It's an iconic Sydney cinema, an art deco venue with a loyal local audience in the eastern suburbs.

Now the Randwick Ritz is headed for an upgrade, including more screens and an outside cinema where the audience wear headphones, after changing ownership this week.

New owners: Eddie and Lindy Tamir with sons Josh (left) and Benji at the Randwick Ritz. Credit:Edwina Pickles

Eddie and Lindy Tamir, who own three heritage cinemas in Melbourne, have bought the six-screen Ritz for an undisclosed price.

It has been operated by Antoinette Katehos since her father Jack Ziade bought the building 22 years ago amid protests about the need to preserve its heritage.