The first thing you notice about The Empire is that it’s moved a mile and a half from its old site on Far Gosford Street and into a shopping precinct. The site of a former cinema and sports retail outlet, the new location has allowed an increase in capacity by around 400, enabling it to hold up to around 1300 people. A cavernous space at the top of a flight of stationary escalators, the venue is split into a large merch area, bar and cafe, with a quick walk through to the main live area.