With debate on whether the 1930’s heritage listed Roxy should be retained considering the dearth of grade-A office space in the CBD, Western Sydney Business Access asked business leaders for their opinion.
LJ Hooker commercial manager Glen Peterson,Karima Group CEO George Sahyoun and Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president Roger Byrne agree that when Parramatta heritage can be preserved, it should be, as that was what makes Parramatta special.
Their outlook lies somewhere between “if it’s old and not protected, knock it down” and “protect anything old at all costs”.
They’re happy that Roxy owner David Kingston is able to retain and restore the much-loved Roxy while building a mixed-use development that is economically viable.
“I think the community should be pleased that the Roxy owner is able to do this while providing more commercial space for Parramatta,” Mr Peterson said.
“This development has shown that you can retain old buildings while making way for the new.”
Mr Peterson grew up in Parramatta and has fond memories of watching movies at the Roxy and would have hated to see it changed dramatically.
Mr Peterson said there were "many examples around the world where heritage buildings stood beside new developments".
"We have that in Parramatta and that is great when it can be done," he said.
However, Mr Peterson said people who "became emotional" about retaining non-heritage-listed properties that owners wanted to redevelop, had to realise that "it is not their money" being risked.
Acknowledging there was a shortage of A grade office space in Parramatta, Mr Peterson said the best way to take care of that was to go as high as possible.
"High-rise in the CBD is the answer. It's not as if we are in San Francisco with earthquakes to worry about. Our high buildings are safe," he said.
Mr Peterson also said the heritage precinct in North Parramatta should not be compromised by inappropriate commercial development.
Mr Peterson's sentiments were echoed by developer and residential realtor George Sahyoun who said he was pleased the Roxy owner was able to retain the theatre while adding more office space to Parramatta.
Mr Sahyoun runs L J Hooker residential in Parramatta as well as being CEO of Karima Group, which specialises in hospitality development.
"The Roxy owner is able to retain the theatre while adding office space to Parramatta - and we have a shortage of both performance space as well as commercial space," Mr Sahyoun told WSBA.
"In Parramatta we need diversity in the CBD and we need to have council continue to promote the cultural aspect of the city."
He agreed with Mr Peterson that heritage is what stood Parramatta apart from other parts of Sydney, and that posed a challenge to developers.
But he said it was able to work in Sydney CBD and should not be an issue in Parramatta.
He said the North Parramatta heritage site was "under-utilised".
"This site is an absolute asset to the whole of Parramatta and there is a huge opportunity to develop it, with supportive development that was sensitive to the heritage," he said.
Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president Roger Byrne has already stated that he likes to see a balance between the old and the new, and supports the Roxy redevelopment.
Recently, Mr Kingston presented his plans to a Chamber meeting, and they were well-received, says Mr Peterson.
Mr Kingston, who has been working closely with Parramatta Council on his plans, is expected to submit a DA soon.
Meanwhile, passionate supporters of the Roxy, who formed two Facebook groups simultaneously, are watching with bated breath.
