Nightclub Aura has ceased operations following a decision by the external administrators, with the keys handed back to the original owners.
It was previously reported last Friday by Gay Sydney Daily that Aura, located off Oxford Street, had entered into voluntary administration.
Helm Advisory was appointed at the start of May to manage the nightclub, with the administrators initially telling GSD that trading would continue as normal.
The stated intention at the time was to continue business as usual with the aim of turning the business around.
However, it has since been confirmed to GSD that the decision was made last week by Helm that the business was not in a financial position to continue operating.
This was why Poof Doof’s Red Rave was unable to take place at Aura last week.
In emails seen by GSD, all employees were told they were terminated on Tuesday, May 19, effective immediately.
“You must cease any work that you are currently undertaking for the Company,” the email reads.
Helm Advisory further confirmed to GSD that the keys had been handed back to the property’s owner, former ARQ owner Shadd Danesi.
Danesi confirmed to GSD that he had received the keys to the venue and that there was potential for new life to be breathed into the building.
“I am considering what to do,” he said.
“I will be looking at all the options presented to me.”
What this means in the interim is unknown, as the venue had a number of parties scheduled to take place there.
Bear Pit was meant to be held on Saturday, May 23, but they have already confirmed they are moving the event to Trough.
Thick N Juicy is scheduled to hold an event on June 5, but GSD was unable to confirm what its new plans were.
Club Mince was also set to hold its 15th birthday there on June 7, with its organisers telling GSD they have been assured the event will be able to go ahead.
Aura has been trading in the venue formerly known as Arq since 2025.
