Image via Angus Bell Young//

The iconic venue will celebrate its reopening with a free party next month…

Longtime live music haunt The Lansdowne has been saved from closure. The inner-city hotel, which has hosted some of the biggest live music events in NSW, was thought to be shutting its doors after landlords announced plans to build hostel accommodation on the concert hall site.

Now, a month after its scheduled shutdown, The Lansdowne has switched hands, with the team at Oxford Art Factory today announcing they’ll be assuming management of the venue and continuing its live music presence. Just a stone’s throw away from its new lessee, Oxford Art Factory revealed it has reached an agreement that would allow the Lansdowne to “put aside any plans that could see the demise of this iconic venue.”

“Oxford Art Factory can confirm the rumours,” founder Mark Gerber said in a statement, “Sydney doesn’t need to lose any more live music venues; it has suffered enough… I wasn’t going to let yet another music venue fall by the wayside — not on my watch!” he said. 

The statement went on to outline planned renovations for the venue, including audio and visual amenities. The Lansdowne will officially reopen under its management on Saturday, June 25, celebrating the relaunch with a free ‘Rejuve(nation)’ party. A stack of local bands and DJs are expected to perform.       

Image via Oxford Art Factory//