I would love to see the  Roxy Parramatta restored. I think too many cinemas of Sydney suburbs have been destroyed over the last 45 years - Robert, Nowra   

I grew up enthralled by this beautiful gem. We cannot afford to lose it - Ryan, Kings Park

Many happy memories of the Roxy Theatre, it should be fully restored to its heritage beauty and once again a place to be proud of. With Sydney's lack of theatres this will become an icon like the State Theatre - Richard, Canley Vale

Once lost, these treasures can never be returned. Bring back the Roxy - Marie

The current redevelopment proposal sweeps away any possibility of the current theatre's potential to serve as a much-needed performance space for the burgeoning population of western Sydney - Graham, North Parramatta

This building if restored would bring more people and productions to Parramatta - Angela, Rockdale

I grew up in Rosehill, and this special place has a place in my heart. Although my association with this gem is in its context as a cinema, as a professional theatre practitioner in a city that continues to fall way behind its southern neighbour in cultural opportunity, I wholeheartedly support its restoration as a grand lyric theatre for the West. I know first hand that producers want to bring their theatre product to Sydney, but there are no available theatres because we have a tragic history of pulling them down. Don't let the Roxy be the next victim - Todd, Botany

I visited the Roxy just prior to alteration. It was a magnificent experience. The building equalled the most lavish of any theatre I had seen at that time and even to this present time. Parts of the Christie Theatre organ still exist although some was lost in a fire. The tower may pay for a full restoration provided the theatre is fully restored and not just a continuation of the 1970 destruction. The State Theatre in Sydney is enjoying restoration due to the hotel next door providing funds. The Wurlitzer organ restoration at the State is well underway as a result of the commercial enterprise next door - Robert, Birkdale (Qld)

Restore the Roxy. Heritage counts - John, Sydney

 We want a COMPLETE restoration of the Roxy Theatre - not a substandard, partial one - Louise, North Rocks

I worked there for years as a manager projectionist. We must save this icon - David, Prospect

I worked the Roxy 1967 as assistant projectionist , even as a youth felt the overwhelming power & space of this fabulous building - John, Bankstown

The Roxy Theatre is totally unique in Australia, not another like it and it must be saved as a 'cinema' type theatre with a stage for live performances....a complete performing arts centre. - Julien, Ferny Creek

One of last old cinemas/theatres in Sydney/Australia. This needs full restoring as a theatre - Peter, Rose Bay

I remember taking my children to the Roxy to see the latest movie. Most of the excitement and wonder was the theatre itself! It must be preserved! That magic can never be lost in such an amazing building - Kerry, Winston Hills

Let's save this piece of history. Let's leave some history and use it to inject some culture to the area - David, Arncliffe

The Western Suburbs are in dire need of a 1500+seat Theatre for the Performing Arts. Sydney, unlike Melbourne, is lacking enough venues to stage major Musical and other productions, and this City is missing out seeing a lot of shows as a result.

The Roxy Theatre is unique and was modelled on the Alhambra Theatre in Sacramento, California and was named after S L 'Roxy' Rothafel who built the Roxy Theatre in New York - John, Northmead

Leave the Roxy alone. we must preserve our city's heritage - Jeffery, Kingsgrove

I agree we need to revive the Roxy Theatre! - Bradley, Winston Hills

The Roxy in itself is a great part of western sydneys heritage - a home for the arts & entertainment shouldn't be taken down so easily - Dennis

It's time to hold onto the heart of Parramatta and bring the Roxy back to life - Anne, Wentworth Point

A full and Total Resteration of this Magnificent Tresure of Parramatta is the only way forward. In the of common sense, It must be Restored to its former Glory - Anon, South Wentworthville

The Roxy should be returned to its original configuration.   It would be a great asset and an interesting piece of history - Anon, Epping

I used to work around the corner and always was intrigued with the Roxy. These days it looks so sad. It would be fabulous to revive the Roxy in its original form - Janet, Beecroft

The original Roxy is a true gem and must be restored to its former glory to provide much needed cultural facilities for Western Sydney (and all of Sydney) - Allen, Carlingford

If Parramatta is to be the centre of Sydney then it must have a heritage theatre to reflect the city's history and culture. The Roxy has been an iconic site for 90 years in Parramatta, and the people of Parramatta deserve a grand lyric theatre for live performances - Edwin, Epping

Come on council, THE PARRAMATTA COUNCIL - COME ON !! State Government should be able to help !!  State Government & Parramatta Council have the expertise necessary to engineer such RESTORATIONS - Warren, Ermington

Grand old building, far more valuable than yet another bock of clinical units - Glenys, Castle Hill

I grew up in Auburn and often went to the Roxy Theater it an icon and we need to look after it for future generations to enjoy and we did - Lorraine

Valuing our city's cultural heritage is central to building communities in the future. Repurposed heritage connects a new audience to Parramatta's history. Along with Parramatta's other amazing historic sites, the Roxy will attract tourists in the future. It's too late to do something once heritage is destroyed and all  we are left with is a city of homogenous high-rise devoid of character and links to the past - Lyndall

The Roxy needs to be saved as close as possible to its present form as a functional building where people can support the arts and at the same time enjoy the rich heritage of which Parramatta so abundantly abounds. Our heritage is at great risk and we need to pause and breathe deeply before we lose any more of it to  developers' money-making shortsightedness - Elaine, Baulkham Hills

The Roxy must be saved and converted back to its original state. It is a great need for 'Our Western Entertainment' - Joan, Blacktown

The Roxy Theatre is a priceless treasure which needs to be retained. It's an important heritage building which Parramatta can't afford to lose - Michelle, North Rocks

WOW!! What a perfect chance to recreate the beautiful old Roxy with an interior even more spectacular than its original. There are so many shows that would be perfect for this fab old theatre.  It has never had a full stage house with the presentation  theatrical shows possible.  Here is the perfect chance to get it right.  Let's hope that the developers and council have the vision to do so - Greg, Kiama

The ROXY MUST be restored to its original configuration with an added structure to provide adequate facilities to enable the staging of classical theatre and musical events befitting a city of Parramatta's stature - Peter, North Parramatta

Parramatta is a growing centre for all forms of leisure and culture.  The chance to restore the Roxy Theatre will not happen again.  If we lose it now, we cannot re-create it.  We need to encourage the opportunities for the FUTURE at the same time as providing for the PRESENT. There are many new office/residential buildings in Parramatta.  There is only ONE Roxy - Jennifer, Wentworthville

Over the years we have destroyed too much of our past history and beautifully crafted buildings.  Do not let this happen again with the Roxy, and give the uncaring developers yet another victory - Leonie, Eastwood

Parramatta needs a 1500 seat fully restored Roxy live theatre. Mr Kingston and the Council should consider doing a deal with the adjacent City Centre car park via a land swap and carry out a business case for hi-rise on that site, for a win win situation. The State and Local government could then work in conjunction with the Riverside theatre group to bring this iconic Roxy back to life. Remember this is a State heritage listed site, that can be over written by Planning ministers, so voice your opinion today by emailing or writing to Parramatta City Council - Gary

Save this theatre, for the people of both Parramatta and Sydney.This opportunity should not be missed given the fantastic growth in the West. There are no similar size seating venues in the West capable of staging large productions - John, Pennant Hills

The Roxy Theatre is worthy of being restored to its former glory. It would be a wonderful cultural venue unlike no other in Parramatta - Hilary

I fully support this cause - Edward, North Parramatta

We need to preserve our heritage, particularly significant buildings like The Roxy.   It would wonderful to have our heritage theatre hosting great shows and performances on par with The State Theatre - Carolyn, Telopea

As a local resident and an active,  full-time professional actor/singer/ stage director with a  50 year membership in Actors Equity I have often decried the loss of local live theatres. I know the old Civic was once a large live Theatre, as well as the Roxy, but the Civic could not be easily resurrected, whereas the Roxy certainly can be. I have performed upon the  Riverside stage professionally, as well on most of the major theatres Nationwide, along with in virtually every theatre (major and minor) in NZ, and applaud the thought of returning the glorious Roxy to its former glory - Lester, Winston Hills

It would be wonderful to have a 1500 seat lyric theatre inn such an interesting heritage listed building - Katherine, Telopea

The Roxy Theatre must be saved from the impact of property developers and their Parra Council mates. Too much of Parramatta's heritage is being compromised. Our politicians and councillors are destroying the place - Keith, Wentworthville

A grand old lady - Alex, Ruse

I find it hard to believe  that  people  want to destroy  such  a magnificent theatre. We, the Western suburbs  of Sydney, want a big beautiful venue to house huge productions as does the Capitol and the Lyric. Why is it so hard to understand - John, Blacktown

This is such a beautiful building, it reminds me of the famous Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles. That theatre has been fully restored and is used. As an outsider, I read Sydney is moving things to Parramatta, and I also read Sydney is short of theatres so this would make a great solution for both. Sydney has taken a hit lately as a miserable city always tearing down good buildings, so it would be a feather in Sydney's cap to reverse that shortsighted trend - Anon, Yorkeys Knob

We are appalled that anything be allowed to deface this iconic building. It would be wonderful to see it restored. Forget moving the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta. Restore the Roxy, put on great shows and it will bring the tourists as well as locals - Mary and Jeff, Dundas Valley

I am very interested in seeing the restoration of a complete ROXY Theatre as was built.  I was one of the main persons who finally got the Melbourne Regent Theatre saved, then restored/rebuilt, and was the person who got the fabulous 4/36 Wurlitzer pipe organ purchased and installed.  I now look after the maintenance of this large organ together with a group of dedicated organ maintenance helpers - Julien, Ferny Creek

The Roxy needs to be preserved and restored, Parramatta needs this theatre, we have lost too many historic buildings in this area, the Roxy is and always has been an oasis in a glass and concrete CBD - Richard, Canley Vale

This iconic theatre needs to be saved, restored and opened as a live entertainment venue for touring artists, productions and concerts, as well as special film events. Australia needs to keep as many of its historic theatres as possible. With Parramatta's growing population, it is by far the most affordable way to provide this critical infrastructure whilst so ensuring future generations have a direct connection to their heritage, their culture and a special place to indeed share with their children too! - Daniel

Would love to see a full restoration complete with theatre organ! - Maggie, Lugarno

I am very sad and angry about the way our city and environs are being demolished.
Sydney (and its suburbs and cities) must have our heritage buildings kept to show our history and the substance thereof. To show that we have had a life! Why do I have to always travel to the city?
Yes, it is lovely to have bright , shiny new buildings but to make them special, our original buildings must be equally of importance.
Either 1700s or 2000s are very important to us!
Why does our population go overseas to visit ancient sites and look at other cities?
Why do tourists visit, and are disappointed about the fact that we are telling them that 'this' USED to be here.?!
I love the 'warm and cosy' feeling of 'old' and the 'awe' of the new - SO LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY!
Parramatta is now classed as a city so we should have a beautiful and grand Theatre that we may wish to attend. We do have so much theatre!
After all, we have the City of Sydney and then the Joan Sutherland Theatre in Penrith.
The City of Parramatta, in between, would be wonderful. Transportwill become easier from Hornsby in the future. KEEP THE ROXY as something special!! I hope that I do get to see a great performance in the beautiful Roxy! Make us proud of a wonderful venue!!!! - Lynette, Thornleigh

Maintenance of heritage and access to cultural facilities are essential for western Sydney - Roderick, Beecroft

Many memories of the Roxy & would love to see this renovated to the near original style of theatre - Bev, Waitara

Parramatta deserves to have the Roxy fully restored and converted into a lyric theatre! This is a special place that needs to be available for future generations to experience and enjoy.

The only example of true Spanish Mission style stand-alone theatre interior/exterior in the country and a vital part of Parramatta and Australia's built and social history.

I hope the local, state and federal governments are listening! - Ian, Toongabbie

I cannot express how depressed I feel when such a beautiful cultural building is pulled down for what? Greed - Catherine, Wentworth Point

I really hope you are able to save this venue from redevelopment and have it restored to its former glory. Sydney needs another live performance theatre and should embrace and look after old beauties with character  like this - Tegan, Winston Hills

Part of my childhood as going to the Roxy. It must be preserved - Rosemary, Parramatta

Lots of great memories going there as a kid then walking from Rosehill as a teenager for a night at the movies ,too much of Parramatta is already lost, it is a icon of George St  - Diana, Minchinbury

Please bring the Roxy back to its former glory. DO NOT build any apartments on top of the building or anywhere near it. It needs to be an active theatre again. - Jill, Parramatta

We need a facility like this. It will enable residents to see quality productions without the need to travel into an already overcrowded CBD. - Lea, Baulkham Hills

Happy to support your action group. Passionate supporter of the Parramatta heritage retained for future. - Trish, Lalor Park

It would be disastrous to allow any development on this site! The Roxy theatre, which gave such pleasure to many in the middle years of the last century, should be restored to its original grandeur to preserve a part of our history and to become the cultural centre of Western Sydney entertaining and educating future generations. Parramatta has a rich history, but we have lost much of the tangible evidence of this history i.e. its early buildings. Do not let us repeat the mistakes of our past. We must fight to have this building, with its great architectural heritage, restored to its former beauty. Then, we in western Sydney, will have something to be very proud of! - Dorothy, Baulkham Hills

I cannot understand why we in Sydney want to get rid of beautiful heritage buildings, when Melbourne, Adelaide and other Australian cities have so much beautiful architecture and we seem slowly to be getting rid of ours. The beautiful Regent in the city has gone so did the St James theatres. - Lorraine, Baulkham Hills

I wish to show my support regarding the preservation of the Roxy Theatre as described on this website. - Gail, Northmead

It would be a shame on the state to lose this theatre. - Margaret, Baulkham Hills

Parramatta's heritage must be saved!!! - Leonie, Baulkham Hills

A 1500-seat magnificent theatre like the original Roxy should be an Australian treasure to look after, love and lease for great shows such as musicals, operas, and dance; comedy like "Just for Laughs Australia" in the Opera House; dramatic plays, muticultural shows like a Chinese New Year acrobatic and magic show; circus and kiddies shows like those that used to be held on Saturdays in the CBD Anthony Horderns; exceptional movie treasures, photographic and laser shows, LGBIQ shows, and last but not least, First Nations' events showing Aboriginal art, theatre and dreamtime plays. Let's fight for the Roxy to be restored to its original magnificence and used as a great source of entertainment for the people of Parramatta and Sydney as well as for visitors to Sydney. - Richard, Carlingford

Retaining the facade only, makes no sense. The theatre must be restored to its former state as part of Parramatta's heritage. - Stuart, West Pennant Hills

I have never forgotten this theatre and often tell people about it - I would be horrified to see it go. Restoration would be stunning. Good Luck. - Dorothy, Moama NSW

The Roxy is a magnificent, iconic building. It has an atmosphere that cannot be captured by modern day venues. It is worth preserving! - Allana, Binya (previously Guildford)

I really hope this happens, the people of the west deserve a great venue. - Christopher, Sandringham Vic.

Please save this beautiful historic building. Parramatta deserves a centrepiece theatre capable of hosting grand shows like theatre, ballet and opera. - Anon, Parramatta

The Roxy Theatre is a true icon of Parramatta and Western Sydney. Any act that would change or detract from the significance of this theatre would be truly contemptible and should be regarded as an assault on the identity of the city and its people. - Zach, Bella Vista

My Grandfather Alexander Speers (Alex Speers & Sons) built the Roxy Theatre and many other buildings in the period, including the Wintergarden Theatre at Rose Bay which was demolished. I would not like the Roxy to go the same way. - Heather, Bathurst

First I have never visited the Roxy as a patron when it was a single-screen or multiplex. Nevertheless, I do miss the sensation of the old-fashioned presentation of movies - the parting and closing of the curtains, a short or two, interval and the main feature. Today's cinema's lack any artistic design and are poorly lit before and after the session. I don't think it's that hard in design to incorporate the simple flowing lines in the ceiling and walls as in the art deco desings of Crick and Furse particularly in the Kings chain of cinems. The experience in a modern multiplex is not the same.

I have seen an artist's impression the proposed development. IIt shows a cross-section of the 'new' Roxy. The result is nearly half the building gutted and destroyed leaving only a 'stadium seating' arrangement. It appears that there is not even a stagehouse for live performance. There is no mention of incorporating an Wurlitzer organ, or at least a high quality digital replica.

To me a restoration is to gut the building of its 1976 renovations, restore the dress circle and stalls, restore and replace the original proscenium. In addition, like the dot point in "the vision" a generous stage house could be added for complex live theatre productions. Of course a cinema screen could be added with black velvet curtains to change the aspect ratio of the screen according to the aspect ratio of the movie presentation.

The result is a 1900 seat building for live theatre or cinema. "The Roxy" could well be focal point for film festivals and major live productions. It should not be a competitor to the Riverside Theatres. "The Roxy" will be an artistic jewel in the geographic middle of the Sydney. - Anthony, Belfield

It’s a lovely old theatre and should be preserved for us and for future generations to come . Roger, Hazelbrook

Parramatta's heritage must be saved!!! - Leonie, Baulkam Hills

A 1500-seat magnificent theatre like the original Roxy should be an Australian treasure to look after, love and lease for great shows such as musicals, operas, and dance; comedy like "Just for Laughs Australia" in the Opera House; dramatic plays, muticultural shows like a Chinese New Year acrobatic and magic show; circus and kiddies shows like those that used to be held on Saturdays in the CBD Anthony Horderns; exceptional movie treasures, photographic and laser shows, LGBIQ shows, and last but not least, First Nations' events showing Aboriginal art, theatre and dreamtime plays.

Let's fight for the Roxy to be restored to its original magnificence and used as a great source of entertainment for the people of Parramatta and Sydney as well as for visitors to Sydney. - Richard, Carlingford

Retaining the façade only, makes no sense. The theatre must be restored to its former state as part of Parramatta's heritage. - Stuart, West Pennant Hills

I have never forgotten this theatre and often tell people about it - I would be horrified to see it go. Restoration would be stunning. Good Luck - Dorothy, Moama NSW

The Roxy is a magnificent, iconic building. It has an atmosphere that cannot be captured by modern day venues. It is worth preserving! - Allana, Guildford

I really hope this happens, the people of the west deserve a great venue. - Christopher, Sandringham Vic.

The Roxy was my favorite childhood cinema where I saw memorable films of the Golden Age of Hollywood in a building that conjured up all its attendant glamour. in 1977 when I returned to Parramatta for a visit I went there to see 'Star Wars' and felt the excitement of a 10-year-old onnce more, the Roxy still able to enhance the excitement of the special event going to the cinema used to be.
As an ex-theatre professional (costume & scenery designer) I can only applaud and support the proposal that the Roxy restored will become a major live theatre venue. - Susan, Footscray Vic.

Supporting your aims. - Brett, Parramatta

Amazing piece of Art Deco history - I hope it is preserved and used again as a theatre, as was intended, just like the State and the Capital Theatres. I have wonderful memories of this beautiful building and too many beautiful theatres have been lost already - Sarah, North Turramurra

Save this Historic Icon now! - Rod, Wollstonecraft

The Roxy is a most beautiful building full of history. There are already too many soulless monsters of concrete and clay in Parramatta. Bring back a little style and class. - Lisa, Granville

Being in my eighties I have such fond memories of "The Roxy".
My first visit being at 14 years old with my darling husband to be, we arrived on a motorcycle.
My first impression was one of wonder, it was if I had been transported to the Orient.
We have to preserve this beautiful building, perhaps turning it into our own Sid Grauman's TCL Theatre?
What we don't want in Parramatta is another ugly tower. - Carole, Blackheath

People power is necessary to save the Roxy Theatre and all heritage buildings in Parramatta. Look at the old Woollen Mills building. It is nothing but a large tombstone. Do not allow developers and council to do as they choose. - Jennifer, Oatlands

I strongly support your program - John, Hunters Hill

I grew up in Parramatta and saw my first movies at the Roxy. This theatre has always been special to me, and I ended up going into a career of theatre employment. I would love nothing else but to see this theatre return to its usual state....and I do believe it is beneficial to western Sydney (if not NSW) to have an operating theatre like this right now. - Paul, Sydney

I grew up in Parramatta and know the Roxy well - Tania, Randwick

I love your plans for the Roxy. I grew up near Parramatta, and later lived right in town. The Roxy was a huge part of my life and I've always loved that theater. It must be preserved! My earliest memory is queuing up way around the corner to see an Elvis movie. I couldn't tell you how many movies I saw there, but it was a lot. And the ambience made the experience special. I live near Boston in the US now. But the Roxy is still in my memories and I plan to include it in one of my stories in the future.

Keep up the good work, Adrian, Cambridge MA, USA

Loved going to the Roxy and it can’t be destroyed like so many before it - David, Mayfield

The Roxy was a constant during my wonderful childhood spent in Parramatta from birth (1952) until I married in 1975.

I could no more imagine a town like Parramatta without this beautiful Theatre which dates back to the early 1930's.

I love the grandeur of this Spanish Italianate building and everything that The Roxy presents.
It is worthy of a new discovery in creating a Lyric Theatre that befits the current Generations. - Judy, Engadine

Grew up in the area and went to the Roxy in the 1980s all through my teens. Would love to see this saved as a theatre venue for Parramatta. - Kelly, South Wentworthville

Make it happen. - John, Narrabeen

Loved the Roxy as a local growing up in the 70's, look at what the community did to re-open the old cinema in Sawtell, or the magnificent Theatre Royal in Hobart! - Henri, Winston Hills

The Roxy Theatre is an interesting building but I am not convinced one way or the other on how it should be developed. Peter, Fairfield

Roxy was one of the go-to places in Parramatta. Movies, pinball machines and ice cream! Would be great for live music - James, Hornsby

This magnificent theatre if upgraded with a full stage with fly tower built on council land behind would be a big win for Western and Greater Sydney - Anthony, St Peters

There will be a need to acquire property to the rear of the Roxy in order to extend the stage to enable large theatrical productions to be staged. If this is possible this would be a wonderful opportunity to restore this historic theatre to its former glory . I can just imagine sitting in the stalls once again and enjoying both the ambiance of the refurbished Roxy itself, as well as live theatre performances. - Ian, Oatlands

I love the arts and cannot lose this for our children community and future generations. - Jack, South Wentworthville

It's time to bring back this wonderful Parramatta landmark, by fully restoring the ROXY and welcoming her to the 21st century. As a 1500 plus seat lyric theatre the ROXY will shine with live theatre and live music venue for another century and beyond. GOOD LUCK ROXY. - Cathy, Oatlands

The Roxy is a wonderful theatre - I hope it can be saved - Chris, Bronte

So little has been left that shows us who came before. Don’t let these gorgeous fragments go.
We can’t get them back - Jeremy, Parramatta