Esquimalt’s Carlton Performing Arts Hub has closed permanently.
The final event was a wrestling show hosted by 365 Pro Wrestling Thursday February 9, 2023.
The Carlton Performing Arts Hub was described as “a 22 month long collaborative initiative between 42ish media, 365 Pro Wrestling and local artists to create a rentable community focused studio with the primary goal of creating an environment where the values of inclusion, equitability and creativity are merged.”
The former Carlton Club became a concert venue became a pro wrestling academy in April 2022. A short time later they began hosting concerts and music related events.
The property is scheduled to be demolished in 2024 to make way for a mixed used commercial and residential development by Victoria-based GMC Projects. The sudden closure a year early came as a surprise.
“Our great sponsor/partner 42ish media let us know this morning that the doors will be closing forever on the Carlton,” read a statement on 365 Pro Wrestling’s Facebook Page. “Due for demo in Feb 2024 we thought we had more time, but unfortunately not.”
We were unable to find out the exact reason for the abrupt closure from 42ish Media, but a source confirms there was an issue with a wall at the facility.
The closure is another blow to the region’s live music scene that has already lost small venues like Logan’s Pub and Copper Owl in the last few years.
The Carlton Club first opened as a cabaret in 1958.
