Observation City general manager Matthew Richardson, executive chef Wendelin Ulrich, rooms divisional manager Zarah White and executive assistant manager Sohrab Thareja.
Camera IconObservation City general manager Matthew Richardson, executive chef Wendelin Ulrich, rooms divisional manager Zarah White and executive assistant manager Sohrab Thareja. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Iconic Scarborough landmark Observation City turns 30

Kate LeaverStirling Times

Construction began in 1985 but the 18-story hotel build was not without controversy when anti-high rise protestors detonated a bomb under an 85m crane. Police did not find the perpetrator, who failed to topple the crane or noticeably slow construction.

Perth business tycoon Alan Bond bankrolled the project, which cost close to $100 million, and the official opening party in 1987 cost about $2 million and featured 20 bands and soloists in five separate areas of the hotel, a full buffet and bar and fireworks.

In 1994, Straits Trading acquired Observation City for $43 million before Rendezvous Hotels International was established in 1997 to manage hotels bought by the Group.

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General manager Matthew Richardson said the area had been through many changes over the years but the biggest changes were yet to come.

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“We see the new $75 million Scarborough Redevelopment by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) as an opportunity; it is about making sure the locals and guests continue to come to Scarborough,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward for that to be finished. It took a while for the MRA project to be finalised but it is good that the construction is finally happening.”

Executive chef Wendelin Ulrich said a retro menu would be available during November featuring duck a l’orange, bomb alaska and prawn cocktails.