Overview
Having snapped up much of Melbourne's infamous King Street strip between Collins Street and Flinders Lane, developer Lorenzo Grollo is making good on his promise to revitalise the area, announcing plans for an ambitious 400-capacity live music venue.
Part of the Grollo Group's planned King Street Revival (KSR), the Geddes Lane Ballroom will completely transform the 170-year-old site that was once home to the notorious Showgirls Bar 20, turning it into a sprawling ground-level bar and first-floor band room.
Music will be the main focus, in a nod to another of the bluestone building's past lives, when it played host to names like Tina Arena, INXS, John Farnham and Daryl Braithwaite as The Grainstore Tavern. Pitching to a new era of live music lovers and filling the gap left by some pretty significant venue closures, Geddes Lane Ballroom will feature world-class sound systems and a broad lineup of acts, booked by Ben Thompson and Ashlea O'Loughlin (The Venue Collective, 170 Russell, East Brunswick Club).
The food situation is set to be another huge drawcard, headed up by renowned Vue De Monde chef-owner Shannon Bennett. Expect fast food that's fun, yet sustainable, with cameos from favourites like Bennett's own Benny Burger and the Lui Bar's legendary sausage rolls. The team's been busy customising special food vending machines, which'll serve things like salad bowls and snacks, to enjoy alongside retro cocktails and local beers. They're also looking at incorporating cashless technology throughout the venue, so you won't have to fumble around with notes at the bar while wasting precious gig time.
As for the fitout, Grollo says, "but for the removal of some 'choice' objects and elements from its former use, we're deliberately embracing the wonderful bones of this 1850s Melbourne icon." We can only assume that means the heritage elements are staying put and the stripper poles are getting turfed.
The adjoining Geddes Lane will also be a part of the fun, playing host to a hefty program of food vans, street art, projections and pop-ups.
Geddes Lane Ballroom is slated to open at 46 King Street, Melbourne, in the coming months.
Image: Jason Edwards.