Sydney's clubbing scene farewelled a bona fide giant in March when ARQ, the longstanding LGBTQIA+ nightclub that anchored the Oxford Street nightlife landscape, closed its doors for the final time. For 26 years, the Darlinghurst darling was at the forefront of Sydney's queer nightlife scene, with DJs and performers from around the world taking to the stage over its lifetime, including a still-talked-about surprise gig by Lady Gaga in 2011. But this June, the Flinders Street spot will be reborn as AURA, an inclusive, multi-genre, multi-room nightlife destination that promises a stacked lineup of local and international DJs, immersive productions and themed events several nights a week. It's being brought to life by a team of Sydney nightlife heavyweights, including Dave Auld (SEADECK Sydney), brothers Ricardo and Umberto Monfardini (Movement), Bryan Ro (Puzzles Records) and Justin Muscat (ALLFRIENDS), who are promising to "honour the past, celebrate the present and set a new standard for Sydney nightlife". Regular visitors might notice some significant cosmetic changes in the new space. AURA will feature new-look decor, upgraded lighting systems and more seating than ARQ, to encourage comfort and connection. One key element that the new owners are keen to maintain, though, is ARQ's management team, to provide a sense of continuity for both patrons and promoters alike. "We're not here to wipe the slate clean," says Auld. "We're here to build on a foundation of loyalty, passion, and culture, evolving it for a new generation, while honouring the community that made this place iconic." [caption id="attachment_681185" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Katje Ford[/caption] A huge part of what made ARQ "iconic" was, of course, the music, and AURA will be coming in hot with a huge weekly, multi-night program of performers and events. It kicks off with the colourful Carnivàle Thursdays, where you can expect Latin-inspired music and performances. Friday nights will be reserved for a rotating mix of events by a range of promoters, while Saturdays will see the venue make full use of its two floors, with upstairs pumping out melodic, afro and commercial house, while the notorious basement will host DJs playing deep house and minimal tech, backed by a new state-of-the-art lighting rig. And if you're looking for somewhere to take a time out, you don't need to default to the smokers' — AURA will also boast a secluded sensory retreat space, inspired by legendary Ibiza lounge Café del Mar. "ARQ has always been an impressive venue, it's a purpose-built nightclub that's lasted the test of time," says Auld. "Twenty-six years is an incredible run and we acknowledge that legacy with great respect. But like most things, it's time for evolution. AURA is our next chapter, one that celebrates the heritage while pushing the boundaries of what a modern nightclub can be." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aura Nightclub (@aura.club.sydney) AURA is slated to open in June 2025 at 16 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst. For more information, head to the venue's website. Top image: Katje Ford.