Flavours of Southbank

It’s show time on South Wharf

Excellence takes a while to achieve; perfection takes a little bit longer. It has taken three years of planning, restoration and creativity to transform South Wharf’s historic Shed 11 into Showtime Events Centre.

Showtime has come into full bloom in perfect timing for Spring – the season of weddings, fashion festivals, footy finals, horse racing functions, and booking end-of-year parties.

Moulding a significant piece of Melbourne’s waterfront heritage into a world-class events venue was no easy task. The result is a functional, appealing, versatile state-of-the-art interior space that preserves the historic exterior alongside the Yarra River.

The polished stone bar, mood lighting from overhead chandeliers and tables adorned with large candelabra blend with the original roof trusses, chamfer timber posts and rustic timber floorboards which creates a sense of ease and pleasure.

Adding a delicious dash of panache are the trio of spectacularly costumed Bravo Darling girls Flossy, Sparkling and Flamingo, who rove the venue as living “tables”, serving cupcakes from waist-high circular “platforms”.

The fit out by designer Nic Brunner has incorporated audio and visual equipment, and rigging infrastructure, that make the venue easily adaptable to events.

Packages offer differing menus and floor plans, to cater for functions of all sizes.

Venue manager Brad Dabbs said Showtime has been fine tuned.

“We took our time, to get our formula right,” he said.

“This is the perfect location to hold an event. We are close to the CBD, the Hilton Hotel and the DFO, with parking for more than 3,000 cars."

 “We are coming into the wedding season, with many bookings. This is a popular for wedding receptions because guests love the waterfront."

“We also specialise as a venue for corporate functions and special events."

“Our bookings for end-of-year parties are filling up but we still have a some great packages available.”

Brad sees a huge shift in focus towards South Wharf.

“South Wharf is the new focal point of Melbourne,” he said.

“I see happy times ahead.”

Showtime Events Centre is at 61 South Wharf Promenade, call 9008 8954 or visit www.showtimeevents.com.au