Odd Culture Group Takes Over The Imperial Hotel Erskineville In $5 Million Redevelopment

Sydney's queer nightlife scene is about to get a serious glow-up. Odd Culture Group has announced it will take over operations of The Imperial Hotel Erskineville, affectionately known as The Impy, from 1 September, partnering with current proprietors Universal Hotels on a joint venture built to secure the venue's long-term future.

The big-ticket item is a $5 million redevelopment landing in early 2027, and it's not a minor refresh. The Impy's ground floor footprint will be nearly doubled, making way for one of the Inner West's largest beer gardens, alongside the launch of a brand new 24-hour club. Expect wider restoration, dining and experience updates across the venue too, all part of a shared commitment from both groups to the future of queer nightlife and artistic expression in Sydney.

It's a big one for an institution that's spent decades as a cornerstone of the city's LGBTQIA+ community, and this next chapter looks set to make The Impy louder, bigger, and open a lot longer.