Exciting redevelopment plans have been announced for an arthouse cinema in Sydney's Paddington. The iconic movie theater is set to be transformed into a modern, eight-storey mixed-use building.

Situated on a prominent 1,138-square-meter corner block at 17 Oxford Street, this building holds a rich history. Originally established as an industrial facility in 1946, it was later acquired by Palace Cinemas in 1995. Under the guidance of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, the premises were transformed into a four-screen cineplex. In 1996, the cinema gained further fame when Nicole Kidman, accompanied by her then-husband Tom Cruise, inaugurated the Palace Verona Cinema with the premiere of her film, "To Die For."

In 2021, WT Malouf and Fenbury, developers with a vision, acquired the property. They have now revealed their plans to expand and enhance the building's offerings. Renowned architecture firm Scott Carver has been enlisted to design the mixed-use structure, which will retain two floors dedicated to subterranean cinemas. The ground floor will be designated for retail spaces, followed by four levels of commercial offices. Additionally, a vibrant 620-square-meter rooftop will be transformed into a captivating dining and beverage venue, adding to the overall appeal of the development.

According to Doug Southwell, project architect and co-managing director of Scott Carver, the redesigned Verona pays homage to the site's illustrious cinematic past while incorporating modern elements. The architectural vision seamlessly blends the original industrial brick facade, preserving its historical significance, with the addition of sleek glazed exteriors on the expanded upper levels. This integration of old and new creates a captivating design that celebrates the site's heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics.

“This project is an amazing opportunity to reinvent and redefine the next generation of cultural experiences on Oxford Street. It anchors the eastern end of the City of Sydney’s Oxford Street renewal and will help people rediscover one of Sydney’s most creative and culturally significant areas,” Southwell said.

“Cinema opens a world of experience and magic beyond our everyday lives. Verona will retain these cinematic experiences loved by so many, and enhance them with live entertainment, retail, and creative workspaces, allowing magical experiences into the everyday.”