Squatters, illegal parties and a rare court case over 'magical' heritage cafe

The NSW government is taking legal action against the owner of Katoomba's heritage-listed Paragon Cafe, a 110-year-old art deco confectionery established in 1916, over its deteriorated condition following years of vandalism and squatting since closing in 2018. Restoration is estimated at $700,000 to $1 million, with the owner pledging compliance by May 2027 and plans to eventually reopen the cafe.