World-renowned Sydney LGBTQ venue the Stonewall Hotel has begun its anticipated expansion with news of a second chapter in Newtown in the works.
While the exact location has yet to be revealed, its thought Stonewall Newtown will reside toward the northern end of King Street.
Its operators tout it will be an inclusive creative hub championing self-expression, community and the artistic flair of the Inner West.
This will backdrop a strong focus on performance, showcasing drag, cabaret, live music and queer entertainers, supporting new and established artists.
Describing Newtown as the “brother or sister” of Oxford Street, Stonewall promotions and marketing manager Glenn Hansen says it’s the kind of place they like and its brethren are a big part of the plan.
“We want to listen to the creatives, listen to the people of Newtown, the Inner West, and hopefully bring something fabulous that’s still got a Stonewall feel to it,” he told Star Observer.
“We definitely want to listen to the people and try to give them what Newtown wants under the Stonewall brand.”
The much-loved venue has been a cornerstone of Oxford Street nightlife for a generation, first opening in 1997.
It has gone on to host hundreds of drag performers, with live performances every night, and is known worldwide for its involvement in Sydney Pride Month, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parties and much more.
The landmark Hotel takes its name from the Stonewall Riots in New York in 1969, giving rise to the Gay Liberation movement.
Mid-2025 the operation was acquired for an undisclosed amount by US-based hospitality company Pride Holdings Group (PHG). CEO Michael Barrett explained they saw it as “the number one LGBTQ entertainment complex in Australia”.
PHG said they aim to take the concept further and hope to roll out the Stonewall brand across Australia and Asia, with suggestion they would be announcing acquisition of Australian venues for the proposed franchise.
Hansen believes patrons are awaiting the redevelopment of Oxford Street, how it will “reinvent” itself and what will transpire.
While they have been striving to get Newtown online in time for Mardi Gras, in March, he says not everything is finalised and there is not a lot of time remaining.
“We’re still sort of working out the programming, and that might change as we go along, but we wanted to reflect what we think Newtown wants, what Newtown enjoys, and mixing that with what people like about Stonewall here.”
