Venues Update: Budget blowouts, inaugural awards & court appearances

OPERATING COST BLOWOUT FOR PERTH’S OPTUS STADIUM

Building costs for Perth’s Optus Stadium went well over the $1 billion mark.

So it’s not surprising that a Treasury report into its first 12 months of operation finds that running costs are escalating.

The West Australian reported, “The WA government (is) now bracing for a $54.5 million blowout over three years.”

Breaking it down, the stadium was expected to generate revenues of $37.7 million generated over three years.

However more-than-expected expenditure of $54.5 million equated to a shortfall of $16.8 million – which the WA taxpayer has to pay out for.

THE PRINCE LAUNCHES WOMEN OF INFLUENCE AWARDS

The Prince Hotel in St. Kilda, Melbourne, is holding its inaugural Women of Influence: Inspiring Women in Hospitality event on Monday, June 3.

A celebration of female leadership and excellence in the hospitality industry, this lunch and discussion forum is aimed at female hospitality professionals across every sector of the industry and every level of experience – from those who have already carved a successful career to those who aspire to do so.

The panellists include Vicki Wild (Sepia restaurant, Sydney), Fleur Studd (founder of Melbourne Coffee Merchants and co-founder of Market Lane Coffee), award-winning winemaker Katherine Brown, chef, restaurateur, farmer and forager Jo Corrigan and Prince Hotel operations manager Jess Harker.

PERTH BOUNCER DENIES ASSAULT CHARGES

Ishmar Muhammad, 48, a bouncer at Northbridge nightspot Coconut Grove Bar, pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting 19-year old Mitchell Clark.

Clark, younger brother of Geelong AFL footballer Jordan

Tim Clarke needed emergency surgery on a broken jaw.

His family contended that he was put in a headlock when being taken out of the venue, and then had his jaw broken in three places when he was released from the hold, which caused him to hit his head on the pavement.

DESIGNER ANNOUNCED FOR BRISBANE THEATRE

The Queensland government announced architect Blight Rayner + Snøhetta would design the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s new 1500-seat performing arts theatre at South Brisbane.

The firm was chosen from a shortlist of five design companies.

The Palaszczuk government’s committed $125 million towards the new $150 million theatre, said to be the largest investment in Queensland arts infrastructure since the Gallery of Modern Art.

The new theatre will see QPAC become Australia’s largest

performing arts centre, allowing  260 extra performances and 300,000 visitors every year.

BIMBO BACK AFTER FIRE

After being out of action after a fire 12 months ago, Fitzroy’s Bimbo Deluxe returns on Wednesday, May 22.

The venue on the buoyant Brunswick Street will now be known as Bimbo.

A new live music schedule has bee drawn up, along with acoustic music sets on Tuesdays and emerging northside talent on Fridays.

Bimbo’s revamp includes an upgraded design, new art, and new booth seating.

REVENGE ATTACK OVER LOVE MACHINE SHOOTING?

Police are still investigating the drive-by shooting at the Love Machine nightclub in Melbourne’s Prahran, which left two dead, and four in hospital.

The Age reports the shooting was the work of two sons of “a prominent Middle Eastern crime figure”.

The paper’s story is that one of the sons – both in their early 20s – was thrown out of the club, and revenge was the motive.

The father is described as having “links to an outlaw motorcycle gang. The Lebanese-born man has an extensive history of involvement in extortion, drugs, firearms and violence,” The Age stated.

RIVERLAND CHANGES HANDS

Music showcasing Riverland in Brisbane has changed hands.

Australian Venue Co’s new Queensland arm Queensland Venue Co (QVC) bought the riverside venuefrom Craig Shearer’s Open Arms Hospitality as its first acquisition.

HEMMES OFFERS 40% OF ALL DRNKS

Justin Hemmes announced that all the venues in his Merivale portfolio – including the ones involved in music as hemmesphere, ivy den & lounge, ivy Pool Club and Slip Inn –  are bringing back their 49% off deal across all their bars and pubs, across all drinks, every day in June, between 5pm and 7pm.