Soho House is coming back to Melbourne — and the timing matters
Soho House has officially confirmed plans to re-enter Melbourne, marking a reversal of its 2022 setback and signalling renewed focus on Australia’s creative cities. The group says it is pursuing both Melbourne and Sydney as part of a wider global expansion that includes markets such as Tokyo, Milan, Madrid and Lisbon.
Melbourne: a natural fit for film, music, media and design
Melbourne’s reputation as a cultural capital and its dense ecosystem of filmmakers, musicians, media makers and designers makes it an obvious match for Soho House’s creative-first identity. For local practitioners, a members’ club can offer curated networking, screening spaces, intimate performance rooms and workspace that supports project development and cross-discipline collaboration.
From 2022 rejection to a refined approach
The brand’s previous plan at Poolman House was rejected in 2022. That experience appears to have informed a more targeted strategy: working with local stakeholders, adjusting site proposals and aligning offerings to community needs. The announcement reads as a strategic comeback rather than a repeat attempt.
How Melbourne fits Soho House’s global roadmap
Positioning Melbourne alongside Sydney underscores Australia as a multi-city priority rather than a one-off market. Soho House’s global growth aims to connect creative nodes worldwide, and adding Melbourne strengthens that network for members who move between Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.
When will it open and what to expect
The company has indicated a target around 2028 for openings in Australia. While exact locations and facilities remain under wraps, expect programming geared to the creative industries: screenings, live music, industry talks and flexible work spaces that support short-term residencies and collaborative projects.
For Melbourne’s creative community this is both symbolic and practical: a major global brand committing resources to local culture, with the potential to deepen professional networks and present new stages for film, music and media work.
