After months of meticulous restoration, the iconic Roxy Cinemas on Berry Street in Nowra has flickered back to life, welcoming the Shoalhaven community back into its cherished Art Deco embrace. The cinema, a cornerstone of local life for nearly nine decades, was forced to close its doors on January 28, 2025, following devastating flood damage.
A Community Landmark Reborn
The reopening on Thursday, December 18, 2025, marks a significant milestone for a venue that has hosted generations of first films, school excursions, and memorable dates. General Manager Mel Rose, who has worked at the complex for two decades, expressed immense pride in the careful renewal project. "I feel like we're out of the 80s and from the old Roxy, but it still feels like the old Roxy at the same time," Ms Rose said.
The extensive refurbishment tackled the widespread water damage while preserving the theatre's unique character. Key upgrades include:
- Completely new sound and lighting systems across all five cinemas.
- Brand-new seating, flooring, and renovated bathroom facilities.
- Major repairs to the roofing structure.
- A revitalised candy bar and a new "bougie little bar area" set to become licensed in the coming weeks.
Honouring History with Modern Comfort
Despite the comprehensive modernisation, the soul of the historic venue remains intact. The cinema has dedicated a corner to its rich past, displaying memorabilia from former owner Bob Brainwood and, most poignantly, the original 1935 projector that first lit up the screen. "So, it's 90 years old and it's still on the floor in this place," Ms Rose noted, connecting the theatre's celebrated opening year with its present-day revival.
The Roxy first opened its doors on August 14, 1935, during the Silver Jubilee celebrations for King George V, an event marked by flags and royal insignia on its facade. This deep sense of history continues to resonate with patrons like long-time customers Gidge Zealand and Atmo Ryan, who were among the first to return. "We're so grateful that they didn't shut it down and that they've done all this work, it's fantastic," Ms Zealand said, reminiscing about watching Raiders of the Lost Ark there decades ago.
The Future of a Local Icon
Looking ahead, the management plans to host functions and special event nights, ensuring the Roxy remains a vibrant community hub. Staff are excited to showcase both family favourites like Zootopia 2 and major blockbusters on their new state-of-the-art systems.
For Mel Rose and the Shoalhaven community, the reopening is more than just a business resuming operations; it's the return of a collective treasure. "We'd love everyone to come in and check it out," she said. "We're very proud of what we've done, and hopefully she'll still be standing in another 90 years' time."
