ckb_eureka_tower

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Eureka Tower
Eureka Tower rules the sky of the Southern Hemisphere. It is a three hundred metre high structure, standing equal fiftieth highest in the whole world but it is the tallest residential building. It is an influential building, promoting Melbourne around the world and was built to be an icon.

As well as being the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, it opens itself to the public, almost acting like a plaza. There are shops, a residential area, public viewing vantage points and The Edge, the tallest observation deck in the whole world. The Edge attracts daredevils, brave enough to be placed in a glass cube extending almost three metres out of the Eureka Tower and standing almost three hundred metres above ground.

Eureka Tower is significant to Melbourne by promoting the city to the world. In the past, internationally, Melbourne has not been considered as prominent as Sydney or even Brisbane. It was Daniel Grollo and Nonda Katsalidis’ vision to construct a recognisable building for Melbourne and they have been triumphant. Now tourists visit Melbourne because of the Eureka Tower and generally make a link between other tall buildings and Eureka.

The masterminds behind the brilliant design of the Eureka Tower was the architectural practice Fender Katsalidis and it was built by the firm Grocon. It was started in August 2002 and the exterior was complete on June 1st 2006. It was officially opened by former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks on 11th October 2006.

The project cost $500 million for the complete construction. The name Eureka comes from the [|Eureka Stockade]. This was the site of a rebellion during the Gold Rush between the diggers and the government over numerous resentments that had occurred in 1854. The twenty-four carat gold coating represents the Gold Rush and the red stripe incorporates the blood spilt during the revolution. The blue glass and the white stripes represent the colours of the Eureka flag.  Eureka Tower is known for such things as, the top floors can swaying up to six hundred millimetres in high winds, there are three thousand six hundred and eighty stairs and ninety-two floors. Eureka Tower also holds an annual charity challenge: race to the top of the tower. The fastest competitor receives $5000. The run to the top is the tenth highest vertical running race in the world. Eureka Tower has helped Melbourne gain recognition and popularity from tourists. It is now an Australian icon and will be for many more years. From the beginning it has been a success. For many years Melbourne has not been in the spotlight but with the help of the Eureka Tower the streets of Melbourne are now bustling with people wanting to visit the icon. In many years to come it will be pursued and a highlight feature for those who visit it.

Josh