The facade of Leeton’s Roxy Theatre was damaged by a driver who lost control on the nearby roundabout last week.

The historic building is in the middle of extensive renovations.

CCTV footage shows the vehicle being driven at speed and going into an apparently deliberate slide or “drift” before hitting the building and being driven away.

Police said the vehicle was later found abandoned on a street nearby.

In the crash the vehicle was significantly damaged which meant it was unable to be driven, Police said.

Forensic examination has been carried out on the vehicle and investigations are continuing.

The extensive renovations to the art-deco building had almost been completed.

Project director Katherine Hermann said she was disappointed by the “imbecilic actions” which damaged the theatre.

Ms Hermann said the original curved glass windows on the facade were damaged and replacements would have to be custom made.

The theatre has been owned by Leeton Shire Council since 1977, with the Save the Roxy Committee contributing $27,000 at the time to purchase the historic building.

Ms Hermann said the Roxy Theatre was still slated to reopen in early 2025. It was originally meant to reopen in 2022, but was delayed after the developer went into voluntary administration.

A shortage of skilled tradespeople in the region also contributed to delays.

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 31 October 2024.
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