Sydney institution Stonewall Hotel has closed its doors after 28 years of operation on Oxford Street.
News broke on Monday evening that Stonewall had entered into administration following a photo posted of a notice of the venue’s exterior.
“This business is now under the control of Vanguard Insolvency Australia Pty Ltd…The affairs and assets of the company are now under the control of the Administrator,” the notice read.
Stonewall Oxford Street was already not operating, having closed its doors for renovations following Mardi Gras.
The receivership has come as a shock to the community, as Stonewall had recently opened up Stonewall Newtown and even last year had been purchased by American outfit Pride Group Holdings.
It’s unclear when staff were informed of the closure, with Promotions and Marketing manager Glenn Hansen even telling Gay Sydney Daily on March 9 that building repairs were underway with a plan to be fully operational shortly.
“Hopefully when all the development is finished Stonewall Oxford Street will also go back to seven days a week,” he said.
It now seems Stonewall has chosen Newtown for its future over Oxford St, with director Craig Bell saying in a statement that it’s story was far from over.
“The party will continue as we embrace our new home in Newtown, carrying forward the spirit and community that has defined us for so long,” he said.
Bell said it was a difficult and sad decision given the time they’d spent on the strip.
“Stonewall began its journey 28 years ago, transforming an empty bank into something truly special,” he said.
“It seems that nearly everyone you meet who knows Stonewall has a story to share, a tale to boast about, or a cherished experience linked to our venue.”
During their time on Oxford St, Bell said they had witnessed astonishing changes, going from blacked-out windows to a more open stance.
“We have celebrated the victory of equal marriage rights and the transformation of venues that now open themselves fully to the street,” he said.
Already tributes are flowing in for the space, with many reflecting on their stories inside the Heritage-listed site.
“I love Stonewall as a venue, it’s actually the place I had my very first same-sex kiss so it has a really close place in my heart,” said Sydney MP Alex Greenwich.
“I am so devastated. Stonewall has always been a safe place and a home on Oxford Street,” said Kevininthecity.
“The first establishment to hire me as a dancer 18 years ago. Thank you for the memories and the moments that are a massive part of my story,” said Heath Keating.
“I wouldn’t even have my husband today if you didn’t give him a job 10 years ago when he moved from the country. A sad day for us all,” said Damnit Janet.
Pride Group Holdings purchased Stonewall last year saying it was proud to add the venue to it’s group.
“A pillar of the Australian queer community for nearly three decades, Stonewall Hotel has long been a beacon of inclusion, celebration, and resilience,” said Pride Group at the time.
It’s unclear if their plans to turn the top level into a Johnsons will come to fruition or what will happen to the space going forward.
Pride Group Holdings has been reached out to for comment.
