Grand Opening: Controversial Kensington To Open Doors for First Time This Weekend

by Helen Henry on April 14, 2011

Newcastle’s newest entertainment venue, The Kensington, will be on show this Saturday, 16 April, as it opens its doors for the first time in a flurry of canapes, drinks and live music. I dropped in earlier this week to catch a glimpse of what is said to be an unprecedented venue in Newcastle, and talk to manager Zach Mostyn about final preparations for opening night.

Mostyn says he is looking forward to exhibiting the venue to show, “the amount of effort that has gone into reconstructing this iconic building in Newcastle” and, “to give back to our supporters and show them the finished product - a world class, upmarket, chic venue for Newcastle”.

It’s been a bumpy ride for The Kensington management to this point. Mostyn cites the cost and insurmountable amount of time spent pursuing the licence when speaking about the long road. Those who have followed this issue will know that attempts to gain the Jolly Roger liquor license have been met with criticism and restrictions from the Casino, Liquor & Gaming Control Authority, local police and residents.  Concerned parties believe that adding another venue to Newcastle’s nightlife goes against efforts to curb alcohol-related violence in the CBD. As a result, it’s been a stop & start venture and I think that much of the public was left wondering if the $4 million venue would ever see the light of day.

Thanks to some legal savvy, the venue will open it’s doors to host regular events in conjunction with a licensed catering company. These will include weekly public events (coming up is an Easter Charity event…) and also private functions for special occasions like engagements, corporate events, Christmas parties. This is a way to utilise the space while still working on the licensing issue.

With regards to their contribution to Newcastle’s nightlife, Mosytn believes that adding more venues could actually contribute to reducing alcohol-related violence on Newcastle’s streets.

“We add an aspect of security to Hunter St, having our presence here. Having venues centralised in one precinct, like Orchard Avenue on the Gold Coast, you find that a lot of problems seem to dissipate because you have that presence - all the security, all the people walking around, whereas at the moment with this vast spacing between venues in Newcastle, you have these long dark areas where the problems can arise. Also, with the limited amount of venues here in Newcastle, it narrows the selection for people to choose from and if they can’t get into that venue they’re left to either party on the streets or having parties at home where RSA isn’t implemented and there’s no security. Hopefully we’ll be instrumental in providing and setting the standard for how a venue should operate and also contributing to a better nightlife economy for Newcastle.”

While tickets have been walking out the door, there are still a few left for Saturday’s showcase. They’re $10 and include complimentary canapes. Alcoholic drinks complying with Section 104 (e.g no shots after 10pm) will be available from 9pm - midnight.

For fans, critics, the downright curious and those who find themselves lack lustre about Newcastle’s current nightlife, the showcase offers a chance to see the result of a vision to provide Newcastle with a world-class venue. Tickets are available to purchase from The Kensington, 299 Hunter St, Newcastle.