Exterior Leeton Roxy Theatre. Courtesy of Leeton Shire Council
Project at a glance
The Roxy Community Theatre Redevelopment Project is the adaptive re-use and restoration of Leeton's State Heritage-Listed and Art Deco-designed Roxy Community Theatre to achieve a multifunctional and fully accessible Theatre and civic space that honours the building's special heritage values.
The major redevelopment of the Roxy Community Theatre, Stage 1 (the main auditorium) was completed after almost four years in December 2024. The project increased functional space and improved access and safety to the building.
The major 4-year project was proudly supported by the NSW Government, including Create NSW’s Regional Cultural Fund and Creative Capital Fund. Grant recipient - Leeton Shire Council.
History
The Roxy Community Theatre has always been more than a building—it’s a symbol of creativity, community, and shared experiences.
The Roxy Theatre, opened 7 April 1930 as a cinema, designed in a modified Art Deco architectural style with Art Nouveau and Spanish Mission elements. In 1933, a stage, orchestra pit and dressing rooms were added enabling the theatre to serve as both a live performance venue and cinema.
It was designed by architectural firm Kaberry and Chard, who also designed the Enmore Theatre in Sydney, and funded by George Conson, Riverina Theatre entrepreneur who envisioned it as ‘a theatre of dreams’ with a capacity over 1,000.
Its large red neon signs were visible from a great distance at night, owing to the theatre’s location on top of a hill. As a result, the Roxy was nick-named ‘Big Red’.
In 1977, a community-led “save the Roxy” campaign helped preserve the theatre in the face of redevelopment, with Council taking ownership.
In 2006 it was State Heritage listed.
The Roxy serves as a theatre, town hall, cinema, venue for eisteddfods, discos, high school speech nights and the musical society’s annual productions.
Who is it for
The redevelopment of the Roxy Theatre will serve the community of Leeton, ensuring it is fit for purpose to host a range of live theatre and community events. The venue is also home of the Roxy Institute of Performing Arts, to provide training and development for young performers. The venue is now equipped with modern features to be fully accessible for people with disability and mobility needs. Due to its size and modern upgrades, the building will operate as an evacuation centre for the community during natural disasters.
Special features
The Roxy has been revitalised into an accessible, flexible theatre, that supports the community of Leeton to present a range of artistic and community activities into the future. Its art deco heritage features have been retained, while modern improvements ensure it will be fit for purpose for the next 100 years.
Improvements to the building have upgraded the depression-era structure. Over thirty tonnes of steel was used to connect the old Roxy with the adjoining shopfronts as well strengthening the original buildings.
Stage 1 of the redevelopment included:
- main auditorium refurbishment
- stage upgrades, curtains and the replacement of stage piers
- installation of a loading dock
- replacement of the raked floor with flat flooring
- new retractable seating and new seating in the dress circle
- repainting of walls and ceilings
- new carpeting
- upgraded sound systems with new cinema surround sound
- new lighting bars and electronic stage management
- refreshed reception area
- two new dressing rooms
- new toilets
- new roof iron
- upgraded heating and cooling elements,
- electrical power upgrades,
- fire compliance
- new plumbing
The project delivered important upgrades to accessibility and work, health and safety aspects including lifts to the stage and dress circle, front door access for wheelchairs and hearing augmentation.
In addition, the upgrades have enabled the theatre to operate as an evacuation centre for the community during natural disasters.
Timeline
The revitalised theatre was official reopened on Saturday 1 March 2025, with a celebratory gala concert showcasing Leeton’s best soloists, choirs, bands, performers, and dancers in an unforgettable night, directed by Leeton’s very own Jake Speer.
The celebratory concert was an ode to the past, a nod to the future, and a sincere thank you to all involved in this historic and ambitious project, including the community.