Sydney’s queer nightlife scene has been through some tough times in the last few years with several LGBTI venues closing their doors.
The state’s tough lock-out laws have been blamed for the downturn in business that made it too hard for some venue’s to keep operating.
There may be some good news though, The Midnight Shirt – which closed last year- has got a new owner.
Commercial Real Estate has reported that the Universal Hotel’s Group has purchased the venue and will be consulting with the local Darlinghurst community as they work how to best redevelop the location.
Jim Kospetas, the Managing Director of the organisation said they recognised the historical significance of the venue to many people.
“We respect the Darlinghurst community and also the Midnight Shift’s heritage as one of the state’s first gay venues,” Kospetas said. “We plan to consult at length with the community in order to formulate our vision for the venue.”
The venue is just of four the group have recently bought in the area. The company reportedly paid $12 million for the building, although they have declined to confirm the sale price.
The Midnight Shift opened in 1980 and operated for 37 years.
OIP Staff
