Wellington’s Iconic Vinyl Bar Revamped Ahead of 13th Birthday

Wellington’s renowned Vinyl Bar has undergone a significant revamp, just in time to celebrate its 13th birthday on March 15, 2024. The popular venue, located on Courtenay Place, has introduced new murals, upgraded bathrooms, and a refreshed dance floor aimed at attracting a younger crowd. Owner Greig Wilson emphasized that the changes reflect a shift in the nightlife scene, catering to a generation eager for dance rather than just drinks.

The bar’s anniversary will be marked with an “All Glowed Up” birthday bash featuring giveaways, cake, and 80s glam pop music, inviting all patrons to join the celebration. Vinyl Bar first opened its doors in 2011, with then-deputy prime minister Bill English performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a nostalgic moment for Wilson, who grew up near English in Dipton, Southland.

Modern Upgrades for a New Era

Vinyl Bar has transformed its interior with vibrant murals painted by local artist Lily Hodgson Bell. The bright artwork pays homage to music icons such as Grace Jones, Freddie Mercury of Queen, and David Bowie. This installation marks Bell’s first significant public work, and she expressed excitement about her art being showcased in such a lively venue.

In addition to the artistic upgrades, the bar features new “graffiti-proof toilets” and a redesigned dance floor to enhance the overall experience for younger patrons. Wilson noted that today’s youth are more inclined to dance than to focus solely on drinking, which inspired the updates. The new dance floor will include a CD wall and an updated DJ booth, with a musical lineup that now prioritizes hits from the 90s to early 2000s, moving away from the previous emphasis on 70s and 80s classics.

Looking to the Future

These renovations are part of a broader vision to adapt to changing market dynamics. Wilson stated, “We’re making a more modern old-school bar. You’ve just got to change the market up a little bit as things evolve. These 50-year-olds who this bar was built for originally, they don’t go out every Friday night like they used to.”

The timing of the revamp coincides with the ongoing earthquake strengthening of the nearby Reading Cinema, which Wilson described as a “sigh of relief.” The commencement of renovations at the cinema and retail complex has bolstered his confidence to reinvest in the area. He is optimistic about the future of Courtenay Place, noting the opening of a new restaurant directly opposite Vinyl Bar, which he hopes will encourage further commercial investments.

Wilson concluded with a positive outlook, stating, “We expect to see more investment in Courtenay Place. [Vinyl Bar] will hopefully encourage other businesses to reinvest. We’re feeling positive for next year and the following years.” The changes at Vinyl Bar not only reflect a commitment to revitalizing the venue but also to enhancing the overall nightlife experience in Wellington.