Qtopia Transformation Project

Under the stewardship of Create NSW, the heritage site, which was once the old Darlinghurst Police Station and also served as an administrative office for NSW Health, has been transformed to become Qtopia Sydney – Centre for Queer History and Culture. Qtopia Sydney aims to be a beacon of understanding, acceptance, and pride, honouring the legacy of those who marched in the first Mardi Gras in 1978 whilst exploring and celebrating the history and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Project at a glance 

The Qtopia Sydney Project (first stage works) was commenced in late 2023 and opened on 23 February 2024.

The former Darlinghurst Police Station is a two storey State Heritage building which sits centrally in the Oxford Street Precinct, located adjacent to Taylor Square and the National Art School. Built in 1899, it has served as a police station until the 1980s, and a community health and administration space from the early 1990s to 2023.

The building was renovated and transformed to house Qtopia Sydney, hosting a mix of exhibition spaces, a 60 seat theatre and reception area, and administration space.

The upgrades have also made the ground floor of the building accessible.  

Who is it for

Qtopia Sydney is for everyone, including the LGBTQIA+ and ally communities.

Qtopia Sydney was established in 2021 and is Sydney’s first Centre for Queer History and Culture committed to the core principles of empowerment and inclusivity.

Qtopia Sydney is a welcoming and inclusive space devoted to the memory, education and celebration of the unique histories and lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Through exhibitions, live performances, education programs, events and community programs, Qtopia Sydney aims to inspire and educate, promoting a future guided by tolerance, acceptance, respect and love. 

Special features

The ground floor of the Qtopia Sydney building has been completely transformed.

The design removed layers of non-original, unsympathetic, office fit out elements to bring the building back to a more original layout.

The old cells were repurposed into exhibition spaces, former office spaces were transformed into a theatre, and the loading dock into a dual use space for deliveries and theatre reception area. Accessibility has been improved throughout the ground floor and amenities upgraded to provide an open and inclusive space.

The Qtopia Sydney project (1st stage works) included:

• Restoration and upgrade of the ground floor
• Exhibition spaces, theatre and reception area in the Loading Dock
• Renewed critical infrastructure, including integrated services
• Restoration of the heritage façade around the front entry, including replacement of the awning roof and lining boards
• Repainting of heritage façade elements to reflect an earlier colour scheme (circa 1950s)
• Hazardous materials amelioration, including removal of asbestos and lead paint remediation
• Interior upgrades to fittings, furniture, and equipment
• New signage to the building’s exterior.

Who is involved

The redevelopment of the former Darlinghurst Police Station to establish Qtopia Sydney was a collaboration between:

• Create NSW, which provided funding, guidance, project management and delivery support
• Qtopia Ltd., which managed exhibition and theatre fit out
• WMK Architects, which led the design
• The project was also supported by other NSW Government agencies including NSW Health, NSW Public Works, and Heritage Stoneworks
• Other consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and partners

Timeline

First stage works completed in February 2024.

Find out more at Qtopia Sydney