Powerhouse Parramatta

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because:

It is more economical popular and practical to keep the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo.


Create a much needed Parramatta Museum and cultural destination at historic Cumberland Hospital Precinct in North Parramatta.

Willow Grove & St Georges Terraces are so historical to lose and we must realise the existing Parramatta Council vision for a public square alongside the river.


Too many beautiful and historic buildings have been lost. Please do not allow these important heritage sites to be lost as they are an asset to Parramatta.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because willow grove and the terraces are priceless heritage buildings which must be spared the wrecking ball. If Gladys Still wants her museum surely a new design can include these treasures. We are so far behind other nations in protecting and treasuring our original buildings.
I have not donated to any political party

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because our future generations will lose an important link to our history especially as Parramatta is a vital part of it. It is said you can tell the age of a suburb by its architecture. As a migrant of this great country (arriving in 1962), I was always mesmerised by the beautiful colonial architecture in Parramatta and it was my love of history and education that inspired me to research what part Parramatta played in the instigation of our new colony. I am sure you can find another area to build the Power House Museum. Could you somehow make Willow Cottage a museum in itself or part of a history tour as we have in the Rocks? Unfortunately our suburbs are being overtaken by high rise buildings and we are losing the unique character which brings to life our foundation, beginnings and the way our early colonials lived. Early Australian history is part of our curriculum. Must we use only secondary resources to teach our students instead of showing them actual examples of what life looked like for our predecessors. Please save this beautiful house. Thank you for your consideration.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because..

We have precious little heritage left in Parramatta, We need to save the precious little we have left, the spot is a poor one - subject to flooding, traffic congestion, little or no parking And with a public right of way as I recall . The building plan is not for a museum but for real estate, retail and exhibition space.

Also the survey was flawed. Everyone who answered the survey was forced to say that they would visit for at least one activity, which was not fair as I wanted to say I would not visit, and could not move on without answering something to that question. This alone would have skewed the results.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because I believe to destroy such wonderful historic premises would be disastrous. These buildings should be kept for future generations.

Many thanks

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because it is going to result in the destruction of 2 heritage buildings, specifically Willow Grove and St George’s Terraces.
I welcome a branch of the Powerhouse Museum being established in Parramatta but not at the expense of these 2 heritage sites.
We need to value our history, not knock it down. I have lived all my life near Parramatta and have always thought what a beautiful building Willow Grove is. I can’t understand anyone wanting to destroy it.
Surely the architects designing the new museum can incorporate these 2 buildings? It should have been a mandatory requirement!
If it is not possible to include them, then please consider another site for the museum.
One of the attractions of Parramatta is it’s historic buildings and the stories of the people who have lived in them. We have already lost the Royal Oak hotel in the name of the light rail project, let’s not lose anymore.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because I feel it has been rushed through without proper consultation with the local community.

Sydney is a large and growing city. There is room for two power houses - keep Ultimo and build Parramatta - but not at the expense of our city’s heritage.

Keeping Willow Grove and the George’s Terraces is of the upmost importance to myself and many people in the wider Sydney community. These buildings add character and are a standing testament to the changing face of Parramatta.

Keep these buildings for my children and future generations to come.

Lastly I would like to state that I am not affiliated with nor have I made any donations to political parties. I would also prefer my name was withheld from being published with my submission.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because..
parramatta is one of the first places settled in Sydney. Many of the historic homes around Parramatta have been demolished. There are many other places inParraamatta that could house the Powerhouse inParramatta. Stop destroying our history.

Dear Sir,
I OBJECT To the Powerhouse Parramatta Project, and to the demolition of Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace on Phillip St Parramatta because of their valuable and significant heritage.

I was born nearby at Wentworthville in Oct 1060 and have lived most of my life in Western Sydney.
I truly believe that these buildings belong to the community and should be kept intact.

My heritage relating to the area is:
3rd Fleet Convict, 1791.
John Leadbeater – Seven Hills farmer and Parramatta Bench of Magistrates
Thomas Cosier – Hawkesbury farmer and Parramatta Blacksmith.
Assisted Imigrants 1840’s
Vincent Carr- established the first Methodist Church in Parramatta and was an orchardist in Pennant Hills district. He was also the owner of the Red Cow Inn and the General Bourke Hotel in Parramatta which was passed down through many generations.

My family have resided in the Parramatta region since 1791 and have contributed to her history and beauty. Don't destroy part of her heritage, OUR heritage, to make way for a new building to ironically house other historical artefacts.
Once these buildings are gone they will NEVER be able to be replaced. Very sad for our future generations.
I have never made any reportable political donations.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because.. it is destructive firstly. Surely any sensible government would think where could they built a first class modern museum without destroying heritage buildings like Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace. There are other sites in Parramatta that could be considered that do not require destruction.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because you can do better.

Demolishing heritage listed buildings such as Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace is not the answer.

Come on- come up with a better plan.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because the existing purpose built facility is a superb place for the whole community to visit. There can never be justification for demolishing Willow Grove and St George's Terrace. We have lost far too many of Parramatta's historic buildings and structures. The old Cumberland Hospital site could be utilised as an annexe to the current museum.

Please stop this proposed state sponsored vandalism. We are going to end up with a smaller museum with less of our history on display and pay as billion dollars or more for this incredibly poor decision.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because..this is our heritage that should remain and valued and most definitely not destroyed as this would be another tragic loss to our proud and irreplaceable History.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because Parramatta is such an historical area not only for NSW but the whole of Australia. The destruction of historical Willowgrove to make way for the Powerhouse would be a disaster. We have so little left of our beautiful old buildings, that once told the story of the city's development.A new Powerhouse precinct can be constructed in another area that has room for parking. Parramatta seems to be growing in residential developments without much thought about where people will park. Even coming to Parramatta for a meal is hard going because of the lack of parking and as the partner of a disabled person I am well aware how limiting this is when trying to access Riverside Theatre or a restaurant.

The destruction of Willowgrove will not enhance the city but rob it and the people of its history. It is a charming example of architecture which needs to be preserved and used by the community in many different ways. We have so little left to show future generations what used to be. This little gem of our history should be protected at all costs. The site of Willowgrove is not a suitable site at all for the Powerhouse or part of it. There are no benefits to be gained by the community because of this. It is taking away from the community.

I would love to see a Powerhouse in the west of Sydney or an additional one to compliment the existing one, just not at the Willowgrove site.
It needs to be where there is easy access for the disabled and those travelling by public transport. Willowgrove is in the heart of the CBD and as such is not a suitable site at all.
Australia as a whole has so little in the way of remaining architectural heritage. Please don't destroy the little we have.

quote from article
ABC Radio Perth
/
By Emma Wynne
Posted Yesterday at 8:00am, updated 2ddays ago (facebook)

When the new Western Australian Museum finally opens later this year most eyes will be on the vast new spaces, big enough to hold T-Rex, that were built during the four-year, $396 million redevelopment project.
Trish McDonald, the project director for the museum, who has worked on the development since 2009, said preserving the old buildings was a crucial part of the design.
"We made it a very strict condition as part of this project that the heritage had to be retained and enhanced, and the intersections between the new and the heritage had to be extremely well done and interesting," she said.
But inside are five distinct heritage buildings, the oldest dating back to 1855, that will now be seen new light when the complex reopens

____________________________________________________

THEY CAN DO THIS ….. WHY CAN'T WE …. HISTORY should be respected for what it is ….and what it is …..


Is two buildings both of which if in Europe or America tourists would look at with respect


both of these buildings are over 150 years of age and are of historical significance …. WILLOW GROVE was the first hospital specifically for women

THEY ARE ONE OF A KIND IN THE Parramatta CBD and their lose would have a significant impact on the community's connection with history and its heritage"

WHY is it that if you live in the parramatta area and you have an interest in older stately homes you need to travel into the eastern suburbs to see them . WHY cant Parramatta have these buildings as well ,
when Sydney was first started IT WAS THE PARRAMATTA AREA that was the food provider for the colony with families building houses that stated "we are here "


ARE WE THAT ASHAMED OF OUR PAST that we will wipe it out , and at what cost ….how can we go into the future and tell our kids "this is where this building once stood but we didn't give a damn about it so we tore it down ….how do you learn from the past if there is no example of it actually being there, pictures only tell half the tale
HISTORY IS FOR EVERYONE TO LEARN FROM ,NOT FROM A SHORT LIST because people feel comfortable with it not from a small SELECTED FORM , , BUT it has to be THE WHOLE of the story ….and not just for a select few people , BUT FOR EVERYONE


there has already been one wise decision LEAVING THE POWERHOUSE IN ULTMO ,
now I respectfully request a second wise decision
DO NOT DESTROY WHAT CAN NOT BE REPLACED
LEAVE WILLOW GROVE AND ST GEORGES TERRACE , TO TELL THERE STORIES IN PERSON


There is a simple solution. A three point plan .

Keep the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo
Create a brilliant Museum and cultural destination at historic Cumberland Hospital Precinct in North Parramatta. (Read more here)
Save historic Willow Grove & St Georges Terraces, and realise the existing Parramatta Council vision for a public square alongside the river

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because of the planned destruction of Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces. Our built heritage, providing historical texture, depth, attractiveness and context, should be retained.

Also it’s a high rise building blocking visual access to Parramatta River.

Further, as a resident I know that the river frequently floods, so the location of a museum in that location is foolish.

The relocation of part of MAAS, to Parramatta, I do not object to. But the current location is not suitable.

The " milk crate" building proposed for the flood prone site of the former
David Jones car park and adjacent buildings in Parramatta is not suitable for any sort of museum. The EIS lacks credibility from the start
when it claims that the real Powerhouse Museum dates from 1988. In fact, the Museum's origins go back to 1879 and many of its key exhibits such as the Boulton and Watts Steam Engine ( one of only three in the world) were acquired in the late nineteenth century. The EIS consultants go to great lengths to hide these facts but they presumably have to find what their client wants.

While it is claimed that wide consultation took place, the people of Parramatta have never been asked what sort of cultural facility they want. There is strong anecdotal evidence that they want a museum of
the history and migration of the area or a facility that can network with other cultural institutions to share their collections. They certainly don't want a second hand Powerhouse nor a Parramatta Carriageworks which
the current proposal presents. The consultation was desultory and it is significant that the sale of this flood prone site to the State Government
took place one week before Parramatta Council which was under an administrator went into caretaker period before the council elections. The transparency claimed is therefore spurious.

The EIS claim that the "Parramatta Powerhouse" will reflect the cultural diversity of the population and will recognise the value of strengthening cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is not substantiated in any way. Nor are the claims for so- called
" Productivity". And as for " sustainability", this is ridiculous given that the demolition of two of Parramatta's rare heritage buildings is involved.
Further claims that it is in the public interest to build the "Parramatta
Powerhouse" handle the truth carelessly.

Again, claims of job creation by the proposal are also misleading. While
some jobs may be created in the construction phase, there will be very
few once this is completed.

Exhibition spaces:
There are to be no permanent exhibition spaces and only a small percentage of the impermanent (" flexible"!) ones are of Museum standard. Indeed the real Powerhouse would not lend its collection to the proposed one as these standards are not met. Given ongoing government cutbacks of cultural institutions, there will be insufficient
staff to mount changing exhibitions, particularly as items to be displayed will need to be transported from the Discovery Centre at Castle Hill or elsewhere. It would appear therefore that the intention is to create a Parramatta Carriageworks not Powerhouse.

The site:
The site is flood prone as demonstrated dramatically in February, 2020, when the first floor of the former David Jones car park, a key part of the site, was flooded. The EIS claims that this was a 1:100 occurrence but they appear not to have heard of climate change. It is widely recognised that severe weather events are increasing world wide and 1:10 year flooding or greater frequency is inevitable. This is not only dangerous for any exhibits but also for human occupation. Hydrologist
John Macintosh has said that to put a public building on such a site is a " crazy proposal". The government has chosen to ignore all such warnings among others.

Objects:
Treasures such as the Boulton and Watts Steam Engine, Locomotive 1 the Catalina Flying boat or the Strasburg Clock will not be able to be displayed in the " milk crate" building, partly because there is no permanent display space but also because they wouldn't fit into the goods lift. The floor loadings may also not be adequate. The Premier has refused to guarantee that these will remain at Ultimo and the loss of these irreplaceable treasures is incalculable. In any case, moving them anywhere at all will result in irreparable damage.

Storage and conservation:
There is no provision for these in the proposed " milk crate" building and it is not known whether these functions will be retained at Ultimo. While 95% of the Powerhouse Museum collection is stored at the Discovery Centre at Castle Hill, these areas are full. There appears to be no funding for any additional buildings at Castle Hill, nor land to put them on.

Heritage:
Construction of the proposed " Parramatta Powerhouse" in its current form requires the demolition of two heritage listed buildings, Willow Grove and St George's Terrace. The EIS glosses over the significance of these but as Parramatta has very few remaining such buildings in spite of its rich history, the destruction of these would be unconscionable.

Finance
It is by no means clear how the government proposes to fund the new building whatever its purpose. Some $600 million was allocated but any move of the real Powerhouse and its contents as well as additions at Castle Hill would cost up to $2 billion. The $600 million would build a museum in Parramatta that the residents there might actually want. This is of particular importance at this time of inevitable budget deficits.
Given that most government projects run massively over budget, we are likely to be left with a hole in the ground like the Sydney Stadium and no cultural facility of any sort. The government has already wasted some $45 million on consultants etc for this ill considered project.

The above are only some of the reasons that the " milk crate" building proposed for the "Parramatta Powerhouse" should not proceed. It is totally unsuitable for any sort of museum. The citizens of Parramatta
deserve a proper museum not a Parramatta Carriageworks, and they might actually want as described above.

I strongly object to this travesty of a proposal.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because it’s just a really bad idea.
The Powerhouse needs to be just that “The Powerhouse” and not some sadder version of itself sitting on the site of what are valuable living museums. The city of Sydney needs its Powerhouse Museum as it is totally appropriate. Kids from the outer suburbs love going in to visit this icon and learn from its diverse collection and it is easily found by tourists in the city. What Parramatta needs is its own version of a museum along with a strong arts and culture centre and it would be fabulous if it was located at the gorgeous Cumberland Hospital Precinct in North Parramatta which would make it a very desirable location to visit.
Parramatta is losing itself. It is not a place I really want to visit anymore (I often rode along the river path and surrounds) as all I see is demolition of historic buildings, cutting down of iconic trees all to jam more people in at the cost of heritage and history. Please look forward to 50 or a 100 years time. What will people care for? Shiny (incredibly ugly) milk crates and Barangaroo style overcrowding or will they look for meaning and an understanding of where things came from. The time has come in this country to value history across the board. These iconic sites are a window to the past and give meaning to different times and customs. We are a sadder, shallower country for all of this current obsession with building at all costs. Time for a break and time to do the right thing.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project because the whole area has been hit hard by development since the 1960's and so much of our history gone forever.
I was born in an historic building, in George St. used as a hospital in the 1940's and consequently demolished, then as a child moved up to Albert St. North Parramatta, the whole area was adorned with great sandstone cottages, all gone and replaced with unit blocks.
How could Powerhouse even contemplate the destruction of such buildings when its whole purpose is to showcase our history for future generations, there must be an answer and it must include the guarantee that these buildings be maintained and enjoyed into the future.
I have never contributed or have any connection to any political party

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project. As the government’s own report states Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace are one of a kind in the Parramatta CBD and their loss would have a significant impact on the community's connection with heritage.

Willow Grove should and can be preserved. Keep the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo and create a Museum and cultural destination at historic Cumberland Hospital Precinct in North Parramatta.

Save historic Willow Grove & St Georges Terraces, and realise the existing Parramatta Council vision for a public square alongside the river.

Member National Trust of Australia
Please With old my name from publication in the submission. I declare I have not made any reportable political donations.