Plans to Revive Parramatta’s Roxy Theatre Revealed, Facing Metro Setbacks

Plans are reportedly in the works to transform Parramatta’s historic but dilapidated Roxy Theatre into a vibrant hub of nightlife, featuring cafes, bars, and an auditorium that could potentially host prestigious events like the Dally M Awards. However, construction of the new Metro West station is currently causing delays.

A fresh development application has been lodged with Parramatta Council, aiming to rejuvenate the treasured Art Deco venue and boost the CBD’s nightlife. The proposal includes demolishing the graffiti-covered service area at the back to make way for a range of dining and entertainment options, visible to commuters exiting the new metro station.

Additionally, plans include the addition of colonnades to the building’s west wall, which will be lined with new entrances and cafes facing the Civic Link. The revamped Roxy is set to feature six mid-range dining venues, alfresco dining areas, and several bars and restaurants opening onto Civic Link, George St, and the former nightclub space. Food is expected to play a critical role in the venue’s appeal.

The revitalized Roxy is envisioned to stand out in Parramatta’s nightlife scene due to its grand scale and historic branding. The venue aims to host a variety of events, including comedy shows and headline music acts, reviving its former glory. Past performers included well-known artists, and future events might see the Dally M Awards being held there, highlighting the venue’s potential to attract major acts.

Supporters of the project believe that if the Roxy attracts the right performances and events, it could significantly boost Parramatta’s nightlife and restaurant scene by drawing people from all over Sydney.

Despite the excitement, reports indicate that the ongoing metro construction is causing significant delays to the Roxy’s restoration. There are questions about whether plans for office and residential towers above the station will proceed, contributing to the uncertainty. In March, it was reported that the government had to pay Parramatta Council over $200 million in compensation for forcibly acquiring land to build the Metro station.

The station and surrounding developments, including Civic Link’s block 2 and a new public square, are expected to be completed by 2032. However, those involved in the project are eager to start on the Roxy’s renovations sooner.

The Roxy Theatre has had a tumultuous history. In 2019, a plan to build a 33-storey mixed-use tower above the theatre was rejected. The 94-year-old theatre, which opened as a cinema in the 1930s, has served various roles over the decades, including as a Hoyts cinema, restaurant, nightclub, and entertainment venue before closing in 2014.

It is being reported that the NSW Government is also showing interest in the Roxy’s future. Create NSW is said to be finalizing a business case to potentially transform the theatre into a cultural venue for music and live performance. The completion of this business case will determine any future funding support for the Roxy Theatre.

The revival of the Roxy Theatre is poised to bring new energy and excitement to Parramatta’s nightlife scene, despite the current hurdles and delays.