Keeping nightlife alive at the Night Cat hasn't always been straightforward. But the much-loved Fitzroy venue has just revealed exciting expansion news, aimed at strengthening Melbourne's live music scene and offering punters another reason to head out. As shared on the Night Cat's Instagram, the venue has secured the lease to its next-door neighbour on Johnston Street. This will not only boost its overall capacity, but also add a second music room, a public bar and a new smokers' area. According to planning documents, the proposed 400-person capacity venue, referred to as Blue Cat, will bring a live jazz and Latin focus amid a seated supper club. The venue also plans to operate more frequently than the Night Cat, with smaller crowds in mind. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Night Cat (@thenightcat_fitzroy) Yet the celebrations are still on hold — at least for the moment. To go ahead with its expansion, the Night Cat needs to secure a planning permit. To do so, it's asking supporters to back its application with the City of Yarra by Monday, October 5. While the Night Cat has been in the spotlight recently due to a months-long legal battle over a soundproofing complaint, which the venue eventually won, the new smoking area is designed to contain patron noise within the premises, rather than having people linger on the street. With both the creative and nightlife economy doing it tough, this news could be big for local musos and fans. As the Night Cat's statement says: "This means more opportunities for musicians and more room to keep Melbourne's live music community moving." Head to Instagram for more information. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Supplied.