Sydney icon The Imperial Hotel set for $5m overhaul
An iconic pub in Sydney’s Inner West is set for a multi-million-dollar redevelopment that will expand its beer garden and add a 24-hour club to the venue.
The $5 million overhaul of The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville will almost double the size of its ground floor, adding a larger beer garden, a 24-hour club and upgrades to its dining and entertainment areas.
The redevelopment plans come as hospitality group Odd Culture takes over operations of the venue from September 1 this year in partnership with owner Universal Hotels.
Odd Culture is one of the biggest pub operators in the Inner West, with venues including The Duke of Enmore, Pleasure Club, Odd Culture, Bar Bruno and The Old Fitzroy Hotel.
The group also previously took the reins of the Oxford Tavern in Petersham before stepping away from the venue in 2023. “The Tav” sat entirely empty until it hit the market this year.
Odd Culture founder James Thorpe said the cash injection was to ensure “The Impy” remained at the heart of Sydney’s queer community.
“The Imperial has spent more than 40 years helping to shape Sydney’s queer culture. This redevelopment is one of the biggest investments in its history, but more importantly, it’s an investment in the next 40 years,” Thorpe said in a statement to nine.com.au.
Thorpe said the project aims to play a role in the rebuilding of Sydney’s night-time economy following the lockout laws introduced in 2014.
“We’re aspiring to contribute to this missing piece by creating one of the world’s great queer clubs and a destination capable of attracting audiences from around Australia and overseas,” he said.
Universal Hotels chief operating officer Richie Haines said the company had taken its time navigating necessary planning approvals and carefully considering the venue’s future.
“We’re committed to making The Imperial the best it can be, for the local and broader community,” Haines said.
Built in 1880, The Imperial became an institution of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community after it was purchased by local entrepreneur Dawn O’Donnell, most notably appearing in the cult film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
The venue was added to the NSW State Heritage Register last year in recognition of its deep cultural and historical significance.
“Creative spaces don’t just need operators with ambition, they need landlords with the conviction to stand behind them,” Thorpe added.
The redevelopment is expected to begin in early 2027, with the hotel continuing to operate in the meantime.
