The owner of the iconic Roxy Theatre has unveiled plans to transform the former picture palace into a dining mecca, in a move critics say threatens its revival as a Capitol Theatre for Sydney’s west. Developer David Kingston has lodged plans with the City of Parramatta to restore the faded Spanish baroque-style building and its palm court, converting it into a precinct of restaurants, outdoor cafes and bars. The rear three-storey addition to the Roxy Theatre.
Credit: RAA Architects Kingston has hailed his $20 million refurbishment as the best chance to revive the area’s flagging night-life. But the project would halve the auditorium’s original seating capacity, a setback to hopes that the Roxy could become a 1600-seat live music or theatre showpiece venue for Parramatta. Theatre supporters are now ratcheting up pressure on the Minns government to see through its 2023 election commitment and secure the future of the Roxy as a major cultural venue.
“The plans show a stage and some back-of-house provisions as part of [an auditorium], but these are token spaces that would incline a layperson to think that the Roxy is being restored,” said Robert Fox, president of the Roxy Theatre Action Group. “In fact, the stage is only large enough to accommodate a stand-up comedian or rock band, it certainly will not be large enough for an orchestra or stage production of any kind.” Adam Leto of the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue said the Roxy, once revived, could be the jewe.