The Roxy Theatre Action Group make first push for full theatre reinstatement
A renewed push to save one of western Sydney’s last remaining Regent theatres in Australia has restarted, asking the public to rally behind the cause.
Members of the Roxy Theatre Action Group say it is time to make their voices clear on the future of the theatre.
At a conciliation conference — with lawyers from both Parramatta Council and the Developer David Kingston present — at the parking lot behind the theatre, members for the action group made their statement clear.
Group president Robert Fox said it was time to return the theatre to the public.
“Given the desperate shortage of large theatres in Sydney, given the massive expansion in the population and infrastructure in the region, we believe that every effort must be made to return the Roxy to the citizens of Parramatta,” he said.
The conciliation will then be taken into a confidential hearing where both parties will put their views forward. If no agreement is made, the issue will go to a hearing.
One option that the Action Group hopes is tabled is a land swap, with the council swapping the Roxy for a portion of Horwood carpark, or for increased floor space on a future development.
Mr Fox said it should be positioned as the city’s very own Opera House.
“It is our hope that all levels of government will work with the owner to find an alternative that does not have to destroy for all time the massive potential for this heritage treasure,” he said.
The plea comes after a 2017 decision by owner David Kingston to develop 33 storeys on top of the theatre.
Mr Kingston’s $96 million design was said to “ensure the ongoing economic viability of the Roxy as a social and cultural hub”.
The Roxy’s 700-seat auditorium would be retained and restored under the plans and would anchor a five-level entertainment, performance and function centre.
In a design statement, Mr Kingston said as the area grew a centre such as the Roxy was needed.
“As Parramatta continues to grow to become the second major CBD in Sydney, there is clearly a need for a high-quality leisure, entertainment and function facility in Parramatta and Sydney’s western suburbs which are generally under serviced for leisure facilities,” Mr Kingston said in 2017.
Mr Kingston, who has owned The Roxy since 2002, had delayed lodging plans for the development until the Civic Link was confirmed.
Last year a the design was rejected by Parramatta Council, along with the Heritage Council of NSW and the Sydney Central Planning Panel.
The Roxy has had many lives — as a grand cinema in the 1930s, a multiplex in the 1970s and most recently as a restaurant, nightclub and entertainment venue in the 2000s.
The action group have launched a change.org petition, which has gathered 1500 signatures.
To sign visit: Save the Roxy Theatre.
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