The end appears to have come for one of Sydney's most iconic LGBTIQ venues. After a difficult few months that included two 72-hour closure orders by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing on drug-related offences, The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville was this week sold to new owners, who intend to reinvent the venue as a high-end restaurant.

According to Gay News Network, former owner Shadd Danesi has sold the troubled venue to Fraser Short and Scott Leach, who between them operate a number of sites around town including The Morrison, Watson’s Bay Hotel and Rose of Australia. The pair told the news service that the hotel would remain closed for the next few months while they locked down plans for its future, and have promised to consult with members of the local LGBTIQ community.

"We recognise the Imperial’s importance to the LGBTIQ community and we will be reaching out to the community in coming months as we try to create something unique and special with the venue, whilst acknowledging its LGBTIQ heritage," said Leach.

The sale was apparently inked for around $6.5 million, and the duo plans to commit an additional $3 million for renovations. "We are injecting funds immediately to start creating a modern food and beverage option for the venue," said Short. "This will include the introduction of a custom kitchen and high end restaurant business to meet the local community demand."

A stalwart LGBTIQ venue for the past 13 years, and one the stars from 1994's iconic film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The Imperial ran into troubled earlier this year when Danesi leased the venue to Spice Group International, who previously ran the Spice Cellar in Martin Place. Police raided the premises in June, leading to the first 72-hour closure after staff members were alleged to have been caught using illicit drugs. The venue was again closed in July, and has remained that way ever since.

Via GNN.

Image: J Bar, Wikimedia Commons.

Published on August 28, 2015 by Tom Clift