Randwick Ritz Cinema rooftop plan revealed

The movie-going experience at one of Sydney’s most iconic venues is set to be taken to new heights with plans to build the city’s first rooftop cinema.

One of Sydney’s most cherished cinemas is hoping to reel in more movie lovers under ambitious plans to create a permanent rooftop screen at the historic site.

The Ritz Cinema in Randwick has lodged plans to transform its roof into a 100-seat outdoor theatre where patrons could watch the stars of the silver screen under the stars of the night sky.

Operating after sunset when weather permits, the rooftop set-up would involve patrons using wireless Dolby Digital headphones as films are projected onto a new cinema grade projection screen.

The Ritz is known for its art-deco design.

The $491,382 development would also include a bar and a program mixing up the latest blockbusters with retrospectives and art house offerings.

Owner Edie Tamir, who bought the cinema back in 2019, said the set-up would become the only rooftop cinema operating in Sydney.

“We love the adventure of cinema, and having that outdoor experience we feel really adds that element of adventure and excitement to the movie-going experience,” he said.

A picture of the rooftop cinema at the Classic in Elsternwick, Melbourne – also owned by the Tamir family.

“It’ll be a mixture of what we do at the Ritz – we’ll have the latest blockbusters but also art house films as well – it’ll be the best of big and small films.

“It’s about taking the icon into the new era.”

The rooftop plan is the final step in major upgrades for the Ritz which has included adding new cinemas to lower floors, upgrades to existing theatres, new seating, and renovations to foyers and food and drink areas.”

Eddie Tamir.

Mr Tamir said the rooftop offering could provide added benefits during the climate of Covid.

“Since reopening from lockdown we’ve seen people have been excited to come back to the cinema – Spider-Man and Bond have led the charge – we hope more and more people feel comfortable to come out as time goes on,” he said.

“During Covid-19, the ability to watch a movie outside is really seen as a big plus.”

A sketch plan of the Ritz Cinema rooftop cinema

The State Heritage listed building was opened in 1937 is one of the only two remaining art deco cinemas in Sydney, along with the Orpheum in Neutral Bay.

The proposal is in line with cinemas in Melbourne also owned by the Tamir family that incorporate an outdoor cinema experience.

Plans to Randwick Council stated the upgrade would “cement the national status of the Ritz so it remains at the forefront of cinema culture.”

The plans are currently under assessment. If approved, the Ritz is hoping to begin screening sessions by Boxing Day 2022.