Mooseheads Nightclub, Canberra on light rail disruptions

In Canberra on a night out, all roads lead to Mooseheads. Now, the venue is fighting back against the light rail by encouraging patrons to place padlocks at the construction site.

Construction outside Mooseheads at London Circuit, Canberra. Image: Hannah Farrow

In Canberra on a night out, all roads lead to Mooseheads.

Now, the venue is fighting back against light rail construction by encouraging patrons to place padlocks at the construction site.

The well-known nightclub has launched a new initiative to address the challenges posed by the ongoing public transport construction in Canberra’s CBD.

Established in 1990, it has become an iconic venue with multiple levels including dancefloors and bars.

Patrons who purchase a “Moose Juice” – a bright green alcoholic drink – will receive a free padlock to attach to the fencing with a personal message, and bringing one’s own lock is also encouraged.

Amid the disruption caused by the Canberra Light Rail construction, the longstanding

The Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A project is expected to be completed and operational by 2028.

Featuring the Love Lock Wall at Mooseheads, this photo highlights the ongoing construction in London Circuit Civic, Canberra. Image: Hannah Farrow

Mooseheads operators say the light rail construction has “decimated foot traffic, and thrown up a wall – quite literally – temporary fencing around our venue.”

Canberra Metro Construction, the ACT Government’s partner for Light Rail Stage 2A, is responsible for the fencing and has confirmed there are no current safety concerns regarding the padlocks.

A spokesman from Infrastructure Canberra said “if there are any safety concerns raised in the future, we will contact Mooseheads to discuss other alternatives, prior to any action taken, to allow this initiative to continue.”

The ACT Government is providing a targeted package of support for Canberra businesses affected by the light rail construction in and around London Circuit where significant scaffolding is situated.

The package includes free night-time parking, liquor licence fee relief from July 1 and outdoor dining fee waivers.

Outside Mooseheads, the Love Lock Wall is framed by construction activity in London Circuit Civic, Canberra. Image by Hannah Farrow

The government is also offering a Business Capability Building Program with free tailored advice to assist with businesses managing the concrete jungle of scaffolding.

Construction outside Mooseheads at London Circuit, Canberra. Image: Hannah Farrow

Despite calls from multiple businesses impacted, the ACT government will not provide financial compensation.

Light rail impacted areas also include Gungahlin and North Canberra to City West, the ANU, New Acton, Commonwealth Park, and Lake Burley Griffin.

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Originally published as Mooseheads Nightclub, Canberra on light rail disruptions