Sydney’s iconic Olympia Milk Bar set for revamp

·

A dilapidated 1950s-era milk bar on Parramatta Road, Stanmore, is poised for a revival under a $953,000 redevelopment proposal by its new owner, Paul Barone.

The Olympia Milk Bar, which closed in 2017 after more than 50 years of operation by its late owner Nick Fotiou, is set to undergo a restoration.

Plans include reopening the ground-level milk bar as a food and drink venue, while converting the two upper levels into a family apartment with bedrooms, living spaces, and a rooftop terrace.

Despite its rundown condition, the milk bar has garnered a cult following, inspiring novels, songs, artworks, and even a radio documentary. The site, known for its “rare surviving suburban art deco” architecture, has been granted local heritage protection by the Inner West Council.

olympia milk bar
A concept image of the redevelopment.

Mr Barone, who purchased the property in 2023, is committed to preserving its original charm.

“I genuinely want to bring it back to how it was and hopefully show that the milk bar still has a future in Sydney,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

Although some features are beyond repair, Mr Barone has salvaged as many original items as possible.

“Everyone has romanticised the shop and has wanted it brought back to exactly how it was, but unfortunately some of the items were so beyond repair they genuinely can’t be reused,” he said.

The redevelopment, designed to restore the building’s heritage character and enhance the streetscape, is awaiting council approval.

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Athens to Adelaide: Hellenic bonds strengthened at dinner for Loverdos

South Australia’s Greek community gathered at the Mortlock Chamber to honour visiting Deputy Minister Ioannis Loverdos.

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney pays tribute to women of courage and resistance

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney hosted a deeply moving and meticulously researched presentation titled Greek Heroines of WWII.

Anemones in full bloom, 25 years of Greek dance and giving

The hall was brimming with warmth, laughter, dance, and homemade food; unmistakable signs you’d stepped into an Anemones celebration.

Sydney Olympic may be forced to drop new logo over Olympic symbol breach

Sydney Olympic FC may be forced to change its new logo after it was found to breach protections over official Olympic symbols.

Greek Australian community leader Nola Radiotis honoured with Senior Award

The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards took place at Government House on this Wednesday, October 22, 2025. 

You May Also Like

Australians of Greek heritage among rugby’s most powerful

NRL’s most influential figures for 2024 have been revealed with at least four Australians of Greek heritage are listed.

Bucks assistant coach joins Giannis Antetokounmpo on Greece’s EuroBasket team

Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach, Josh Oppenheimer, will join the coaching staff for Greece's national team in the EuroBasket 2022.

‘Art on the Wall’: Eirini Alligiannis’ new book pays homage to her love of street art

Art on the Wall by Eirini Alligiannis is a compelling narrative through photography, celebrating her journey and the stories of others.