Lakeside Pavilion, at 34 Lakeside Drive, Albert Park, in Melbourne, opened as The Park in 2000 but the history of the site extends back nearly a century, with a deep connection to the lake which it overlooks.
The building itself was constructed in the early 20th century as use of Albert Park Lake increased. The lake itself was originally created in the 1860s as part of the development of the park. It was formed by damming the area and constructing a series of artificial waterways.
Originally designed as a place for social gatherings, events, and performances overlooking the Lake, over time, the Pavilion became a venue hosting a variety of activities, from music performances to outdoor dining, and even hosting celebrations and events in the area.
For many years the venue served as a boathouse for Power House Rowing Club, and was known as Power House.
The governor of Victoria in the late 1920s Lord Arthur Somers founded Lord Somers Camp in 1929 to break down social down social barriers and foster understanding among young people of different backgrounds.
The Power House organisation was formed in 1931 to establish sporting clubs that would keep camp members connected to each other. The organisation built what became known as the McAdam clubhouse in 1932 on the banks of Albert Park Lake, on condition that a rowing club was created.
In 1932 Power House was established in Albert Park to continue to connect the community after these annual camps. Power House Rowing Club (PHRC) was officially formed in 1933. Power House rowing club was one of the first clubs to come out of the Power House club house.
The current building, on which construction began in 1964 and was completed in 1965, replaced earlier boat sheds on the site. In 1964 the original building with tradition triangle shaped roof was replaced with a building design by Overend Architects with the iconic curved roof structure
When the building was reopened that year it housed a basketball court, squash court, theatre, rowing and sporting clubs along with many other community pursuits.
In the 1970s fundraising Sunday night dances at the Power House were the place to be in Melbourne.