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NSW In Melbourne, the restoration of the State, Regent, Plaza, Princess and
Parramatta Comedy heritage theatres is estimated to have brought some $300 million
per annum into the Victorian economy.
It was with dismay that the Committee learned that the existing State
Heritage Order which currently protects Parramatta’s Roxy Theatre Developers often claim that a building is of “little significance”, maybe
may be subject to an application to have that Order lifted, to allow the because the building has been partly demolished and/or vandalised, but
property owner to construct a 35 storey tower over the theatre. that does not necessarily make them “insignificant”. Restoration to their
original state can often be achieved by the use of historical documents
Our understanding of the Concept Development Application is that it and photographs to recreate a building’s external and internal
would permit a developer to basically start demolition and construction, architectural and decorative features.
but determine the fine detail as work proceeds. Such a mechanism is
clearly designed to favour the developer, effectively bypassing public The Cinema and Theatre Historical Society has always regarded the Roxy
scrutiny until it is too late. as a fine example of Spanish style architecture and one which is
unsurpassed anywhere else in this country. To allow it to be desecrated
It is understood that the proposal is to demolish the rear half of the theatre, by such an ugly tower sitting astride the building makes an absolute
drive legs down through the side walls and erect the tower above. It is mockery of such brilliant and unique architecture.
also understood that the existing 600 seat cinema in the former dress
circle would remain, but the foyers would become shops and an entry In response to a request by one of our members, Les Tod, CATHS has
foyer to the proposed tower. written to the City of Parramatta Council, urging them to reject the
application and, instead, to instead attempt to take over the theatre for
Not only is the Roxy the subject of a State Heritage Order, but is also conversion into a valuable, public asset. There comes a time for all
listed by the National Trust, the National Register of Australia, the Royal Australian local Councils to stand up against developers’ wishes based
Institute of Architects and the Parramatta City Council LEP as being of solely on anticipation of additional Council revenue.
great significance.

We believe that the car park at the rear of the building is owned by the SOUTH AUSTRALIA
City of Parramatta Council, who plan to demolish the carpark and sell Salisbury Downs
off the land. Would it not make more sense for Council to gift part of the
carpark to the developer for his tower and, in return, take ownership of The Adelaide Advertiser reported on 2 February the "famous Hollywood
the Roxy for conversion into a performing arts venue, such as happened Plaza sign in Salisbury Downs was ripped apart by a crane this morning".
in Toowoomba (Empire Theatre), Newcastle (Civic and Victoria
Theatres), and Subiaco (Regal Theatre). Apparently social media lit up with unhappy residents over the
demolition. It is understood the sign was pulled down due to safety issues.
In particular, the restoration of the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba has
played a major part in revitalisation of that city, including the construction It was not mentioned that the sign was on the actual screen frame from
of two more theatres. the Hollywood Drive-in, which was on the site from 1967 until closure
on 26 January 1985. The Drive-in was demolished in 1989 and the
Hollywood Plaza shopping centre erected on the site.

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