The Laurel Awards Dinner will be held in Melbourne on MIFGS Eve Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
Book now to secure your ticket:
About the Venue
Finding another unique venue close to the CBD and large enough to stage this prestigious event is always challenging, but we think we’ve cracked it this time with a location that’s really got that elusive ‘WOW’ factor.
Showtime Events Centre is a stand-alone fully restored cargo shed that hails from early last century, when the Yarra River was a hive of shipping activity. It stands at the western end of South Wharf Promenade, readily accessible from the city via Docklands.
Formerly known as Shed 11, this heritage listed venue has been meticulously restored. The ‘industrial glam’ atmosphere of the space is contemporary while respecting the original design of the building whose original purpose was to service cargo vessels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Timber trusses, chamfered timber posts and wide-planked floorboards along with beautiful detailing of the eaves are all as they were.
Historic setting
As the Port of Melbourne expanded and cargo ships became larger and could no longer navigate the shallow river, the cargo sheds lining both banks of the Yarra fell into disrepair. The old port area was derelict and decidely ‘seedy’.
The reinvigoration of the southern bank started in the 1960s with the Art Gallery and Concert Hall development and has gradually spread downstream via the Southbank precinct to Crown Casino, the Exhibition & Convention Centre and now South Wharf Promenade where our Laurels venue is located.
The cargo sheds have been restored the way they had looked between 1930 and 1938. The process proved challenging; the entire wharf was raised by 30cm during restoration, so that some of the structures were taken apart completely and reconstructed following the addition of new floor structures. One of the sheds, rather than being taken part, was rolled off site, rebuilt and rolled back into place.
Restored heritage fixtures and fittings retain the history of the sheds. Where possible, materials salvaged during the restoration process were reused. New materials, required to bring the structures in line with their new use, give a contemporary touch that doesn’t detract from the overall effect.
Further information about the 2018 Laurel Awards Dinner will be circulated via HMA E-news and emails early in the New Year. Put the date in your diary now – Tuesday, March 20.
The Laurels Organising Committee looks forward to seeing you in Melbourne!
