About
The mission statement is in the name: Public Service Center serves the public. We're here to bring Wellington good music, good people, and a place to gather. We welcome feedback and expect the space to evolve with the communities that form here.
Our Ethos
Built from the ground up as a labour of love, this project is the culmination of years spent producing and attending dance parties in Wellington. We know what it's like to love music and the community around it because we've lived it.
What we're seeking to create is a watering hole for people from all walks of life: a place to brush shoulders, exchange ideas and connect. We recognise that when different sounds, cultures, perspectives and interests come together, strength emerges.
Our cornerstone is a music-first approach to nightlife. Public Service Center is a digital detox zone where you step away from the algorithms, spend time together, and enjoy music without distractions.
All are welcome
We have no tolerance for any type of discrimination or non-consensual behaviour and we enforce a strict policy of no phones on the dance floor. See our expectations here.
Structure
On weeknights, Public Service Center is a listening bar and multi-purpose arts space, hosting live music, stand-up comedy, open decks, community events, educational discussions and more. Bring your own record, and we'll put it on the turntable.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the space transforms into a thumping basement nightclub focused on underground dance music and alternative sounds. We are here to celebrate the obscure alongside the classic, the new alongside the old. These nights are strictly R20 to enter.
Not all events here are ticketed. Some events sell tickets, plenty of the weeknight ones are free and open. Each event's own page says which, so check there before you head out.
Alongside music, we also offer a rotating menu of food and beverages, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, including coffee. Ask our friendly bar staff what's available!
The Space
Situated right in the heart of Wellington, we are located in the basement at 25 Taranaki Street, the site of the old police station and former home of some of the capital's most iconic nightlife hubs. Our capacity is limited and the atmosphere is intimate. The walls are made of solid brick and the floors are concrete, so the low end stays in the room instead of being absorbed.
Through it all runs a bespoke Tubs Audio sound system, and the room is extensively soundproofed, which allows the basement to be as loud as it wants to be without the street having an opinion about it.
Enquiries
Everything here is curated, booked and run in-house, but we're always open to suggestions.
If you're interested in performing or showcasing your art at the Public Service Center, get in touch.
We also house a fully-equipped music recording studio which can be hired out during the week, and we're available for all your filming needs. If you have an idea about something you want to use the space for, flick us an email and we'll see what we can do.