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.
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.
