Phoenix Central Park

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Phoenix Central Park is a performing arts venue and private art gallery located at 37-49 O’Connor Street in Chippendale, New South Wales, Australia. It sits within the Chippendale Heritage Conservation Area and is part of the Chippendale Locality.

Opened in 2020, the venue has a capacity of 150 and is owned by Judith Neilson AM. It is funded by Judith Neilson and operates as a charitable organization. Beau Neilson serves as the creative director and executive producer. Performances are free to the public, with tickets allocated through a ballot system.

The project was a collaboration between John Wardle Architects (gallery) and Durbach Block Jaggers (performance space), built on a site that was redeveloped after a 2013 fire. The new building was completed in 2019 and opened to the public in 2022.

Historically, the land has deep roots dating back to early 19th-century land grants. It evolved from Cooper’s Row and Adelaide Terrace to Holtermann’s Terrace (the forerunner of 37–49 O’Connor Street). In the 1940s, the site became a large shoe factory for Fostar’s Shoes, which included an army air raid shelter for its workers during World War II. The factory was rebuilt after the war and remained in operation until the late 20th century, before being transformed into the current Phoenix Central Park venue.

Notable artists who have performed there include Courtney Barnett, Sampa The Great, Genesis Owusu, Alexis Taylor, Mike Nock, DOMi & JD BECK, Gordi, Astrid Sonne, Lydia Lunch, Kelly Lee Owens, Nabihah Iqbal, Clark, Tim Hecker, serpentwithfeet, Actress, and John Carroll Kirby.