The Parramatta Roxy Theatre
Action Group
Parramatta’s historic Roxy Theatre opened in 1930 and was conceived as a grand picture palace with almost 2000 seats, and capable of staging live performances.
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In September 2018 a Development Application which would effectively destroy all but the 700 seat Dress Circle and Foyer was recently rejected by the Central Sydney Planning Panel following a recommendation by NSW Heritage, and an appeal to the Land and Environment Court is pending. If successful, a permanent end will be brought to any chance of a full restoration of this priceless treasure to the Grand Lyric Theatre this city deserves.
It is vital to understand that the retention of the Roxy in its current configuration is not a restoration. The Roxy was altered in the mid 1970's to create three separate cinemas from the previous Stalls and Dress Circle of the grand auditorium. It is this truncated form that the DA deals with. The Roxy's auditorium could easily be converted back into its original Stalls and Dress Circle grandeur. It is this possibility that would produce the best and greatest use of the Roxy for the people of Parramatta and beyond. The possibility of having a large lyric theatre that is also a magnificent heritage building is an unrivalled opportunity that should not be squandered. The Roxy would be as impressive as any of the other great theatres of Australia including the Capitol in Sydney and the Regent in Melbourne. Its full realisation should be unequivocal.
The Roxy Action Group’s goal is to have the theatre fully restored to its original configuration, with the addition of full stage facilities, thus enabling the citizens of Parramatta and the Western Suburbs the opportunity to see the big commercial productions, as well as opera and ballet, rock concerts, comedy festivals and multi-cultural events without having to travel to the Sydney Metropolis.
All great cities need their heritage, and their entertainment infrastructure; the Roxy, embodying both of these critical elements, is already there!
Join us in the campaign to save and develop this gem as a lyric theatre.
It is vital to understand that the retention of the Roxy in its current configuration is not a restoration. The Roxy was altered in the mid 1970's to create three separate cinemas from the previous Stalls and Dress Circle of the grand auditorium. It is this truncated form that the DA deals with. The Roxy's auditorium could easily be converted back into its original Stalls and Dress Circle grandeur. It is this possibility that would produce the best and greatest use of the Roxy for the people of Parramatta and beyond. The possibility of having a large lyric theatre that is also a magnificent heritage building is an unrivalled opportunity that should not be squandered. The Roxy would be as impressive as any of the other great theatres of Australia including the Capitol in Sydney and the Regent in Melbourne. Its full realisation should be unequivocal.
The Roxy Action Group’s goal is to have the theatre fully restored to its original configuration, with the addition of full stage facilities, thus enabling the citizens of Parramatta and the Western Suburbs the opportunity to see the big commercial productions, as well as opera and ballet, rock concerts, comedy festivals and multi-cultural events without having to travel to the Sydney Metropolis.
All great cities need their heritage, and their entertainment infrastructure; the Roxy, embodying both of these critical elements, is already there!
Join us in the campaign to save and develop this gem as a lyric theatre.
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