The Substation is one of four Qtopia Sydney venues, and will allow entry to visitors for two, one-hour sessions per day, from Wednesday to Sunday.

It has been 30 years since the subterranean building was in operation. This opening means new life and new activity in the space.

“Revitalising old sites is about breathing new life into forgotten spaces and creating vibrant hubs for the community,” Qtopia Sydney CEO Greg Fisher says. “Thanks to the support and commitment from the City of Sydney Council, we were able to secure and rejuvenate this historic site. It is truly exciting as I know that we’re not just preserving history, but we’re shaping a dynamic future for Sydney by adding to its cultural fabric.”

"As someone who remembers the vibrant energy of Oxford Street in my younger gay days, seeing Taylor Square come alive again fills me with nostalgia. It's a celebration of community, diversity and the enduring spirit of this iconic LGBTQIA+ precinct.”

The Substation is home to an exhibition from Bertie Blackman (daughter of famed artist Charles Blackman) called 130BPM: Soundtrack To A Revolution, plus, a 40-seat performance space.

“Bertie’s exhibition is a testament to the ingenuity, joy, passion and immense talent of queer Australian musicians from the 1970s to the present day, showcasing fourteen potent songs that mark important moments in the ongoing journey of Queer Australian music,” Greg Fisher continues.

When the sun goes down, The Substation will transform into a stage, offering yet another platform to amplify the breadth and depth of queer talents – from drag, to comedy, to cabaret, to poetry.