Powerhouse Parramatta

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project in its current form.
I confirm I have not made any reportable political donations.
Please withhold name from published submission

The idea of destroying Willowgrove and St George Terrace to replace them with a museum collection dating back to the same era seems ludicrous.

These are part of Parramatta's cultural heritage and should not be destroyed. Part of our legacy for future generations, to be treasured not trashed. Western Sydney deserves better.

Yes, of course, we deserve both a Museum and an Art Gallery but not 'the deal' being offered. The Powerhouse Museum should stay in Ultimo.

Consideration should be given for a museum and gallery to be sited within the Cumberland Hospital/Fleet Street site where they can be enjoyed in a beautiful setting that will be both a tourist and resident drawcard. Close to the new light rail, close to Westmead Hospital and Medical Research Centre, close to the Parramatta River and Park. So much more appealing than traffic-clogged central Parramatta.

The settings for Hazlehurst Regional Gallery and the Penrith Art Gallery are both superb. The Art Gallery of NSW is also sited within green space. This is especially required in the western suburbs which endure hotter summers.

I have lived in the area for over 30 years, coming originally from London. It has taken time for me to fully appreciate the indigenous, colonial and environmental history that is held within Parramatta's LGA and it is because of what remains that has allowed me to learn its value. We nearly lost Elizabeth Farm to development. Please don't destroy more heritage in the guise of 'western Sydney deserves'.

Make Willowgrove part of our Heritage Trail.
Give Parramatta a new museum and gallery in a beautiful location.
We deserve it.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project proceeding. The ‘ New Powerhouse’ will be totally inadequate to display the wonderful collection of artistic and historical items that have been acquired over many years, and I object to them being shoved into storage.
I enjoyed much of this collection when it was in the old Museum of Technology, and then when it transferred to the wonderfully designed Powerhouse, as have my children and grandchildren.
I object to the demolition of Willow Grove and St George’s Terraces. We have very little architectural heritage in this country and what little is left should be retained for future generations.

Yours sincerely,
Jean Williams

We object strongly to the Powerhouse Parramatta Project as it has been announced. Our concerns are as follows:

1.The plans for the new building do not indicate any on-site storage facility.
2. No consideration is given to the institution of the permanent collection, currently housed at Ultimo.
3. Plans indicate the proposed building will have only 25 per cent of the display area of the existing museum.
4. The plans do not indicate any spaces for collection storage or a conservation laboratory.
5. There appears to be only one loading dock.
6. The proposed building is situated on a flood plain, an area well known by local citizens to be regularly inundated.
7.The fate of the Museum’s large items is unclear; it appears there would be no room for them all to be housed at Parramatta.
8. Plans include the demolition of the Victorian Heritage buildings at Willow Grove and St. George’s Terrace. Writing as retired History and Social Science teachers who worked in the region, these building formed an invaluable component of local History and Human Geography studies for school students and their destruction would have considerable negative impact on teachers and students.

We have not made any donations to any political party nor are members of any such party, nor of any residents’ groups or association.

I object vehemently to the Powerhouse Parramatta project on several levels and request the whole project be re-assessed.

I find it obscene that the Power House Museum at Ultimo will close next week, when no final decision has been announced on the proposed replacement building. We (the public) are being sent mixed messages as to the final draft of the replacement building in Parramatta, and what will or won’t be demolished to accommodate it. It appears Willowgrove and St Georges Terrace must be demolished in order to accommodate a building of sufficient size to fulfil the many proposed requirements of the new building.

There has been no public consultation on this matter and I (one of many), am furious that our heritage will be sacrificed to accommodate the ill-thought-out proposal to move the iconic Powerhouse Museum from its present site to a flood prone, inadequate piece of land. We of the Parramatta region, take great pride in what is left of the heritage of the “second city” in NSW. Retention and incorporation of this heritage must be part of any future development in this city.

I do not understand the logic of the closure and removal of the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo to Parramatta. I can only see greed as the driving force for this ridiculous project. When first proposed, we were told the move would make the museum more accessible to the people. How will moving this world standard museum to Parramatta, make it more accessible to residents of Hornsby, Sutherland, Eastern Suburbs and those in between? The result will be fewer visitors and less revenue. The obscene expense and great risk of damage to these iconic artefacts when moving, makes the whole project illogical. I read where a portal for the No. steam engine has not been allowed in the proposed building. Did the architects look at the collect before designing the building?

Why are exhibits closing now, when it will be years before the new building will be ready to receive the artefacts? The museum has been closed for months due to the virus, has just reopened to restricted access and time limit, and the main exhibit is closing four days before school holidays. I suspect a partial demolition of the building is intended in order to ensure the project is irreversible – as was done with the stadium. I would like an explanation as to why this exhibit must close now, years before the artefacts will be required in the new site, and what will happen to artefact on display in the meantime.

The Australian Museum is closed to prepare for a major new exhibit.
From next Tuesday, the main exhibit in the Powerhouse will also be closed for no apparent good reason. Where does this leave schools wanting to organise educational STEM excursions for their pupils?

The present museum site and building are perfect for a technical museum. The building was born in the steam age as are so many of the displayed items and it is within the precinct of the first Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. Why not leave it where it is, respect the few remaining heritage items in Parramatta and develop a new multipurpose museum/exhibit space on the Parramatta site.

Excuse my rage, but this matter is too important not to speak up.
Pamela Zopf

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta Project for the following reasons:

Proposed demolition of Willow Grove and St George’s Terraces. Jack Mundy has been applauded for saving many significant historic sites yet they are still being destroyed.
Parramatta has already suffered many loses, including recently The Royal Oak Hotel and old established trees. Please do not demolish these historic houses! They can never be replaced once they are gone.

Building on yet another significant Indigenous site when so many have been historically disrespectfully been ruined.

The exorbitant cost when the economy is in such bad shape due to Covid. Now is not the time to waste money.

The old Powerhouse should be retained. It is an iconic building, easy to get to by public transport and the exhibition is already there.

Moving such large and delicate objects is a major concern.

There will be a loss of jobs at the Ultimo Powerhouse and business in the surrounding area will be affected.

There are problems with safely housing precious exhibits in satisfactory museum conditions in the planned Parramatta Powerhouse.

Please build a museum in Western Sydney on another site that doesn’t involve the destruction of more of our heritage buildings. Also, leave the existing Powerhouse where it is at its significant site, as there is no valid reason to move it.

Yours faithfully
Jenny and John Hilditch
(National Trust members)

I write to express my objection, incredulity and disgust in respect to the State Government’s plans to relocate the Powerhouse museum to Parramatta. The entire project is a disgrace and a betrayal of the people of Sydney and its visitors. It is blatantly obvious that it is all about money and nothing to do with community wellbeing. It is time for this government to start listening. The existing museum is highly valued by the community and the design of the new ‘museum’ in Parramatta is but a pale shadow of the it.
John Stephenson.

Dear Sir,
I object to the proposal to relocate the Sydney Power House Museum to Parramatta and the design for a new museum which destroys the heritage buildings Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace. Please see below the Dept of Environment’s assessment of the contribution WillowGrove makes to the community, our heritage and the story of the State’s development.
This ill conceived plan is creating misery in both Parramatta and SYDNEY. Please build an appropriate Museum in Parramatta at a location not prone to flooding and which builds on the strength of the existing collection including the thousands of objects in storage. Please leave the existing Powerhouse where it is, enabling its unique collection to be preserved for the benefit of current and future generations. Please do not squander public monies on a project design with such obvious errors and disadvantages for the people of SYDNEY, Parramatta and NSW.
I do not contribute to any political party.
Sincerely
Sally Taylor
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=2240440

I write to object to the planned destruction of Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces as part of the Powerhouse Parramatta project.
We are residents of the Parramatta Council area and have been for 35 years. We spend a lot of our leisure time in and around Parramatta, walking, cycling, shopping, meeting friends, dining out and watching football. It has been a joy to watch Parramatta develop over these years into a vibrant CBD with a strong indigenous history and colonial heritage and as a thriving business, theatre, sport and retail centre. We appreciate all these components.
I was not an opponent of the Powerhouse moving to Parramatta, especially when considering how many people live in western Sydney and the lack of cultural institutions here.
However I was genuinely shocked when I realised that the Powerhouse move meant the demolition of Willow Grove!
Likewise St George terraces where we have previously dined in delightful restaurants.
It has always been fascinating to walk past Willow Grove over the years and stop and gaze at it and wonder about its history. We have been to Council functions in the front garden, with fairy lights dancing in the trees. Beautiful!
So much of Parramatta is now office buildings and incredibly tall residential towers. Willow Grove gives us glimpses of a very different time in Parramatta's history. It is a gem.
Every building of heritage value left in Parramatta is precious.
It is not too late to reject this Powerhouse plan.
Please.
Once these buildings are gone, they are gone forever, and part of our history with them.
Thank you for receiving my submission.
Meryn O'Brien

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta Project because it involves the demolition of socially and historically significant buildings such as Willow Grove House and St George's Terraces. Once bulldozed, these buildings cannot be brought back and an irreplaceable part of Sydney and Parramatta's history will be lost. An increasing number of beautiful buildings that tell us about the past and remind us of where we came from are disappearing. I strongly urge you to consider preserving these treasures for future generations.
I do not have any reportable political donations to declare.

• Creation of jobs in the region during construction
• Creating a significant cultural asset in Western Sydney which will assist in balancing the cultural divide that exists between Western Sydney and Sydney CBD.
• Creating ongoing jobs in Parramatta
• Stimulating the visitor economy for Parramatta and Western Sydney which will have significant multiplier effects.
• The Museum is able to host 1000 attendees for a conference - which will be the biggest venue in Parramatta easily accessible via public transport
• The Museum will be able to accommodate 60 students from regional NSW focus on STEM studies and experiences not only at the Museum but also allow student to engage with Engineering at the new Engineering Campus being built by UNSW and WSU in Parramatta. Students would also be exposed research agencies at Westmead. Having grown up in regional NSW - these experiences were very rare as a kid. So being able to accommodate regional students is significant .
• The building on the site will be amazing. The design looks amazing - could it be Parramatta’s answer to Sydney Opera House.
• The interplay with the riverbank and ease of access for the general public will further enhance the use of the Parramatta River precinct by locals. Conscious that the Powerhouse has been designed to manage & mitigate the flood risk of the Parramatta River.

I am conscious that my support for the project is commercial and economic in nature.

1. I was strongly opposed to the former plan to move the powerhouse museum to Parramatta and am very relieved this has now been abandoned. It seems that Central Planners often forget that the Sydney CBD and its cultural assets service the Central Coast as well as many other regional areas, not just the Sydney cbd population.

Parramatta should have its own cultural institutions without the destruction of those in the CBD which are highly valued by city, and regional residents.

2. I am opposed to the destruction of the heritage buildings in Parramatta to create this new institution. The design of the new buildings should celebrate and support the existing heritage of Parramatta which is the heritage of all Australians. The buildings should be redesigned and the heritage buildings retained.

3. I am concerned re the flooding aspects of the chosen land, particularly with climate change issues. Insufficient regard has been taken of the vulnerability of the site to flooding and the costs which will be associated with maintenance and remediation. This should be reviewed.

I wish to object to the Powerhouse Parramatta so am immensely relieved to see reports that this proposal has been withdrawn in recent days. However, I wish to voice my strong concerns for the conservation of the heritage items and potential archaeology on the site, and in Parramatta and Western Sydney generally.

I write as a 4th generation Australian of convict heritage. My grandfather's grandfather was transported to NSW as a teenager in 1820, sent to work in Parramatta and Penrith until he was free to marry and make his own living in Day Street, the heart of Sydney. Our family has likewise worked hard and independently, and remained in Sydney ever since. My grandmother's grandmother was similarly transported to NSW and Tasmania. I am also a member of Cumberland Heritage Committee and am keenly aware of the destruction of our heritage through relentless development, ignorance and flagrant neglect. The heritage of NSW and Australia lies in Parramatta as much as Sydney Town, and the remnants of indigenous and colonial life are irreplaceable treasures for NSW and all Australians. Parramatta and Western Sydney hold unique historic significance, and Australians need to be much more aware of the value and rarity of this.

Our heritage is dwindling and must be retained as a priority in Sydney, Parramatta and NSW. Any development within the Parramatta area increases the cumulative impact of the further loss of heritage. This loss must not continue.

Parramatta’s Cultural Plan developed by Parramatta City Council in 2017 was produced by extensive consultation with the local community. It identifies very clear objectives for Parramatta’s cultural development including:

"Historic Places: Our City is home to historic sites of national and global significance. In the midst of a new contemporary, cosmopolitan City we need to anchor, promote and share this World Heritage for our local and national community. As the first seat of government, our built environment features some of the Australia’s most important colonial buildings, peppered throughout our City’s changing landscape. More than the architecture, these heritage assets tell a story of the past and help us better understand our future."

The Powerhouse Parramatta site contains the significant 1870s two-storey Victorian Italianate villa 'Willow Grove', and the 1880s row of two-storey terraces 'St George’s Terrace' - both items of local environmental heritage and potential archaeological sites, and located in the vicinity of a number of heritage items, including Lennox Bridge.

It is well documented that the historic ‘Willow Grove’ is a rare example of its type in Parramatta, and remains very close to its original condition, with the interior fittings and woodwork being exceptional. It also has a strong social history connection with Parramatta, being extremely significant to women's and nursing history as a maternity hospital for three decades until the 1950s, giving life to many in the community.

These are the only examples of their type located in the core of the Parramatta CBD. The demolition of these heritage items would have a major impact on the representation of these respective architectural styles in the Phillip Street streetscape and Parramatta CBD townscape.

The sites, especially Willow Grove, have been valued and cared for by all previous owners, and the NSW State Government is now entrusted to protect these heritage sites.

Please respect the wishes of the North Parramatta Resident Action Group, and its thousands of supporters, in the establishment of any new museum in Parramatta, to ensure our rare heritage is conserved and not destroyed by development of these historic sites and others in the region.

Yours sincerely,

Kerryn Stanton

I have grave concerns about the lack of respect for the historical architecture of Parramatta CBD, and strongly object to the destruction of 34 Phillip St, Willow Grove.

Surely there is a way Willow Grove can be saved and incorporated into the design of the Powerhouse Museum? The heritage report suggests it is the only example of its particular architectural style in the local area; is this not precisely something that a museum should seek to preserve, rather than destroy?

Parramatta is currently going through a substantial redevelopment, what with high-rise cranes everywhere and the light rail project bifurcating the cityscape. It is during this vulnerable time we should be actively seeking to preserve the city’s historical identity and uniqueness as much as possible. Developments should be accommodating and enhancing the history, not bulldozing it. Otherwise we’ll be left with a miniature Dubai. Modern and soulless.

I am not against the relocation of the Powerhouse, and feel the project is heading in the right direction - improving the cultural scale of Parramatta. I merely ask that this cultural development be respectful of Willow Grove and also the structure to remain.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta development as presented in this SSD. Please see the attachment for my submission and the details of my objections.

Re: Objection t to the Powerhouse Parramatta project
It is with concern that I am writing to you about Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces. There are more suitable sites and museum alternatives for Parramatta that don’t require the destruction of Parramatta’s much-loved heritage.
These valuable buildings are required to retain the communities’ sense of place. They are rare examples of architecture that does not occur in Parramatta CBD today, so need to be left standing for future and present generations to appreciate.
It appears that the social history of these buildings has not been sufficiently studied and reported on in the Environmental Impact Statement. Please look into that.
I request Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces are not demolished - ever.
I have not made any reportable or not reportable political donations.

Hi there

Sorry for emailing you direct, but I don't wish to create an account to make a simple submission.

I wish to object to the Parramatta Powerhouse proposal on the following grounds:
1. it's reliant on the destruction and breaking up of the world class, wonderful and beloved Powerhouse museum in Ultimo
2. it won't take enough of the collection
3. the proposal seems to be more of an entertainment venue than a serious museum
4. it's science based rather than the wonderfully broad applied arts and science institution that we have
5. it's in a flood prone area
6. it will cause the demolition of beautiful heritage buildings.

I object to the Parramatta Powerhouse Project for the following reasons:
1. The proposed demolition of the beautiful Willow Grove house and grounds. This house has many fond memories for the people of Parramatta being at one time a maternity hospital and should not be demolished to erect a building that resembles a milk crate and will not be operating as a proper museum. It has now been listed for use as everything but a proper museum (events, residential, lectures, etc). The residents of Parramatta and surrounds will still not have a viable museum even though the surrounding hype has told them they will.
2. The proposed demolition of St Georges Terrace which is a wonderful rare example of a row of heritage terrace houses in the CBD area of Parramatta.
3. The remedial work that will have to be undertaken to stop flooding from the Parramatta River. Artefacts from the real Powerhouse Museum being stored and not being able to be seen and this proposed new building not being able to house them anyway, especially the large engine
4. The $1.5 billion dollars being spent when for half that amount a proper museum could have been built on another site in Parramatta.
5. I am deeply disappointed in the NSW government's total lack of any recognition of heritage buildings or artefacts in the Sydney CBD and metropolitan areas.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project, in fact, I am appalled that such a wonderful concept, to bring an amazing world class museum to Parramatta is at the expense of so much heritage and history.
In Australia, we are very good at ignoring our history, at tearing down and destroying relics and remnants of our past. This is a chance for us to hold our heads high and acknowledge our colonial past by retaining the very beautiful Willow Grove in Parramatta.
As a concerned citizen, and someone who has convict ancestry, I am very aware that Australia has sacrificed many old, original historic buildings in the past...in the name of progress.
I’m also aware that Sydney is growing and that a new Powerhouse Museum in the “west” is a wonderful idea. But on that site? It is my opinion that should this proceed, as Australians we should collectively hang our heads in shame because it would appear that we have learned nothing from our past mistakes and that we are forever condemned to repeat them.
My forebears would have walked past Willow Grove and marvelled at its beauty. I too, do so and will forever grieve its loss should its demolition proceed.
You have a chance to show the whole of Australia that a sense of history, memories and beautiful architecture can be valued for us to enjoy alongside world class facilities, NOT in lieu of them.
Please save these magnificent old buildings so that my grandchildren may also appreciate their beauty and history.

Dear Sir,
I object to the Parramatta Powerhouse Museum going ahead and the planning proposal that will enable this development.

The historic nature of Parramatta must be preserved and also the preservation of the heritage buildings that will be destroyed or compromised that are standing in the way of the powerhouse museum development.

I am sending this written submission to object to the destruction of Willow Grove and the row of terraces known as St George's Terrace. Buildings of this nature and social history are very rare in Parramatta and should not be demolished, in fact they should be restored. These rare architectural examples of "the old days" of Parramatta are beautiful and part of Parramatta's history. If these buildings had been located, for example, in Vaucluse or near Centennial Park, I am sure they would not be demolished, even for the changes the State Government is proposing. The community would be in an uproar.

Unfortunately Parramatta does not seem to be as important as other parts of Sydney's CBD even though it is one of the most historical cities in Australia. The opinion that Parramatta needs an "iconic cultural institution" which I am quoting from a spokesperson on the Premier's behalf, is unfounded, namely regarding this proposed Powerhouse Museum.

Eliminating these rare, unique buildings in Parramatta's CBD, for what is proposed, is criminal.

The National Trust has stated, on it's Register, that Willow Grove and a row of terraces, known as St George's Terrace, are irreplaceable and have important historical value to Parramatta.

It is an absolute disgrace that your department is considering destroying these buildings, regardless of what is being planned in their place.

The constant rhetoric from Ms Berejiklian, for anything she proposes in the creation of any new structures, saying "it will create jobs" is wearing very thin.

Jack Mundey, who unfortunately is no longer with us, would be very vocal as well, in opposing the demolition of these buildings.

I have been a resident of Parramatta for decades and believe the destruction of these buildings, along with the destruction of other buildings in the Parramatta district are changing and losing Parramatta's "particular architectural look". It is very sad.

I hope that my written submission is taken into account, along with so many other people who are objecting to the destruction of these historical buildings.

The demolition of another iconic building in Parramatta, namely the Royal Oak Hotel, is another disgraceful act by all involved in not saving it.

Thankfully the demolition of the Queen Victoria Building in the heart of Sydney's CBD, did not go ahead; what an absolutely glorious gem of a building. In 1959 the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Harry Jensen, had announced a plan to demolish it.

In closing, I would like it known that I have not made any reportable political donations. I have no objection to my name being published if it helps this cause.

Progress and changes are needed, but not at the expense of irreplaceable and unique buildings. This is our shared history.

Could you please acknowledge receipt of this email.

Regards,

Nicholetta Powers