The South Wharf show starts

The first spark in the new lives of South Wharf’s historic wharf sheds was ignited last month with the opening of Showtime Events Centre in Shed 11.

In a glamorous “trade” night opening on June 20, manager Eamon Walmsley demonstrated the multi-faceted nature of the venue with a fashion parade, wedding display, corporate event display and the very popular burlesque dancer “Strawberry Siren” (pictured).

Mr Walmsley spoke of his expectation that South Wharf would become Melbourne’s prime location for wining and dining.

The flexible venue space is one of five inter-related businesses which are among 23 food and beverage tenants of Plenary Group.

The row of historic sheds are a significant lure to bring shoppers to the South Wharf DFO complex.

A Plenary Group spokesperson was reluctant to reveal the extent of the tenancies but said he expected all venues to be operational in time for the spring carnival.

Wharf shed tenants had been left in limbo for more than a year – caught up in a dispute which was finally resolved when over-extended previous part-owner Austexx sold its interests in the wider South Wharf development to Colonial First State.

Showtime is a miniature Central Pier, which is interesting considering that Atlantic Group V was relocated to Docklands from South Wharf in 2007 to make way for a major redevelopment.

Mr Walmsley said Shed 11 was previously known as Shed 9 before it was disassembled, refurbished and lovingly reconstruction a short distance away from its previous location.