Fisher said the neighbouring Darlinghurst Law Courts should also be converted to create a new cultural precinct anchored by the National Art School, which occupies the old Darlinghurst Gaol. A master plan has been completed for the expansion into the law courts but has not been funded.

“We see a natural and clear cultural space developing where the activation of the substation and the toilet block feeds into an opened-up National Art School,” Fisher said.

“With the fence taken down at Oxford Street, the old courts converted to arts and community spaces, connecting more directly with local businesses, creating a cultural and economic boom for this area so that people from all over the world will be attracted not only at Mardi Gras but all the year.”

City councillor Lyndon Gannon has called for other redundant courthouses such as Newtown Magistrates’ Court to be converted into cultural venues, given the success of the transformation.

“It’s another great example of assets the Justice Department has which would cost an absolute bomb to maintain, and I’m sure they wouldn’t want it on their books, and it would be fantastic to see it transformed into a cultural asset,” Gannon said.

“It’s barely used as a magistrates’ court, the same as the Darlinghurst courts – it’s only used a couple of days a month because it’s not fit for purpose any more because of accessibility issues even just getting the criminals on trial in and out of the building.

“Then you look at assets like the former Redfern Courthouse which is on the main street in Redfern. It is a local health district asset, but the building isn’t suitable for anything other than administration offices, so why not transform it into theatres and bars to make the high street more liveable?”

Qtopia’s official opening was something of a who’s who of Sydney, and included Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch who donated $1 million to the museum on behalf of their philanthropic foundation last year. The NSW government tipped in $6.7 million towards the project.

Founding chair David Polson, who survived the HIV/AIDS “tsunami” after enduring a cocktail of 27 trial drugs, dedicated the museum plan to the late immunologist Prof David Cooper, who helped save his life.

“Qtopia is here not just for queer people, it’s here for everyone, and this is not just for today, not for next year, but for many generations to come,” he said.

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“Prejudice and bigotry come about when there’s fear, fear of retribution. With education programs, we aim to overcome this fear and replace it with understanding and acceptance, compassion, and love.”

Arts minister John Graham said the NSW Government was committed to supporting low-cost activations of unused spaces, through continued direct public investment and by finding new sources of investment.

“An audit of underutilised spaces owned by the state government that could be made available for artists and cultural activities is underway. The review will include other government facilities that are no longer fit for their original purpose,” he said.

“If there are heritage assets no longer fit for their original purpose, then the best future use will be decided by government in consultation with the community.”

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