Last year after almost four decades, it was announced that iconic Sydney venue The Midnight Shift was set to close its doors for good.
The property was purchased in June this year by Universal Hotels, who also own the Oxford, Kinselas and Brighton Hotel, for $12 million as reported by Commercial Real Estate.
After consulting the community through an online survey, the new owners have just announced they will be reopening on the October long weekend as Universal.
After opening in 1981, The Midnight Shift quickly became popular amongst the Sydney club and gay community. The venue was so popular that new venue owner Jim Kospetas said they "had over 1000 responses [to the online survey] in the first 24 hours which told [them] that [they] hadn’t just acquired a building, [they'd] acquired something that the community is really passionate about".
"Reading through the responses from the survey, it was obvious the venue has strong sentimental value to a lot of people," Kospetas said.
"75% of survey respondents were of the view that everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender, should be welcome in the venue.
"We are accordingly creating a safe, inclusive space that is open to all. We have complete respect for the venue’s history and the special role that it has played for the LGBTIQA+ community.
"The Midnight Shift has given us huge shoes to fill, and we don’t feel that we can do the name justice. The Midnight Shift has a huge legacy and we feel it deserves its own special place in history. The venue will reopen as Universal. Universal will be an evolution of the Midnight Shift, rather than a revolution.
"Universal means love, unity and inclusivity. Universal is a safe place for all humans to connect with each other."
Universal's entertainment manager Mel Eishou has curated a massive launch weekend including a new monthly event FAB set to feature live performances, drag and DJs on Friday 28 September.
On the Saturday, the venue will launch its weekly event Satori, "a platform supporting all forms of creative expression" and to wrap up the launch weekend, Sunday will feature a full venue takeover by Sydney Fringe Festival.
Comments