Since the closure of Academy, locals have been fighting off a party itch, longing for a new late-night hotspot where we can let our hair down. We went and checked out the space -which is current construction site- for a walk through of what will become Fiction.
The owner/operator has ambitious plans to open an entertainment venue in the same spot as nightclub predecessor Academy, though not without major renovations. The upper level, formerly Academy’s Candy Bar will be transformed into a mezzanine where a 220 sqm will wrap around the room and create an amphitheatre which looks below to the stage and dance floor.
This new concept nightclub for Canberra will boast VIP booths with bottle service and top shelf alcohol offerings for groups to have their own personal space on luxe experience on a night out. The idea is that split level will allow for two separate DJ areas catering to multiple tastes in tunes. Think two-tiers where the basement encapsulates true party vibes with house music on the weekends while upstairs keeps it a little more edgy hitting the RnB just a step away from a classy cocktail bar.
The name Fiction is a play on the old cinema heritage of the building because entertainment will be at the core of everything they do. Reno’s will have that same charismatic industrial décor. Don’t get me wrong, there will be partying, however this time hoping the split level will create an environment where people won’t feel out of their age bracket.
Fiction will fill a hole in the live music scene in Canberra occupying up-to about 1000 people. The plans is to have resident DJs, Sunday sessions, jazz nights throughout the week and host functions dissimilar to anywhere else in the City. The venue is being created with flexibility in mind – anything from concerts, club nights, exhibitions, theatre, live art and innovative performances are all welcomed in this new space.
Before Academy, 50 Bunda street was a theatre for over three decades. It was the heart of Canberra, being the first underground cinema in southern hemisphere. Fiction hopes to bring the space back to life and create that same level of entertainment again.
Party food will reflect the old cinema. Think movie snacks with a gourmet twist including the likes of hot dogs, salted polenta popcorn, house made pretzels and real salt & vinegar chips.
Fiction is aiming for a December opening, to bring Canberra a new nightclub before Christmas.
