In 1881, the construction of the First Torrens Weir transformed the string of stagnant pools into a lake. By the 1920's a floating dance hall sat alongside the southern bank - The "Flaoting Palais de Danse" was an exotic building with 5 decorative domes, colourful paintwork and twin decks - up to 700 patrons could promenade on the upper deck or dance downstairs.