When, a little over a year ago, CTS ran a story about reception centres of the western suburbs, it won a lot of readers.

As explained then, it was inspired – largely – by the derelict building on Sunshine Road in Tottenham.

I’d always assumed it was a reception centre.

But when I stopped to photograph it, I wasn’t so sure – it seemed a mite small.

Back then, a reader assured me of its reception centre credentials and that it was destined for new life as the new location of the long-standing Happy Receptions on Union Road in Ascot Vale.

And now?

Lo – it has become so!

It’s bright and shiny and new and very big.

So far as I can tell, none of the original structures remain in place.

As I park, the owner is quickly on to me – i.e. wondering what the hell I’m up to.

He relaxes, but remains guarded, as I express my interest.

He tells they’ll be opening in a couple of weeks and there’s already a stack of bookings.

There’s actually two reception facilities.

The one on the left, unfinished as yet, appears smaller, but the owner tells me it’s actually bigger.

The reason for the move from Ascot Vale after 40 years?

There’s a real problem for guest parking there.

And, of course, the land is very valuable.

Destined, the boss tells me, for apartments.

Gee, what a surprise!

I’d love to do a fly-on-the-wall story of a typical reception centre wedding/celebration Saturday night: The staff, the cooks, the band, the food, the guests, the lot!

Have put it one outfit, but they never got back to me.

This guy was pleasant enough, but sufficiently reticent for me to think he’s not a good candidate!

See original story here.

Wedding receptions and other big parties/gatherings are held, of course, in many venues across the west – at Werribee Mansion, for example.

But here I am concerned here only with those that bill themselves as reception centres.

I love them!

The above photo was taken while I was attending a recent political fundraiser at 501 Receptions in West Footscray.

In all but one of the other cases, I gained access to the centres simply by walking in.

I took a heap of interior photos – and was even given a guided tour by management in one case.

But the rooms were all either being cleaned up by staff and/or prepared for the next function.

As such, I have chosen not use such photos as it would be unfair.

But what impressed me in all cases was the hushed grandeur of the reception rooms – especially the big ones.

And I admired the architectural skill that creates such grand rooms almost totally without pillars.

All these places spoke to me deeply in terms of community gatherings, of weddings and 21sts and balls and many generations of celebrations.

Of hopes and dreams.

I’d be super thrilled and grateful if any readers would care to chip in with their memories of attending functions at any of these places!

501 Receptions, Barkly Street, West Footscray

Sheldon Recepotion & Convention Centre, Somerville Road, Sunshine West.

Grand Star Reception & Convention Centre, Grieve Parade, Altona North

White Knight Receptions, Hampstead Road, Maidstone

Ultima Function Centre, Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park

Lakeside Banquest & Convention Centre, Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes

The Luxor Function Centre, Sydenham Road, Taylors Lakes

Unknown, Sunshine Road, Tottenham

I’m including this because it was actually this derelict building on Sunshine Road in Tottenham that inspired a reception centre post.

Having driven past it countless times, often wondering about its history, I’d always assumed it was – or had been – a reception centre.

But upon stopping to take photographs, I realised it simply doesn’t seem big or grand enough.

Does anyone know its story?