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.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

Greek Australians among top real estate young guns of 2025

A number of young Greek Australians have cemented their place among the best in Sydney and NSW’s real estate scene.

You May Also Like

Excellence in Greek language celebrated at Sydney’s Macquarie University

The Award Ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in the Greek Language 2022 took place at Macquarie University in Sydney on February 9.

‘A unique experience’: National Museum curator Dr Withycombe on the ‘Ancient Greeks’ exhibition

National Museum curator Dr Lily Withycombe talks to TGH about the exhibition 'Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes'.

A message from Prime Minister Scott Morrison MP on the arrival of Archbishop Makarios

I join the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in paying tribute to Archbishop Makarios on the occasion of his commencement as the new Primate...