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121 messages of support and counting.
“Former Sydney resident — my dad was a projectionist at the theatre in the 60s. Visited recently and was appalled at the condition of the building.”
“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.”
“I grew up enthralled by this beautiful gem. We cannot afford to lose it.”
“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.”
“Once lost, these treasures can never be returned. Bring back the Roxy.”
“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.”
“This building, if restored, would bring more people and productions to Parramatta.”
“I grew up in Rosehill, and this special place has a place in my heart. As a professional theatre practitioner in a city that continues to fall behind its southern neighbour in cultural opportunity, I wholeheartedly support its restoration as a grand theatre for the West. Producers want to bring their theatre product to Sydney, but there are no available theatres — we have a tragic history of pulling them down. Don't let the Roxy be the next victim.”
“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. Parts of the Christie Theatre organ still exist although some was lost in a fire. The State Theatre in Sydney is enjoying restoration due to the hotel next door providing funds — the Wurlitzer organ restoration there is well underway as a result.”
“Restore the Roxy. Heritage counts.”
“We want a COMPLETE restoration of the Roxy Theatre — not a substandard, partial one.”
“I worked there for years as a manager projectionist. We must save this icon.”
“I worked the Roxy in 1967 as assistant projectionist. Even as a youth I felt the overwhelming power and space of this fabulous building.”
“The Roxy Theatre is totally unique in Australia — not another like it. It must be saved as a cinema-type theatre with a stage for live performances: a complete performing arts centre.”
“One of the last old cinemas/theatres in Sydney/Australia. This needs full restoring as a theatre.”
“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.”
“Let's save this piece of history and use it to inject some culture into the area.”
“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. The Roxy is unique — modelled on the Alhambra in Sacramento and named after S. L. 'Roxy' Rothafel.”
“Leave the Roxy alone. We must preserve our city's heritage.”
“I agree we need to revive the Roxy Theatre!”
“The Roxy is a great part of western Sydney's heritage — a home for the arts and entertainment shouldn't be taken down so easily.”
“It's time to hold onto the heart of Parramatta and bring the Roxy back to life.”
“A full and total restoration of this magnificent treasure of Parramatta is the only way forward. In the name of common sense, it must be restored to its former glory.”
“The Roxy should be returned to its original configuration. It would be a great asset and an interesting piece of history.”
“I used to work around the corner and was always intrigued by the Roxy. These days it looks so sad. It would be fabulous to revive the Roxy in its original form.”
“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).”
“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, and the people of Parramatta deserve a grand theatre for live performances.”
“Come on Parramatta Council! State Government should be able to help. Both have the expertise necessary to engineer such restorations.”
“Grand old building — far more valuable than yet another block of clinical units.”
“I grew up in Auburn and often went to the Roxy. It's an icon and we need to look after it for future generations to enjoy as we did.”
“Valuing our city's cultural heritage is central to building communities. Repurposed heritage connects a new audience to Parramatta's history. 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.”
“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 enjoy the rich heritage Parramatta so abundantly abounds in. We need to pause and breathe deeply before we lose any more of it to developers' shortsightedness.”
“The Roxy must be saved and converted back to its original state. It is a great need for our western entertainment.”
“The Roxy Theatre is a priceless treasure which needs to be retained. It's an important heritage building Parramatta can't afford to lose.”
“What a perfect chance to recreate the beautiful old Roxy with an interior even more spectacular than its original. So many shows would be perfect for this fab old theatre. Let's hope the developers and council have the vision to get it right.”
“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.”
“Parramatta is a growing centre for all forms of leisure and culture. The chance to restore the Roxy will not happen again. There are many new office and residential buildings in Parramatta. There is only ONE Roxy.”
“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.”
“Parramatta needs a 1500-seat fully restored Roxy live theatre. The State and Local government could work with the Riverside Theatre group to bring this iconic Roxy back to life. Remember this is a State heritage-listed site — voice your opinion today.”
“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.”
“The Roxy Theatre is worthy of being restored to its former glory. It would be a wonderful cultural venue unlike no other in Parramatta.”
“I fully support this cause.”
“We need to preserve our heritage, particularly significant buildings like the Roxy. It would be wonderful to have our heritage theatre hosting great shows on par with the State Theatre.”
“As a local resident and a full-time professional actor/singer/stage director with 50 years in Actors Equity, I have often decried the loss of local live theatres. The Roxy certainly can be resurrected, and I applaud the thought of returning the glorious Roxy to its former glory.”
“It would be wonderful to have a 1500-seat theatre in such an interesting heritage-listed building.”
“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.”
“A grand old lady.”
“I find it hard to believe people want to destroy such a magnificent theatre. We, the Western Suburbs of Sydney, want a big beautiful venue to house huge productions, as do the Capitol and the Lyric.”
“This is such a beautiful building — it reminds me of the famous Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, which has been fully restored and is used. Sydney has taken a hit lately as a city always tearing down good buildings; it would be a feather in Sydney's cap to reverse that shortsighted trend.”
“We are appalled that anything be allowed to deface this iconic building. Forget moving the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta — restore the Roxy, put on great shows and it will bring the tourists as well as locals.”
“I am very interested in seeing the restoration of a complete Roxy as was built. I was one of the main persons who got the Melbourne Regent Theatre saved and restored, and the 4/36 Wurlitzer pipe organ installed there. I now look after its maintenance with a dedicated group.”
“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.”
“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. With Parramatta's growing population, it is by far the most affordable way to provide this critical infrastructure.”
“Would love to see a full restoration complete with theatre organ!”
“I am very sad and angry about the way our city and environs are being demolished. Sydney must keep our heritage buildings to show our history. Parramatta is now classed as a city, so we should have a beautiful and grand theatre. Keep the Roxy as something special!”
“Maintenance of heritage and access to cultural facilities are essential for western Sydney.”
“Many memories of the Roxy. Would love to see this renovated to the near-original style of theatre.”
“Parramatta deserves to have the Roxy fully restored and converted into a theatre. 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 cannot express how depressed I feel when such a beautiful cultural building is pulled down. For what? Greed.”
“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.”
“Part of my childhood was going to the Roxy. It must be preserved.”
“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 an icon of George St.”
“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.”
“We need a facility like this. It will enable residents to see quality productions without the need to travel into an already overcrowded CBD.”
“Happy to support your action group. Passionate supporter of Parramatta heritage retained for the future.”
“It would be disastrous to allow any development on this site! The Roxy should be restored to its original grandeur to preserve a part of our history and become the cultural centre of Western Sydney, entertaining and educating future generations.”
“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. The beautiful Regent in the city has gone — so did the St James theatres.”
“I wish to show my support regarding the preservation of the Roxy Theatre.”
“It would be a shame on the state to lose this theatre.”
“Parramatta's heritage must be saved!”
“A 1500-seat magnificent theatre like the original Roxy should be an Australian treasure — for musicals, operas, dance, comedy, dramatic plays, multicultural shows, circus and kiddies' shows, exceptional movie treasures, and First Nations events. Let's fight for the Roxy to be restored to its original magnificence.”
“Retaining the façade only makes no sense. The theatre must be restored to its former state as part of Parramatta's heritage.”
“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.”
“The Roxy is a magnificent, iconic building. It has an atmosphere that cannot be captured by modern day venues. It is worth preserving!”
“I really hope this happens — the people of the west deserve a great venue.”
“Please save this beautiful historic building. Parramatta deserves a centrepiece theatre capable of hosting grand shows like theatre, ballet and opera.”
“The Roxy Theatre is a true icon of Parramatta and Western Sydney. Any act that would change or detract from its significance would be truly contemptible.”
“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.”
“A restoration is to gut the building of its 1976 renovations, restore the dress circle and stalls, restore the original proscenium, and add a generous stage house for complex live theatre productions. The result: a 1900-seat building for live theatre or cinema — an artistic jewel in the geographic middle of Sydney.”
“It's a lovely old theatre and should be preserved for us and for future generations to come.”
“The Roxy was my favourite childhood cinema where I saw memorable films of the Golden Age of Hollywood. 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.”
“Supporting your aims.”
“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 Capitol Theatres. Too many beautiful theatres have been lost already.”
“Save this historic icon now!”
“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.”
“Being in my eighties I have such fond memories of the Roxy. My first visit was at 14 years old with my darling husband-to-be — we arrived on a motorcycle. My first impression was one of wonder. We have to preserve this beautiful building.”
“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.”
“I strongly support your program.”
“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 more than to see this theatre return to its usual state.”
“I grew up in Parramatta and know the Roxy well.”
“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. My earliest memory is queuing up way around the corner to see an Elvis movie. I live near Boston in the US now, but the Roxy is still in my memories.”
“Loved going to the Roxy and it can't be destroyed like so many before it.”
“The Roxy was a constant during my wonderful childhood spent in Parramatta from birth (1952) until I married in 1975. I love the grandeur of this Spanish Italianate building. It is worthy of a new discovery in creating a theatre that befits current generations.”
“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.”
“Make it happen.”
“Loved the Roxy as a local growing up in the 70s. Look at what the community did to re-open the old cinema in Sawtell, or the magnificent Theatre Royal in Hobart!”
“The Roxy Theatre is an interesting building but I am not convinced one way or the other on how it should be developed.”
“Roxy was one of the go-to places in Parramatta. Movies, pinball machines and ice cream! Would be great for live music.”
“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.”
“If property to the rear of the Roxy could be acquired to extend the stage for large theatrical productions, 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.”
“I love the arts and cannot lose this for our children, community and future generations.”
“It's time to bring back this wonderful Parramatta landmark by fully restoring the Roxy. As a 1500-plus seat theatre, the Roxy will shine with live theatre and live music for another century and beyond. Good luck Roxy!”
“The Roxy is a wonderful theatre — I hope it can be saved.”
“So little has been left that shows us who came before. Don't let these gorgeous fragments go. We can't get them back.”
“Used to go there back in the theatre's heyday — it was a great experience that people of all generations should have the right to experience. The Roxy is a piece of history and must be preserved.”
“The Roxy should be restored and heralded as an icon of Parramatta's history and theatrical future. Parramatta is the centre of Greater Sydney and these types of venues should be a reflection of its importance.”
“A fond early memory was going to see a Bollywood film at the Roxy in 2001. I was amazed by the Spanish-inspired architecture — like nothing I had seen before in Sydney. I was captivated by the grandeur, transported to a bygone era of opulence. The time has come for the Roxy to take centre stage again.”
“It is critical musical venues are provided for future generations. The cultural, social and economic future vitality of Parramatta City are dependent on capturing these visionary opportunities.”
“I grew up just outside Parramatta. I passed the Roxy on my way to school and met my mother and grandmother there after school — the usherettes let me in to join them. It is a significant building, architecturally and historically.”
“I cannot understand why we have to pull everything down that has significant meaning to so many people. I saw so many great movies there and also took my children. Keep the Roxy and save our historical buildings.”
“I went to the movies for the first time on my own at the Roxy — saw Goldfinger. I was 13 or so. Great place, worthy of being retained as a heritage site. I am now 72 and still remember that time.”
“Randomly searched the Roxy and was delighted she's still standing. I grew up near Parramatta and regularly went to the pictures at the Roxy during the 70s. I'd be happy to help stop the bulldozers. Future generations will applaud a heritage listing of such a grand old lady.”
“The Roxy was the first theatre I saw movies in growing up. I have worked at the Capitol in Sydney for 25 years since its reopening, and want the same for the Roxy. With Parramatta now officially a city, it's insane the Roxy is not being refurbished as an additional theatre.”
“I've loved this building since I was a little girl. A great example of Art Deco design. How anyone could contemplate knocking this building down I don't know — it's an icon and one of the few left.”
“Too many Sydney theatres have been destroyed. The Roxy Parramatta MUST be saved and returned to the way it was originally built. Think of it as a sports stadium and SAVE THIS THEATRE.”
“This beautiful theatre needs to be restored.”
“Supporting your advocacy for conservation of this fine rare theatre in the heart of Parramatta.”
“I support the restoration of the Roxy Theatre in Parramatta. This building has always been an iconic landmark and adds beauty to the city's architectural landscape for all to be enjoyed, appreciated and proud of. It would be a dream come true if the Roxy could stage cultural events.”
“We must restore the Roxy! I believe she would stand tall and proud alongside the newly built Powerhouse Museum, and contribute to the arts boost we so desperately need in Western Sydney.”
“We are being governed by absolute woke morons hell bent on destroying all our history. We have to stand up against these clowns, Parramatta is chock full of history which must be preserved for future generations, please be careful who you vote for in all elections whether council, state or federal.”
“It must be restored to its former glory”