The site of the beloved West End, Queensland venue, The Bearded Lady, is officially available for lease.
As reported by Commercial Real Estate, the site – located on 138 Boundary Street – has existed since the early 1990s. The building itself spans 218 square metres and contains original architectural features. It’s packed with character, has a strong local identity, and has plenty of creative history.
Interest in the space has been strong. It contains an existing bar and kitchen, three bathrooms, and three separate entrances. It has mixed-use zoning, which Commercial Real Estate predicts will attract bar operators, boutique retail businesses, and creative industry workers.
A long lease is available – you can see the listing here.
The Bearded Lady was an essential launchpad for emerging artists from Brisbane. It was a cultural hub that hosted live music, poetry, burlesque, and other creative events, making for one of the most unique performance venues in the city.
The Bearded Lady closed its doors permanently in May to the dismay of the local creative community. At the time, the venue’s owners wrote that they were “devastated” by the development.
“We’ve done everything in our power to keep the doors open, but unfortunately, negotiations with the landlord fell through yesterday,” their post to punters continued. “Key members of our local music community were ready and willing to take on the lease, but at the last minute, the landlords informed us they no longer wish to be involved with hospitality.”
Just a few months beforehand, the venue warned of a potential closure due to “serious financial strain.” However, after the community came together to support the venue following its call for help, a whopping $27,000 was raised to keep its doors open.
As such, many assumed the venue to be in a slightly less precarious position. But ultimately, The Bearded Lady’s fate did not rely solely on money.
“Unfortunately, this decision did not come down to finances, rather a call that became entirely out of control,” the post read. “We are devastated by this news, and for our beloved bands and music community. Your frustrations are not lost on us. Thank you for supporting The Bearded Lady! We love you!”
