Docklands loses two events

The redevelopment of NewQuay Central has resulted in Docklands losing two popular annual public events.

Melbourne Summer Japanese Festival organisers have confirmed that the event won’t be held in Docklands next year. And Orygen Youth Health has announced that its annual Suit Up and Ride event is moving to Alexandra Gardens.

The Summer Japanese Festival has been held in the piazza for the past four years while Suit Up and Ride has held three Docklands-based events.

The loss of the both events is disappointing for Docklands as they attracted large crowds.

About 15,000 people attended the Summer Festival in February this year.

Event organisers were told at the end of 2012 that the venue might not be available in 2014 due to the planned NewQuay Central development.

The redevelopment plans have now been pushed back and the festival organisers were told they could book the site but the booking could be cancelled up until four months before the event.

The organising committee started looking for a new venue when they heard the piazza would not be available and have confirmed that Federation Square had been booked for the 2014 festival.

Suit Up and Ride organiser Lisa Bird said: “This being our fourth year and with the uncertainty around the development of Waterfront City for this year and the future, we thought it best if we try and find a new ‘home’ for the event.”

“After traipsing all over town, we have settled on the Alexandra Gardens in front of the boat sheds and along Boat House Drive. This has been confirmed by City of Melbourne this week as our new spot.”

“I’m sad we won’t be back at the Docklands and Waterfront City. We’ve really enjoyed having the event there,” Ms Bird said.