Parramatta · est. 1930
The Roxy opened in 1930 as a 2,000-seat Spanish Mission picture palace capable of staging live performances. We are campaigning to restore it as a 1,500-seat lyric theatre — the grand heritage venue Parramatta and Western Sydney deserves.
"All great cities need their heritage, and their entertainment infrastructure. The Roxy, embodying both of these critical elements, is already there."
The Roxy Theatre Action Group
Latest news
Parramatta Council unanimously endorsed Lord Mayor Zeiter writing to the NSW Government calling for them to explore the purchase and restoration of the Roxy Theatre as a live music and entertainment venue. RTAG provided the Lord Mayor with a printout of the 4,300+ signatures on our Change.org petition.
The Metro construction authority has acquired the land on both sides of the Roxy to provide access to the construction site. The land will not be returned for at least seven years — the Roxy cannot operate as anything in the meantime.
The Roxy's owner continues to state he is not interested in selling, however both sides of politics publicly committed to acquiring and restoring the building as a performing arts venue in the lead-up to the last election.
The Government must purchase the building urgently to stop the decay. The Northern frontage on George Street could be restored immediately as an al-fresco cafe in time for the Powerhouse opening, while funds accumulate to restore the auditorium.
A priceless treasure
In September 2018 a Development Application that would have destroyed all but the 700-seat Dress Circle and Foyer was rejected by the Central Sydney Planning Panel. An appeal to the Land and Environment Court was rejected on 27 June 2019.
The Roxy's auditorium can easily be converted back into its original Stalls and Dress Circle grandeur. A large lyric theatre that is also a magnificent heritage building is an unrivalled opportunity — as impressive as the Capitol in Sydney or the Regent in Melbourne.
How you can help
Push us past 5,000 signatures on Change.org. Do not 'chip in' when prompted — those funds are retained by Change.org, not by RTAG.
Sign now →Help us raise funds for advocacy and outreach. 100% of GoFundMe contributions go directly to the campaign.
Open GoFundMe →Add your voice and leave a comment. We'll keep you informed as the campaign progresses.
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