SYDNEY could get its first commercial rooftop cinema and bar, operating nightly until late in Surry Hills, if council approves plans put forward by a Melbourne company.

With a capacity of 250 patrons, the proposal is for a 175-seat outdoor cinema operating through the warmer months, an outdoor bar serving alcohol and food and an indoor theatrette on the roof of the Paramount building on Brisbane Street.

Bringing back the movie experience ... Barrie Barton hopes to gain approval for another rooftop cinema. Credit:Paul Rovere

Patrons would listen to films through headphones, to comply with noise restrictions. The cinema would operate until midnight (and 10pm on Sundays) for a 12-month trial period; and the bar would be open from midday. Alcohol would be banned outside after 10pm.

The council received 35 submissions on the $1 million proposal, 23 of them objections from residents of the nearby Mark Foys building. Mission Australia also runs an aged care facility across the road.