The recent upheaval around the iconic Stonewall venues has left many in Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community seeking clarity. Craig Bell, who now runs the Newtown site, used the venue’s social media channels to answer questions and correct misconceptions about the role of Pride Holdings Group. The backdrop to this clarification includes an ownership change for the longstanding Stonewall Hotel on Oxford Street, an administration notice, and an active reopening of a Newtown venue that carries the Stonewall name and spirit.
Bell explained that after a short-lived lease agreement involving Pride Holdings Group at Kuletos in 2026, he stepped in personally to fund and launch Stonewall Newtown. In his statement he emphasised that an ASIC company search will show the ownership structure and that Pride Holdings Group has no financial or managerial control over the Newtown operation. Bell also thanked the team that stayed through the transition and underlined his determination to preserve the venue’s cultural legacy.
Stonewall’s journey and recent transfers
For nearly three decades the original site on Oxford Street has been woven into Sydney’s queer life, occupying a converted 1880s bank building and serving as a community hub where performance, activism and nightlife intersected. That history took a new turn when a US-based company, Pride Holdings Group, acquired the Stonewall Hotel, announcing in a statement in August 2026 that it was “proud to welcome the iconic Stonewall Hotel Sydney into its family of venues.” At the time, PHG signalled plans to expand the brand across Australia and Asia, casting the purchase as part of a broader mission to support dedicated LGBTQIA+ spaces.
What happened to the Oxford Street site
Early in the following year the business at Oxford Street experienced a sharp change in direction. In March 2026 a public notice declared that administrators had been appointed and that the operation was now under the control of Vanguard Insolvency Australia Pty Ltd. Meanwhile, reports indicated that Pride Holdings Group had walked away from a lease at Kuletos shortly after signing it in 2026, and that the company had been linked to plans for a second Sydney venue when the Newtown cocktail bar Kuleto’s was announced in January. These developments fuelled questions among patrons about who owned and profited from the various Stonewall-branded locations.
How Stonewall Newtown reopened and what to expect
In early April the Newtown location threw open its doors with a high-profile launch, but community members remained unsure about the destination of their patronage. Bell responded directly: he is the sole owner of Stonewall Newtown, and Pride Holdings Group is not involved in its ownership, management, or day-to-day operations. He credited the venue leadership — including Luke Askew, Linda Warran (Mum), Glenn Hansen (Candy), Josh Watson and Leos Ryba — for keeping the team intact, and promised the Newtown site will continue to be a welcoming home for queer nightlife in Sydney.
Event highlights and ongoing programming
The schedule at Stonewall Newtown aims to be vibrant and varied. Upcoming and weekly events include the high-energy day party Dykadellic, an evening runway tied to the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at Dendy Newtown, and regular staples such as Centre Stage on Sundays and the Monday Therapy happy hour. Other recurring nights feature Bingo with Charisma Bell on Tuesdays, Malebox on Wednesdays, DJ & the Queen on Thursdays and lively weekend programming under banners like Friday Fun and Queer Kingdom. On Sunday, May 10 the venue will hold a Farewell to Stonewall Oxford Street, a celebration of 28 years of history and creativity.
Community response and next steps
The public clarification from Bell appears to have eased some uncertainty, giving patrons a clearer picture of where their support now goes. By highlighting that an ASIC search will confirm ownership and by naming the core leadership team, Bell sought to rebuild trust and signal continuity. He expressed confidence that Stonewall Newtown will continue to generate memorable nights and nurture community connections, while also inviting people to consult the venue’s official channels for programme details and updates.
Where to find more information
For full event listings and the latest announcements visit stonewallnewtown.com.au or follow the venue on social platforms where Bell’s original clarification was posted. For broader community news and cultural coverage, outlets such as qnews.com.au continue to report on LGBTIQA+ developments across Australia.