visual heritage integration: The materials and design had to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the original structure for approval by heritage authorities.
3. Environment:
- Environmental durability: Positioned on Sydney Harbour, the installation required long-term performance in marine conditions including exposure to salt, moisture, and vibration.
3. Cost : Install:
- Cost-effective, easy-to-install solution: Installation had to be completed efficiently with minimal structural disruption.
Solutions:
Colour:
- Mini Mesh FRP grating coloured to match heritage scheme: The grating was manufactured in RAL 5017 Blue to blend with the iconic aesthetic of Luna Park.
Customisation:
- Bespoke grating fabrication: Each panel was customised to suit the unique geometries of the roller coaster’s support structure.
Beam Clamps:
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Stainless steel beam clamps with nylon nuts: Ensured secure installation under constant vibration, particularly critical for the roller coaster’s active use.
Corrosion:
-
Marine-grade FRP composition: Materials selected were inert to corrosion, suitable for harsh saltwater-adjacent conditions.
Project Outcome:
The access gantry refurbishment at Luna Park was delivered on time and fully aligned with both regulatory and aesthetic requirements. The FRP Mini Mesh grating not only achieved compliance with AS safety standards but enhanced the visual and operational integrity of one of Sydney’s most iconic heritage amusement rides. Rise Pacific and park stakeholders were pleased with the result, noting the ease of installation and exceptional finish.
Why FRP Was Chosen
FRP offered the perfect combination of safety compliance, visual adaptability, and resistance to marine exposure — outperforming traditional materials like steel or timber in a heritage amusement setting. Its non-conductive, lightweight, and durable properties made it the go-to solution for this high-profile public infrastructure project.
Installation:
- Fast, reliable installation: The modular design and pre-fitted hardware allowed efficient on-site implementation without the need for welding or disruption.
Suitability:
- Marine-suitable infrastructure: All components were chosen for their ability to withstand moisture, salt, and constant operational vibration without degradation.
Compliant:
- Standards-compliant access upgrade: The new gantry design successfully passed regulatory review and now provides safe, ongoing access for maintenance teams.
Appeal:
- Visually cohesive outcome: The Mini Mesh grating provided a visually pleasant result, blending seamlessly with the heritage design requirements.
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