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 jewel in the crown of Parramatta’s growing arts and cultural scene.
“But it’s going to need government’s help to get there,” he said. “While the current plans put forward by the owner may be a better option than having the site boarded up, they don’t align with the vision for an iconic performance centre or theatre for western Sydney. This site has the potential to be more than just Parramatta’s answer to the Ivy.
” Built in Spanish baroque style in 1930, the Roxy was run as an ornate cinema by both the Hoyts and Village chains before it shut in 2003. It was listed on the State Heritage Register in 1999. The Roxy Theatre looking to Parramatta’s Civic Link.
Credit: RAA Architects Kingston later converted the building into a nightclub and restaurants before he closed it in 2014. Five years ago, his plans for a high-rise tower cantilevered over the Roxy were rejected by the Land and Environment Court. Under Kingston’s latest plan, now on public display, the Roxy’s rear will be demolished for a three-storey contemporary addition, opening to a future Metro West stop.
The modern extension will house a cafe and bar and backstage rehearsal rooms servicing an upper-level auditorium suitable for comedy and award nights and live music. The building’s blank western and eastern walls are to be opened up to create a colonnaded arcade, walkways and outdoor dining spaces. Even with council approval, Kingston said a start on any redevelopment depends on the pace of works around the Metro West stop and the new Civic Link pedestrian and cyclist pathway next door.
“Metro management have not properly mitigated the huge impacts of their excavation site. They need to urgently plan to complete the Civic Link,” he said. “Metro have also closed public roads and laneways with their excavation site immediately on the southern and western boundaries of the Roxy.
The Roxy is ready for its major renovation, but it can’t happen until Metro step up and expedite their works.” Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said the Roxy Theatre ought to be considered as part of a broader plan for an entertainment district in Parramatta. “The challenge is western Sydney has become a music desert,” he said.
“It used to be home of pub rock in the ’70s and early ’80s, and it’s all disappeared along with the venues. “We have to think bigger about the Metro West site next door to the Roxy. This is the biggest opportunity to create a night-time economy precinct nationally.
Multiple venues should be designed into the Metro West site.” Originally, the Roxy had 1924 seats. After the development, Kingston said the upper level auditorium would seat 900.
Significant heritage features including the proscenium arch would be restored, he said. National Trust conservation director David Burdon said the Roxy will require the original auditorium to be reinstated to its original capacity of nearly 2000 seats to truly be Parramatta’s rival to Sydney’s historic State and Capitol theatres. “The National Trust is hopeful that the proposed design for the Roxy can be further refined to include the reinstatement of the original proscenium arch, stalls and stage area which were a key feature of the building’s original spectacular interior.
The evidence for this reconstruction exists.” The government arts agency, Create NSW, said any future funding support and site acquisition would depend on a final business case. Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights.
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