FAQ's

What is the Sapphire Room capacity?

The Sapphire Room holds 205 people including staff. Capacity is dependent on how much of the venue you hire and if your event is seated or standing. Contact our office through the details on the Sapphire Room page to find out if it works for you.

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How much does it cost to hire?

Rates will depend on many factors and range from $750 - $2,500 plus GST. We offer special rates for meetings and small events held during off-peak hours. Off-peak hours are 7am to 3pm daily.

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Where is the Sapphire Room?

The Sapphire Room is located upstairs in Ponsonby Central. You will find the stairs to the Sapphire Room in the lane opposite Dante’s Pizzeria.

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Do you have Wheelchair Access?

Yes, there is a lift in the adjacent building and the lift is accessible from the basement car park and the second laneway at Ponsonby Central, Richmond Road level.

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Do you provide catering?

No, you are free to choose your own caterer or contact one of our eateries within Ponsonby Central to cater your event. If you are hosting a meeting and would like to send your delegates downstairs to choose their own lunch, you can purchase Ponsonby Central vouchers for them to use. The Sapphire Room is a naked hire so doesn't come with any cutlery, crockery, glassware etc.  

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Do you have preferred suppliers?

Yes, we have a list of trusted suppliers who know the venue well, including caterers, furniture hire, approved DJs and wait/bar staff if required. However, you are free to use any caterer you like.

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Can I serve alcohol at my event?

Yes, you may provide alcohol free of charge at your private event.  We do not permit cash bars.

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Do I need a liquor license?

For private (closed events) where alcohol is being provided free of charge, no license is required. We do not permit a cash bar. If you are hosting a ticked event and alcohol is being provided, then you must engage a caterer with their own existing liquor license, one-off applications for liquor licenses will not be supported by the venue.

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Do you have furniture for hire?

We do have a limited number of couches and armchairs that come with the venue free of charge. We also have Octoberfest trestles and benches for hire at an additional cost (see a sample on the Sapphire Room page). If you are planning a larger event, we recommend you hire additional furniture.

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What music/audio/visual options do I have?

We have audio and visual equipment for hire at an additional cost, including plug-n-play music (from your phone or laptop) projector (fixed position in Sapphire Two) and cordless handheld microphone. This is suitable for all events as well as meetings. If you would like to have a DJ, this needs to be approved by our Property Manager. We don't allow live bands or additional speakers or amplifiers to be used in the Sapphire Room.

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How late can my event run?

Being in an residential area, all events must be finished by 11pm.

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Can I come to view the venue?

Yes, you are more than welcome to come and take a look. We can meet you onsite (weekdays only) and answer any questions that you may have. Just check with us first that it is going to be vacant on the day you wish to visit.

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Will there be someone available on-site when I have my event?

We are always available via mobile throughout your event; however, we will not always be onsite for every event. A familiarisation run through of the venue is offered prior to the event to ensure everything runs smoothly on the night.

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Where can my guests park?

Ponsonby Central has an underground car park, entrance on Brown Street. The first half hour is free and then it is $3 for every half hour. We do offer early bird parking if you are hosting a meeting or corporate event. Click here to see the details of our carpark.

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