Design Statement

Imperial UP is located on the upper level of the iconic Imperial Hotel in Erskineville. This project represents the relaunch of one of Australia's most revered LGBQTI safe-havens. As a cultural icon, it was the birthplace of the movie Priscilla and plays a pivotal role in the greater Sydney community as a historic theatre and event space.

The outside area features a retractable roof, golden pizza oven, and stone mosaic bar featuring pop art graphics. Inside, the space houses a 30-seat ‘diner’, cocktail bar, private dining room, and lounge/dining area. Australia’s first same-sex marriage cathedral will open on the rooftop of this space in 2019.

Conceptually, the space is conceived as an ‘Arts Social Club’. A public salon that references Studio 54 and the distant memories of Andy Warhol. Think quirky collector with an Art Deco flair - our contemporary version of Gertrude Stein’s salon.

Light and Bright with a ‘funtown Matisse’ aesthetic, the colour scheme is big and camp, with a reference to mid-century Miami Art Deco. Sun-bleached pinks cavort with mustards and burgundy, a wild Mardi Gras of idiosyncratic shapes, furnishings, and colour.

Quirky retro collectibles include brass palm tree console, geometric brass table lamps and cross-stitched fabric bucket chairs. A custom carpet inspired by the geometric avant-garde and featuring pastel shades brightens and adds character to the dining room.

A 10-seat private dining room invites guests into an intimate celebration space with fringed mirrors and custom-made brass wall lights.

The irregularly shaped main bar finished in coloured laminate and mirror services the main room. Our ‘Golden Lady’, an icon repurposed from the lower floor and re-lacquered in gold sits atop the bar to suit the theme.

Historically, the upper level housed the colour, costume, and character of the Drag Queen’s dressing rooms as they prepared for their evening shows. This legacy is translated into the lighthearted energy and kaleidoscopic material palette of the space.

Location: Erskineville, Sydney, Australia

Principal Architect: Sophie Harris

Interior Design Team: Jeremy Bull, Larissa Raymond, Madison Faye, Lucy Forlico

Date of Completion: August 2018

Project Size: 455 sq m

Photography by Anson Smart