Fri 28 Sep 2007 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The nightclub formerly known as Venom on Hamilton's Victoria Street is now being completely re-fitted and will reopen next month with new management and a new name. Shine will operate as a 'straight-friendly' gay venue in the building formerly occupied by Venom which closed earlier this month. The site is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction in preparation for opening in October. Work includes the demolition of the venue's old bar, stage, dancefloor and toilet areas. These will be replaced by all-new facilities that will be complimented by a fresh modern decor and state of the art lighting design, says the new management. The new-look venue is the result of a collaboration of local gay businesspeople lead by former Hamilton City Councillor Dave Gibbs and former Next Door Bar DJ Tristan Laing, and is unaffiliated with the building's previous management. “Hamilton City Council has just completed a six million dollar beautification project at this end of town aimed at enhancing the nightlife," says Gibbs. "The standard of venues in the south-end precinct has also improved considerably and now both gay and straight visitors to the area arrive with high expectations. We would like to see Hamilton's central gay venue brought up to the same standard and hopefully exceed people's expectations.” Tristan Laing, well-known on Hamilton's gay club scene for the past 13 years, will serve as Shine's Manager and resident Disc Jockey. Laing previously worked as DJ and entertainments coordinator at nearby Frankton's gay venue the Next Door Bar and was also hired to play at Venom. “It's great to be a part of such an exciting project, downtown Hamilton is finally maturing into a metropolitan centre and it's great to know that our gay scene is evolving along with it," he says. "This club will have all the high-end facilities and ambience people expect from a big-city venue, certainly nothing like Hamilton has seen before." Shine will open with an official launch party featuring entertainment by local and visiting performers on a yet-to-be-confirmed date in October. A Christmas party will follow in early December marking the start of the summer club season. Ref: Shine (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Friday, 28th September 2007 - 1:25pm