The owner of the iconic Paragon Café in Katoomba, Sydney solicitor John Landerer, has been formally put on notice by Heritage NSW over the deteriorating condition of the heritage-listed site, following serious concerns about its neglect and damage.
Heritage NSW has issued a Notice of Intention to make a compliance order under section 120A of the Heritage Act, with the intention to direct Mr Landerer to restore and maintain the property to the legally required minimum heritage standards.
The notice follows growing alarm about the building’s condition, including graffiti, vandalism, broken fittings, drug paraphernalia, and significant water damage inside the once-celebrated art deco venue.
Under the current process, the owner has two weeks to make representations as to why a compliance order should not be issued. If no satisfactory response is received, Heritage NSW has the authority to proceed with a formal order.
The Paragon Café, long recognised for its historic and architectural value, has been covered in boarding since June 2024, prompting initial optimism that restoration work was finally underway. However, it appears little to no work has occurred, and photos shared with the Friends of the Paragon group reveal worsening damage to the site’s interiors.
In a statement to The Greek Herald, NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said: “The Paragon Café is an incredibly important historical site and protected on the State Heritage Register. The failure to protect this item has been devastating for those who have been hoping to see the building restored to its former glory.”
Mr Landerer has previously stated that efforts to restore the building have been delayed due to difficulties finding skilled tradespeople for the specialised work.
Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle also voiced her support for the compliance action, telling The Greek Herald: “The Blue Mountains community has given the owner time to rectify these issues but enough is enough. I support the action of Heritage NSW and I hope this will lead to a better outcome for everyone.”
A historic jewel of Greek Australian heritage
According to a Facebook post on the Greek Cafe and Milk Bars of Australia page, the Paragon Café was established in 1916 by Jack (Zacharias) Theodore Simos, a migrant from the Greek island of Kythera. The Paragon quickly became one of Australia’s most iconic Greek cafés, known for its elegant art deco interiors, handmade chocolates, and hospitality.
The café was listed by the National Trust of NSW in 1975, and in 1977, it was placed on the Australian Heritage Commission’s Register of the National Estate.
Following Jack’s death in 1976, his wife Mary continued to run the business until 1987. She passed away in 2001. In 2003, the business and building were sold separately. After failed negotiations between the building and business owners, the Paragon officially closed its doors in 2018.
In 2020, the Blue Mountains City Council approved a development application to restore the building. However, years of heavy rainfall, break-ins, vandalism, and graffiti have left the property in a state of severe disrepair, leading to renewed community concern and government intervention.
The Paragon Café remains listed on the State Heritage Register and continues to be a powerful symbol of Greek Australian enterprise and cultural contribution.
