A proposal to transform the Roxy Theatre into a restaurant precinct has been refused. So, what’s next for the historic building?
For over 10 years, the Roxy Theatre has sat empty on Parramatta’s George Street.
Opening as a Spanish baroque-style theatre in 1930, the venue later went on to become a nightclub before permanently closing in 2014.
Now, hopes to revive the iconic Parramatta building anytime soon have been dashed, after plans were knocked back at a Parramatta Local Planning Panel meeting.
One of the speakers who opposed the proposal was Robert Fox, President of the Roxy Theatre Action Group. Advocating for the full restoration of the building as a live theatre, Fox condemned turning the Roxy into a food hub.
“In one respect, I don’t know why we’re even here. The Roxy Theatre is a historic landmark subject to national and state heritage listings – not just the foyer and dress circle, but the entire building,” he said.
“Given its prime location in the Parramatta CBD… and given its proximity to the new Powerhouse, the Roxy has a real chance of being reinstated to its original form and function as live theatre, and nothing should be allowed to compromise this.”
Under the plans, lodged last year, the rear services zone of the Roxy Theatre would be demolished, with any items of heritage value to be retained, to make way for the construction of a new three-storey contemporary addition.
It would have contained rehearsal, offices and back of house facilities, as well as a new café/bar facing Macquarie Lane – where one of the entrances to the future Metro West station will be.
The former nightclub would have also made way for a new restaurant and bar, with the eastern and western arcades fronting George Street to become new cafés.
In total, the plans received 16 submissions during the notification period, including one petition with over 4,000 signatures opposing the DA.
Following the meeting, Local Planning Officers confirmed the proposal had been rejected – citing a lack of approval from Heritage NSW and landowners consent from Sydney Metro for the adjoining land as the main reasons.
“However, the Panel considers adaptive re-use of the Roxy Theatre building to be highly desirable and recommends the applicant work with Parramatta Council, Sydney Metro and Heritage NSW to resolve the outstanding issues in a timely and efficient manner,” the report said.
In the Council document, Sydney Metro said it requires all of its land for construction of the major transport project up until 2032 – but would be open to commencing discussions about access in 2027.
In the meantime, government arts agency Create NSW is finalising a business case for the Roxy Theatre, which will determine any future funding support.
Create NSW was contacted regarding the timeline of the business case, but no response was received by the deadline.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.