Sydney’s Midnight Shift to return under new owner, reportedly moving from its LBTIQ+ past

One of the most iconic Sydney LBTIQ+ nightspots is about to make a comeback – but seemingly as an all-welcome live music venue as part of “a new direction”.

Midnight Shift on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst, which began in 1980 as a 528-capacity men’s disco, has been on the market since last year and closed in spring.

It has been bought by hospitality group Universal Hotels for a reported $12 million.

The new owner wants to be part of the move to revitalise Oxford Street, with a wide demographic and good dining.

However Universal will finalise plans only after consultation with the local Darlinghurst community, to tap into the area’s growing nighttime buoyancy.

The upstairs section of the Midnight Shift building is being renovated to host live performances.

Universal has been picking up properties in the area in the last 12 months.

These included Kinselas Hotel for $23 million in May 2017, as well as the Brighton Hotel in October and Oxford Hotel and in December.

Managing director Jim Kospetas told PUBtic: “Our push is to give each venue a different offering, but also to revitalise the area and bring people back to Oxford Street.

“It’s such an amazing precinct, so close to the city.

“Where previously the world was gay venues or not, now you’ve got to be open to everybody.

“Open it up to what Oxford Street is these days.”