Roxy Theatre owners threaten legal action over development block

The owners of the Roxy Theatre in Parramatta are considering legal action against Sydney Metro. They claim that Metro is blocking development of the nearly 100-year-old building. David Kingston, a representative from K Capital, said they have filed a statement of claim for what he calls "severe interference" in accessing the theatre. The Roxy, located on George Street, has been waiting for renovations since late 2019. However, their latest proposal to develop the site into an entertainment precinct was denied because Sydney Metro did not allow the use of its adjacent land. Kingston accused Metro of restricting access to critical areas, making it difficult for them to renovate. Built in the 1930s, the Roxy Theatre once hosted thousands of visitors and was known as one of Australia's premier theatre palaces. It has been closed since 2014, leading to its decline. Kingston aims to turn the venue into a 29-storey mixed-use complex, but previous plans have faced rejections from local authorities. Concerns have been raised by a community group, led by Robert Fox from the Roxy Theatre Action Group, who wants the theatre preserved. They fear that current proposals could damage the building’s historic structure. Fox argues that the local council should buy the site and make necessary repairs. However, not everyone agrees with this approach. David Borger, director of Business Western Sydney, believes purchasing the site would financially burden the City of Parramatta. He supports the idea of reopening the theatre but stresses the need to keep its historical elements. The City of Parramatta has stated it does not plan to buy the Roxy Theatre. They are pushing for state or federal funding to help revitalize the site. Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe expressed support for redeveloping the Roxy while preserving its historical significance.