Sydney queer museum and cultural centre Qtopia has been granted a five-year lease extension by the City of Sydney for its exhibition spaces within the Taylor Square Substation No.6 and underground toilets.
The substation and toilets, built in 1904 and 1907 respectively, are significant heritage sites, with the toilets being one of only four surviving examples from Sydney’s Edwardian period.
Qtopia took over the spaces in May this year, transforming the substation into a multi-use community hub while the toilets house a permanent exhibition showcasing LGBTQIA+ stories.
In August, the queer museum submitted a proposal to the City of Sydney for a long-term lease to develop the venues further as performance and exhibition spaces. Last week, councillors approved the lease, noting the need for significant renovations to the ageing structures.
“Acknowledging the age and condition of the structures (having been unoccupied for over 30 years) asset renewal works are required to facilitate any longer-term use of these heritage structures,” said the council minutes.
Planned works include creating accessible entry points to the substation, repairing roofing, and installing air-conditioning. Both venues will also undergo minor public works.
While specific costs have not been disclosed, the council said there were insufficient funds in the current budget, with additional financing to be sought from the Capital Works Contingency Fund. Renovations are slated for completion by mid-2025, coinciding with the start of the new lease.
The Qtopia lease extension is part of broader changes coming to Taylor Square, including a recently approved redevelopment of the T2 building that includes adding three storeys, a rooftop, and a basement live music venue.
Councillor Adam Worling also successfully proposed another initiative: the installation of “Pride Flags of Importance”, which will be flown year-round at Taylor Square.
“Whether you are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, trans, intersex, queer, a-sexual, pansexual – to name but a few identities from our diverse community – you need to be reminded that you are seen, heard and supported,” said Worling.
Each flagpole will feature a plaque or QR code to educate visitors about the group represented by each flag.
“We’ve come a long way since the rainbow flag of ’78, with each expression of sexuality now having its own unique flag,” said Worling. “I think installing them as a welcome at Taylor Square would be a very powerful (and colourful!) education for visitors.”
The flags are yet to be selected, with the City of Sydney working with the LGBTQIA+ community to ensure inclusivity.
In addition, a Progress Pride Flag is being painted on the road outside Qtopia on Forbes Street, scheduled for completion by Mardi Gras 2025.
Gay Sydney News reporter