Aura – the new venue taking over the site of Sydney’s iconic Arq nightclub – will open in June and offer Friday nights to queer promoters, including some of the biggest names in the city’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife scene.
Aura told GSN Friday nights will feature a rotating roster of promoter-led events from nightlife legends like Kam Shafaati from Thick ‘N’ Juicy.
Meanwhile, it said discussions are under way with other major players, including with the team behind Poof Doof and with Jesse Lawson from GAYM Entertainment – the promoter behind DéjàVu, Sanctuary, Shiprekt, Morning Glory, FAME and the annual Horrorween Festival.
Saturdays – Oxford Street’s busiest night – will be curated by Aura itself, with a house and techno music focus across both floors of the venue.
The venue is undergoing a full transformation, including a new sound system, next-generation lighting, refreshed interiors and the revival of a hidden chill-out space downstairs – a nod to the discreet low-lit room that long-time Arq patrons will remember.
This reimagined sensory retreat is inspired by the laid-back, ambient energy of Ibiza’s famed Café del Mar – known for its relaxed vibe and downtempo soundtracks – and is designed to offer a calm escape from the high-energy dance floors.
A dimly lit corridor that connects to next-door sex-on-premises venue Sauna X by 357 – known colloquially as the “sex tunnel” – remains in place. With Aura now confirming it will host queer events, there’s every reason to expect it could be activated again, reviving a feature that was only used a few times after launching during Sydney Mardi Gras in February.
The new ownership will retain Arq’s existing management team (manager Greg Parker and licensee Lynh Pham), ensuring “continuity, integrity, and the preservation of long standing relationships with promoters”.
“We’re not here to wipe the slate clean,” said Aura co-owner Dave Auld.
“We’re here to build on a foundation of loyalty, passion, and culture, evolving it for a new generation, while honouring the community that made this place iconic.”
Auld is the co-founder of straight-orientated Oxford Street nightclub Noir and the co-owner of boat-for-hire businesses Oasis and Seadeck.
“ARQ has always been an impressive venue, it’s a purpose built nightclub that’s lasted the test of time,” he said.
“26 years is an incredible run and we acknowledge that legacy with great respect.
“But like most things, it’s time for
evolution. AURA is our next chapter, one that celebrates the heritage while
pushing the boundaries of what a modern nightclub can be.”
The reboot follows the closure of Arq in late March, which marked the end of its 26-year run as a cornerstone of Sydney’s queer nightlife.
As GSN previously reported, Arq’s fish were rehomed with a regular after the club’s final night – a small but telling gesture that reflected the venue’s deep connection to its community.
The fish tank will remain at Aura, GSN has been told, and will be replenished.
Aura also revealed to GSN the “all-star team” behind the new club, which in addition to Auld includes:
- Riccardo Monfardini – Founder of Movement Agency and Movement Oz, alongside his brother Umberto
- Bryan Ro – Founder of Puzzles Records, MyPresskit.info, and Tapstar.id; and
- Justin Muscat – Founder of ALLFRIENDS & RAW
Thursdays at Aura will have a Carnivàle theme – a Latin-inspired “explosion of music, dance, live performances, and jaw-dropping surprises” that will be “open to all”.
Meanwhile, Saturdays will feature two floors of non-stop house music: the top room will play melodic, afro, and commercial house featuring both international and local DJs while the bottom room will pump deep house and techno.
Gay Sydney News editor