The future of Katoomba’s iconic Paragon Café is again under scrutiny, after the NSW government alleged the property’s owner has breached heritage orders aimed at protecting the site.
The heritage-listed café, once celebrated for its rare and intact art deco interiors, has remained vacant since 2018 and deteriorated significantly due to vandalism, illegal entry and ongoing neglect.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, authorities allege owner John Landerer, through Conset Investments Pty Ltd, failed to comply with a heritage order issued requiring the building to be maintained to a minimum standard, including fire safety measures.
The matter followed an inspection by the state’s Biodiversity and Heritage Regulator earlier this year, with enforcement action — including potential court proceedings — now under consideration.
The Paragon’s decline has raised serious concerns among heritage advocates, who warn that prolonged inaction risks permanent loss of one of Australia’s most significant examples of Greek café culture.
Built in 1916 by Greek migrant Jack (Zacharias) Theodore Simos, the Paragon was once a centrepiece of the country’s thriving Greek café and milk bar tradition, which played a major role in shaping Australia’s hospitality landscape.
The Greek Herald first reported that emergency works were previously undertaken in July 2025 after a formal compliance order required the site to be secured and stabilised. While those works improved safety and reduced immediate risks, the building has continued to face challenges linked to long-term neglect.
Photos shared by community groups have shown extensive interior damage, including broken fixtures and signs of unauthorised access, underscoring the urgency of further conservation efforts.
Despite its cultural and historical importance, the Paragon’s future remains uncertain as authorities weigh next steps to enforce compliance and prevent further deterioration.
