The Tivoli Is Turning Its Art Deco Foyer Into an Intimate New 250-Person Performance Space

Just a few short years ago, Fortitude Valley's The Tivoli was in danger of being turned into apartments, a fate that's befallen other live music sites across the city. After being saved from development, it's not only still playing host to plenty of gigs — it's now adding a new 250-performance space to the 102-year-old building.

Opening on Tuesday, August 27, the new venue-within-a-venue is called What's Golden, and will completely transform the site's  foyer. Instead of the ordinary room with a bar that visitors have walked through during the building's more than 30-year history as a performance space, it'll now feature a custom-built stage and a new audio and lighting set-up, ready for live tunes, cabaret shows, stand-up comedy gigs, curated parties and club nights.

With designer Aaron Barton and set designer Sarah Winter working on the venue, the makeover also includes a renovated box office, craft beer bar and daytime coffee nook. Given The Tivoli's extensive past — it was originally built as a bakery, and then became the State Library of Queensland's rare book depository, before launching as a restaurant and 1600-person auditorium — the revamp has been a bit of a juggling act. The aim: retaining the existing art deco features, of course, while giving What's Golden its own look and feel.

Planned as a response to Brisbane's growing need for boutique and intimate spaces, What's Golden builds upon The Tivoli's history and "delivers a much-needed, niche venue for up-and-coming and underground talent," according to The Tiv co-owner and creative director Dave Sleswick.

It'll launch with a party, complete with performances by First Beige and Holiday Party. The rest of the venue's current lineup spans gigs by Clea, Sahara Beck and Good Boy, queer performance event HONCHO DISKO and offbeat variety evening Grumble N' Friends.

Find What's Golden at The Tivoli, 52 Costin Street, Fortitude Valley from Tuesday, August 27. For further details, visit the venue's website.