The sticky dance floor, thumping music and flashing lights have been replaced by charcoal timber panelling and mood lighting at what was one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular nightclubs.
What was known as Friday’s on the Wharf in the 80s, 90s and noughties, and later The Helm, has become the tasteful Savvy Up, a sophisticated function centre for wedding receptions, parties and corporate breakfast meetings.
The conversion marks the end of an era for Mooloolaba’s longest continuous nightclub premises.
As Friday’s and later The Helm, it was the place where the under 30s swarmed at the end of the working week to drink too much, try to dance and maybe have a “pash”.
In its heyday, Friday’s hosted top live acts such as You Am I, Powderfinger and Regurgitator.
If no bands were playing, some of those on the packed dance floor would jump up and perform their best robot moves or moon walks on the stage.
A busy Friday night would see revelers standing four-deep at the bar waiting to be served.
It also held events such as the Miss Mooloolaba competition.
Some of the traditions of Friday’s continued when it was rebadged The Helm, but that closed suddenly two years ago with little information given about its future apart from, “watch this space”.
At the time, the ALH group had closed the Wharf Tavern below it to refurbish and re-open as the Savvy Squire Brewhouse.
Like stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast? So do we. Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register
Nicola Spencer, ALH group function and sales manager for the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast, said there had been some hesitation about re-opening The Helm as a nightclub.
She said that after some discussion, the decision was made to convert it to a waterfront function venue.
“The last night at The Helm, there had been carpark parties, the police were there. It wasn’t what the Squire brand was about.
“They wanted a nice area, a nice place to have a party or a wedding, something different on the Sunshine Coast, and completely separated themselves from the nightclub scene,” Nicola said.
One of the major changes made to the venue has been to open up a wall with floor-to-ceiling glass to make the most of views of the Mooloolaba harbour and Mooloolah River.
The carpet on the stairs has been removed and replaced with new, charcoal carpet and the floors inside have been ripped up and replaced, with timber and tiles at one end and carpet in the other, cosier end.
“It’s really beautiful and the staircase is just lovely,” Nicola said.
A stage area remains and has been curtained off pending possible future use but another raised concrete area has been completely removed.
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/scnews2020/
The area seats 120-150 and has been furnished with timber tables and chairs but arrangements can be made to clear an area for dancing if required.
The décor is tasteful and lends itself to personalised décor for individual functions, including Cup days, conferences and fashion shows.
There are two bars and the venue is serviced by the kitchen below in the Savvy Squire which can provide cocktail and “feasting” food.
Stay up-to-date and join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our free daily news bulletin: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register.
Nicola pointed out that the venue was open for functions only and not to the general public on a walk-in basis.
“Although we might do something like themed lunches down the track, maybe selling 50 tickets or something like that,” she said.
The aim was to make Savvy Up the place where locals held their celebrations.
“We really want to be part of the community. We want to work with the local residents and be the place where they want to have weddings or other functions.”
Those mourning the venue’s nightclub days may be comforted by the fact that a photographic “wall of fame” remains, behind closed doors, and consideration is being given to auctioning The Helm sign in the future for charity.
