The Zoo submits application for major Winn Ln expansion

A popular Fortitude Valley gig venue has capped off a difficult year for live music with plans to launch a new 80-seat bar and bottle shop.

A hallowed inner-city Brisbane music venue about to celebrate its 30th year in operation has applied to undertake an expansion which would see it open an 80-seat bar and bottle shop.

Under the plans submitted to council earlier this month, Fortitude Valley bandroom The Zoo would take over an upper-floor tenancy across adjoining Winn Ln to launch the 80-seat bar.

The existing 500-capacity bandroom would be connected to the new venue via a covered pedestrian walkway allowing staff to move between the venues.

The Zoo would also take over a ground-floor Winn Ln tenancy below the new bar to establish a bottle shop.

Meanwhile, the venue is in the process of refurbishing its existing kitchen, which will ultimately offer pizzas to 3am and tapas.

Co-owner Cat Clarke, who alongside husband Luke ‘Boo’ Johnston and business partner Shane Chidgzey became involved in the business earlier this year, said she was “excited” for 2022 after a difficult 12 months featuring border closures and snap lockdowns.

Cat Clarke, Luke ‘Boo’ Johnston and Pixie Weyand Picture: Luke Henery

She said management would await a decision by council and the State’s Liquor office before announcing further details about their proposal.

Aside from the current upgrade to the kitchen, The Zoo has already been making use of the lockdowns to begin a gradual revamp of the venue, including installing airconditioning, renovating the bathrooms and extending the hours of its liquor license.

Founded in 1992, The Zoo has hosted some of the biggest names in Brisbane music, including Powderfinger, Spiderbait and Custard, as well hosting stars such as Silverchair and The Pixies.

Powderfinger bassist John ‘JC’ Collins has previously spoken about the difficulties in running a live music venue in the era of COVID-19.

Side-on view of The Zoo's proposed new bar and bottle-shop in Winn Ln. Picture: Development.i

Collins said the nearby Fortitude Music Hall had suffered ‘catastrophic’ losses, with about 100 shows cancelled and staff laid off.

“It’s been really horrible for our venue … brutal,” he said.

“Our capacity is 3300 but we’re restricted to 1100 and we can’t just make it work in a lot of cases with that number.”