It was four years ago when the New South Wales Inner West Council ordered the Olympia Milk Bar to be closed until repairs were carried out.
The order came after an inspection and a subsequent police report that the landmark building’s awning was in danger of collapsing.
This week, after a long time of waiting and the realisation that the Olympia had fallen into disrepair marks the end of an era for 91-year-old owner Nick Fotiou.
During this period, Mr Fotiou received an immense amount of support from the Parramatta community, however, due to NSW Health concerns regarding safety risks and mould the milk bar has been boarded up.
The iconic cafe, with its milkshake makers, the urn, an old cash register, laminated tables and posters dating back decades as well as its owner who operated it for 50 years will most likely be restored as a heritage building.
The Olympia is already listed on the NSW Heritage Register and has its history recognised under the Marrickville Local Environmental Plan while the council confirmed that any future development proposal for the site would be subject to an assessment to retain as many of its characteristics as possible.