Pride Holdings Group Secures 10-Year Lease for Stonewall Newtown with Major Refurbishments Planned

January 22nd, 2026 1:00 PM
By: Newsworthy Staff

Pride Holdings Group has leased Stonewall Newtown for 10 years, planning significant refurbishments to revitalize the iconic LGBTQ+ venue while preserving its community significance, with reopening targeted for early 2026 as part of the company's expansion in Australia and Asia.

Pride Holdings Group Secures 10-Year Lease for Stonewall Newtown with Major Refurbishments Planned

Pride Holdings Group announced it has secured a 10-year lease of Stonewall Newtown, marking a new chapter for the iconic LGBTQ+ venue and the Group's continued expansion within Sydney's hospitality and nightlife sector. The lease was facilitated by Craig Bell, who negotiated the long-term agreement enabling Pride Holdings Group to revitalize and relaunch the venue while preserving its deep cultural and community significance. This development represents the company's third expansion into Australia and Asia in the past four months, strengthening its position as a leading LGBTQ+ company in the region.

Major refurbishments and upgrades are already underway as part of the relaunch, including improvements to entertainment spaces, facilities, sound and lighting, and accessibility. The redevelopment aims to elevate the guest experience while honoring the venue's legacy as a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. The newly revitalized Stonewall Newtown is planned to open in early January 2026, ushering in a fresh era of entertainment, inclusivity, and community-driven programming. According to CEO Mike Barrett, the company will look to open more locations around Australia, New Zealand and Asia in 2026 and beyond as it continues to develop its brands in this region.

The announcement carries significant implications for Sydney's LGBTQ+ community and the broader hospitality sector. Stonewall Newtown has long served as an important cultural hub, and this investment ensures its preservation and enhancement during a period when many LGBTQ+ venues face economic pressures. The 10-year lease provides stability and demonstrates long-term commitment to maintaining this community space. The refurbishments specifically addressing accessibility improvements are particularly noteworthy, as they will make the venue more inclusive for community members with disabilities.

From a business perspective, this move aligns with Pride Holdings Group's strategy of acquiring high-value properties and creating new revenue channels through agency services. The company describes itself as setting the global standard for inclusive hospitality while delivering sustainable growth to shareholders. This expansion into Australia represents both a business opportunity and a cultural investment, as the company seeks to balance commercial objectives with community stewardship. The timing of the announcement, with opening planned for early 2026, suggests careful strategic planning to maximize impact during Sydney's summer season.

The revitalization of Stonewall Newtown comes at a time when LGBTQ+ spaces worldwide face various challenges, making this investment particularly significant. By upgrading facilities while maintaining the venue's essential character, Pride Holdings Group appears to be pursuing a model that respects heritage while embracing modernization. The company's forward-looking statements indicate plans for further expansion, suggesting this lease represents part of a broader strategy rather than an isolated project. Readers can view the original release on www.newmediawire.com for additional details about the announcement and the company's future plans.

Source Statement

This news article relied primarily on a press release disributed by NewMediaWire. You can read the source press release here,

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