If the walls could talk: Melbourne's iconic 'Revs' hits the market
Revolver, or lovingly known by local night owls as ‘Revs’, has long held a reputation as Melbourne’s most scandalous nightclub, where if the walls could talk, you might not want to know the dirty details.
Now, the sprawling mixed-use property, which also includes 24 Macquarie Street, has hit the market, offering buyers the chance to be the new local legend.
“We feel quite lucky to be appointed, given the history of the property,” Sean Cussell at Christie’s International Real Estate says.
“There really aren’t that many buildings in Victoria that represent pop culture in the way this one does – and Revolver is probably the epicentre of that. This isn’t just a building – it’s part of Melbourne’s identity.”
For more than two decades, Revolver has been a magnet for musicians, DJs and party-goers, famous for its secret sets, tasty techno and 72-hour benders thanks to the club’s 24-hour liquor licence.
However, there’s more to Revolver than being the go-to destination for ‘kick-ons’. The building was constructed around 1897, destroyed by a fire, and then rebuilt in 1914. Revolver was established by Thai pop star Tan Punturaumporn and venue manager Camillo Ippoliti and opened its doors to the public in 1997. Little did these two know it would go on to become Melbourne’s longest-running nightclub.
The entire building spans roughly 1286 square metres of land across 2730 square metres of floor space over three levels, with dual frontages to Chapel and Macquarie streets. It’s also sold fully tenanted, making it an alluring turnkey investment that will generate income from multiple streams and includes the popular Thai restaurant Colonel Tan’s, Revolver Lane co-working and events hub, retail spaces, a cafe, and a large warehouse-style apartment, which one of the owners currently occupies.
“It’s full of surprises – every time you walk through, you discover something new,” says Cussell.
“For the next owner, there’s enormous potential to reposition or redevelop in the future. It could be converted into residential, a hotel, or even a larger music venue. The possibilities are wide-ranging because of its size and configuration.”
While investors will no doubt analyse yields and zoning potential, few commercial properties come with the same outrageous reputation as Revolver, which reaches far beyond Melbourne, having hosted international artists such as Snoop Dogg, Fatboy Slim and Fred Again, along with countless local acts that shaped the city’s underground music and arts scene.
“Given the amount of international celebrities who’ve played there or hung out there, there’s definitely global recognition that will no doubt attract international investors,” Cussell says.
Its interiors are filled with vintage furniture and eclectic design touches collected over time, which are also sold with the building.
After decades under shared ownership, the vendors have decided it’s time for a new chapter.
“There are a number of owners, and they just feel like it’s time to hand over the keys,” Cussell says.
“They’ve held it for many years, and it’s ready for the next custodian to carry its legacy forward.”
While Chapel Street continues to evolve with new developments, retail, restaurants, and cafes, Revolver remains a beacon of what the street has offered the community throughout the years: a place where inhibitions are let loose.
“There have been a lot of infamous moments here – but that’s what makes it special. It’s part of our history, and that energy is what makes Melbourne what it is,” says Cussell.
