Odd Culture Group is assuming operations of iconic Sydney LGBTQIA+ venue The Imperial Hotel Erskineville in partnership with its current proprietors Universal Hotels.

The venue, affectionately known as “The Impy”, will undergo a $5 million redevelopment in early-2027 as part of joint venture securing both groups’ long-term investment in the future of queer nightlife and artistic expression in Sydney.

Odd Culture Group Founder & Director James Thorpe said: “The Imperial has spent more than forty years helping to shape Sydney’s queer culture. This redevelopment is one of the biggest investments in its history, but more importantly, it’s an
investment in the next 40 years.

“Our ambition is not simply to preserve one of Australia’s most iconic queer venues, but to ensure it continues to evolve as one of the world’s great queer institutions for generations to come.”

The redevelopment will see The Impy’s ground floor footprint almost doubled through the creation of an expanded beer garden to make it one of the largest in the Inner West. Other major changes include the launch of a new 24-hour club at the venue, alongside wider general restoration, dining, and experience offering updates.

Universal Hotels’ COO Richie Haines said: “We’ve been taking our time obtaining the necessary planning approvals, and carefully considering the future of the venue.

“We’re committed to making The Imperial the best it can be, for the local and broader community. Partnering with Odd Culture Group will ensure that happens – we’re impressed with their ambition, and confident that we can work together to bring it to life.”

Odd Culture Group, known for its portfolio of inclusive and diverse venues across Sydney, said joining forces with Universal Hotels (Universal, The Oxford, The Riley) highlights the groups’ aligned confidence in preserving the cultural expression of queer nightlife and creating world-class spaces where members of the community can thrive.

“The past few months have shown just how fragile queer cultural infrastructure can be,” Thorpe said. “Creative spaces don’t just need operators with ambition, they need landlords with the conviction to stand behind them.

“Both Odd Culture and Universal Hotels understand that queer venues are living cultural institutions. They’re places where artists experiment, communities gather and culture continues to evolve. That isn’t always comfortable, and it isn’t always universally embraced, but it’s essential.

“That’s what makes this partnership so exciting: we’re aligned in our commitment to protecting the Impy’s legacy while giving it the confidence to be ambitious.”

The redevelopment, in particular the introduction of the 24-hour club, will also play a key role in the rebuilding of Sydney’s night-time economy following the lockout laws of 2014.

“Sydney has come a long way since the lockout laws with vibrancy reforms creating the conditions for nightlife to flourish again,” said Thorpe.

“But we feel there is still a gap in the form of a truly ambitious large-format club capable of standing alongside the world’s best. So we are aspiring to contribute to this missing piece by creating one of the world’s great queer clubs and a destination capable of attracting audiences from around Australia and overseas.”

Universal Hotels acquired The Impy in 2023 from The Sydney Collective’s Fraser Short and Australian Hotels Association NSW President Scott Leach who saved the site from closure in 2015.

Constructed in 1880, The Impy has been an institution and symbol of the queer community after it was purchased by local entrepreneur Dawn O’Donnell, most notably appearing in the cult film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Last year, the venue was also added to the NSW State Heritage Register for its deep cultural and historical significance.

The Impy will continue to run regular operations, with more details on the restoration and venue offerings to come in the coming months.