Events space goes on show

DOORS swung open on the redeveloped Good Shed at the Ballarat Station precinct last weekend with the general public able to check out the function and conference spaces.

The free event ran from 11am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday and was hosted by staff of the venue’s hospitality partner, Atlantic Group.

While the function space at the Goods Shed was opened in February, Atlantic Group sales and event manager Alex Moroney said the weekend was all about promoting the renovated building.

“The idea of it is to open it up to the community and showcase what it has to offer. It’s such a beautiful building that’s got so much history,” she said.

“All of our spaces are being showcased, our beautiful corporate carriage rooms, the terminus theatre and Lydiard Hall were all open for people to look at.

“There’s activations to show what these spaces can be used for and we had amazing local suppliers and kids activities throughout the weekend.”

Originally constructed in 1862, the Goods Shed went unused for many years, and now houses a 250-seat function space, 304-capasity auditorium, and 20-person conference room since its overhaul by the Pellicano Group.

About 1000 people were registered to attend throughout the weekend, which included guided tours and information hubs with staff on hand to answer questions about the spaces.

Soldiers Hill resident Pam Harris said the event was a great way to see inside the building and how it can be used.

“I think it’s great that Ballarat has this venue now. I think they’ve done a nice job of keeping the old stonework. It’s nice to see a heritage building restored and used,” she said.

“The sound carries well here and the food’s good. I was talking to one of the ladies here and she said they were all local Ballarat people for this so that’s also lovely.

“We’ve seen all the work being done from the outside the last few years so it’s nice to see what they’ve actually done.”