The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has committed to preserving the historic and heritage-listed Roxy Theatre for the people of NSW, announcing funding through the $5 billion WestInvest fund to secure the site as an arts and cultural space.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the WestInvest funding was a clear sign of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s commitment to Western Sydney with large scale projects that will improve liveability by creating more public spaces, cultural, sporting and entertainment opportunities.
“People across NSW deserve greater access to our cultural history and the Roxy is a site that should be retained and preserved so future generations can enjoy it,” Mr Perrottet said
“Through the $5 billion Westinvest fund, we are investing in infrastructure that will create jobs and provide more opportunities for people in Western Sydney to enjoy cultural experiences.”
The funding commitment includes the development of a final business case that will present government with options to secure the future of the Roxy for the people of NSW.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said securing the Roxy as an arts and cultural space means the Western Sydney community would have access to an important piece of the state’s history.
“Paramatta is one of our fastest growing regions, and alongside the Powerhouse and the renewed Riverside Theatre, the Roxy has the potential to form part of a new cultural hub providing greater opportunities for the community to access world-class arts offerings,” Mr Franklin said.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the Government is responding to the community’s concerns for the Roxy site.
“We have listened to the community, and the feedback that demands that we afford this heritage site protection from overdevelopment. What the community and the Government want are more public amenities that will benefit the community, that will attract visitors, and that will be enjoyed by people for generations to come,” Dr Lee said.
Through the $5 billion WestInvest fund, the NSW Government has committed over $345 million in funding for arts and culture in Western Sydney, including funding for the future of the Roxy Theatre, an extension to the Campbelltown Arts Centre, a new Blacktown Arts and Cultural Centre and a new Burwood Urban Park and Arts and Cultural Centre.
The NSW Government will now begin to investigate potential pathways to secure the future of the Roxy Theatre with the current owner, subject to proper due diligence and any final decision being conditional on Final Business Case approval.
