Canberra’s Academy nightclub closing after 14 years

After 14 years in operation, Canberra’s dance music venue and nightclub Academy in the central business district is putting the mirrorballs away.

The final night is Saturday April 21, which is already close to a sell-out.

Owners said on a Facebook post, “A huge thank to everyone that filled our dance-floor every week.

“You have allowed us to do something that we love... create a place to get wild each week and put on huge headline artists.

“After so many years we have decided that rather than lose that love, we should call it a day before that happens.

“The end of the lease on the venue felt right.”

The consortium of owners, which includes Frank Condi and Ryan Sabet, will now focus on their other nightspot, Mr Wolf, located in the Sydney Building in Civic.

They said that the original vision for the club was to provide a nightspot that clubbers would find in Europe, and to also be a launching pad for local acts and music industry workers.

The Academy’s remaining dates are:

Friday April 13: Will Sparks

Friday April 20: Hardstyle ft Outbreak + NitrouZ showcase

Saturday April 21: Crooked Colours w Running Touch Canberra

The Academy was part of the 50 Bunda Street four-storey complex which began as the Center Cinema in 1966.

Milan-born Italian-Australian architect Enrico Taglietti introduced the European concept of underground cinemas to Canberra.

It included bars restaurants, retailers and office spaces above ground and a 500-seat cinema beneath.

The cinema became the Academy in 2004, and was a sell-out each weekend over the years, according to the owners.

Through the years, the venue hosted names as Justice, Calvin Harris, Disclosure, Rufus, The Aston Shuffle, Flo Rida, Alison Wonderland, De La Soul, Eric Pydz, Portor Robinson, Illy, Arrested Development, Roni Size, Will Sparks, Ruby Rose, Peking Duk, Vera Blue, Seth Sentry, Urthboy, Tkay Maidzaa, Northlane, San Cisco and What So Not.