Behind the Scenes at the Roxy #4 Roxy Refurbishment Gains Momentum

Published on 10 August 2022

If there’s a phrase to describe recent developments on the Roxy Theatre site it would be ‘gaining momentum’.

The news that the first concrete pour has been completed in what was the Crate Café will be welcomed by Roxy enthusiasts keen to see Leeton’s best loved landmark reopened with its heritage features fully intact and with its theatre technologies overhauled and modernised.

The pour – under the direction of local builder, Brendan Horton – is significant on two fronts. Firstly, it is the slab for a key feature of the project, the cosy entertainment space, Roxy II.

Secondly, as Roxy project director, Katherine Herrmann, explains, “Very importantly, the new slab facilitates propping and heavy machinery access, both of which are essential as the full build is being undertaken from the temporary laneway running on the southwest of the site.

“With the Roxy located on a state road and busy roundabout, the project has to be built from the rear, with construction starting on both cafes and gradually moving back to the southwestern corner where the new dressing rooms and other stage facilities behind the stage will be developed.”

Adding to the momentum is the news that asbestos has been successfully removed from where the old auditorium’s floor was in readiness for another – and much larger – concrete slab which’ll be overlaid with beautiful spotted gum flooring.

The final word goes to the council’s internal project manager, Gideon Vos, who said that while the recent former Crate Café concrete pour might seem mundane it was, in Roxy project terms, most definitely not.

The Roxy Redevelopment Project is being proudly funded by the Australian Government under the Murray–Darling Basin Economic Development Program, the NSW Government through the Regional Cultural Fund, as well as Leeton Shire Council.