Powerhouse Parramatta

I object to the demolition of the heritage listed Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace buildings to accommodate the construction of a second Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta.

I have lived in the Parramatta area for over 40 years and during that time i have watched as our history has been chipped away by development. A number of my school excursions was to regularly visit heritage buildings in the area. Its getting to the point now where the younger generations are not seeing the many heritage buildings that I was fortunate enough to embrace.

I strongly oppose the removal of Willowgrove and St Georges Terrace to make way for a new museum. Over time I have seen Parramatta develop into a notable business, retail and arts city. I am not one to refuse the opportunity of more arts projects in Parramatta. I welcome the new museum but not at the expense of the heritage buildings. There is already an arts precinct located within Parramatta nearby the Parramatta Female Factory Precinct.

I don't support the demolition of St Georges Terrace and Willow Grove.

I object to the destruction of the heritage buildings in Parramatta. These buildings should be saved. They should not be knocked down to make way for the proposed Powerhouse Museum.

The State government should abandon the current plan of destroying the few remaining heritage buildings still standing in the city in order to construct the Powerhouse.

The western suburbs deserves better. Please save the heritage buildings and use them for public purposes.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project.

I believe this will change the beauty and charm of Parramatta forever. The old and the new should be able to exist together.

I believe we should:
- keep the Powerhouse museum at Ultimo
- create a museum and cultural destination at the historic Cumberland Hospital Precinct in North Parramatta.
- Save historic Willow Grove & St George’s Terraces and build a public square alongside the river.

We have already lost many Old buildings, I think it’s so important to keep these historic buildings for future generations to enjoy.

Re: Parramatta Powerhouse Project and proposed demolition of Willow Grove and St George's Terrace on Phillip Street, Parramatta.

Objection:

I object to the Parramatta Powerhouse as currently proposed.

In this instance I object that the plan includes the demolition of two significant heritage buildings. I am shocked that NSW Government is pursuing this agenda.

Reasons for my objection:

Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace are unique in the Parramatta CBD. Their loss would have a disastrous and negative impact on the community's connection with heritage.
Instead of the proposed pointless and aggressive demolition, I support the alternative three point plan. That is:

✅Retain the Powerhouse Museum In Its Entirety at Ultimo;
✅Create a new and extraordinary museum and cultural destination at the historic Cumberland Hospital Precinct in North Parramatta;
✅Save the irreplaceable and historic Willow Grove & St Georges Terraces. Do Not Demolish. Respect the wishes of the community and realise the existing Parramatta Council vision for a public square alongside the river.

I would like to express my objection to the demolition of historical houses at Parramatta for the (to be built) new Powerhouse museum. Historical buildings such as these houses need to be saved for future generations. Another site could be used to build the powerhouse at Parramatta. It’s mind numbing that anyone would think that it’s a good idea to bulldoze these beautiful historical houses to build a museum for our history.

Save the historical houses in Parramatta

Thank you

These heritage listed buildings in Parramatta CAN NOT be knocked down. There must be some place that the Powerhouse can be put up. Too many early buildings have been knocked down.

Sir: As a direct descendant of John Thorn Daniel Humphrey Thorn and Laura nee Thorn Gilfillan. I wish to lodge my family's objection to the destruction of this historic precinct which is of particular relevance to our family including my children, grandchildren and future generations of the Thorn, Thorne, Fernance and Gilfillan families.

We are writing to you to express our deepest concern that Willow Grove and the St George’s Terraces are to be demolished to make way for the proposed Powerhouse Museum at Phillip Street, Parramatta.

We believe that the above site is not suitable due to the significant heritage value for current and future generations, thereby preserving a very integral part of the Cradle City of Parramatta.

The proposed site is totally unsuitable due to the high risk of flooding, very congested traffic, and a total lack of parking.

As we both have a very strong connection to the area due to family, education and past employment we understand how this proposed development would significantly adversely impact the heritage presence and accordingly, we strongly request that the State Government seriously consider an alternative site such as the old Parramatta Gaol site which is close to the proposed light rail and easily accessible.

We look forward to the State Government reconsidering its current position in relation to the preservation of these significant historic sites.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Powerhouse Parramatta Museum.

I object to the Parramatta Powerhouse because the project will demolish two heritage buildings, Willow Grove and St George's Terrace.

A museum should be a place that preserves our heritage and not one that destroys it.

Parramatta is the second oldest city in Australia. It has historical significance and should be treated as such.

As a resident of Western Sydney and an advocate for the Arts, I strongly oppose this project.

I am objecting to the Parramatta Powerhouse Project to being built along the riverbank of the Parramatta River, Parramatta.

My reasons being are as follows:

·ARCHITECTURE IS CULTURE!!! The buildings that the State Government wish to demolished – Willow Grove and St. George’s Terraces are over 140+ years old and are historically landmark buildings to our local area. These buildings have been well maintained by all of their owners over the years until the State Government had unfairly purchased them from my local council. These buildings are the last of its kind in the Parramatta CBD area due to their uniqueness and beauty. Prior to the State Government had dismissed the Local Governments about 2015 the local newspapers had reported about the Local Council at the time have purchased the land and buildings for it own purposes and recreational use. This is something I have liked and approved of because my Local Council know our area better than someone have never lived here period!
·Communication is the key in our community and our Council is something I support because they listen. Unfortunately our State Member Geoff Lee have never listen nor support our community because he have only gone to the Parramatta Railway Station on Station Street for his “community consultation” and stand in only one spot facing the Harris Park commuters during peak hour. The buses from the North do not stop here they go direct into the interchange in Argyle Street. Sadly, I have seen this occur many, many times prior to the last election and now we do not see him ever. Parramatta is poorly treated and represented by the State Member.
·I see these fabulous buildings nearly every day as I pass them on the bus to the station or home. I feel home and safe when I see them and lost among all the hot glassy high rises. Also seen them when I go shopping in nearby George Street or attend appointments in Horwood Place and comforted to see their precious gardens/greenspace that provide nourishment to the workers and local folks souls...Priceless! I have also shopped in the St George’s Terrace when the St Vinnies shop and the neighbouring stunning shop were there. Have also attend different festivities on the Willow Grove grounds in recent years and enjoy the site immensely. HYPERLINK "https://www.parramattalanes.com.au/lanes/willow_grove" https://www.parramattalanes.com.au/lanes/willow_grove
·I wish to convey my appreciation of the CFMMEU’s Green Ban on both these buildings. While the Union are in the building game business they also acknowledge the importance of these historic significant sites to our local area and the fight to save them including from National Trust of Australia (NSW) and the Historic Houses Association.
·Actually I do not feel the new proposed building for the Powerhouse is designed very well. The main entrance should be on Phillip Street because the general public will be attending by either bus or light rail. There is no parking available for handicap, seniors or pram friendly parkers. People will not be attending by the Rivercat because the services ceased after 6/7pm and during low tides. If there are school & organised groups attending the Centre where are the Buses going to park and let them off safely?? Are there loading docks and trucks deliveries for the exhibits, food and beverages, etc??
·It is well known and documented that the riverbank floods every year since year dot. I have personally seen the affects of the floods myself. The water breaks the river banks and goes up high over the footpaths, grass areas and into the car park. It is very unsafe and as we all know there are carps and other water creatures in the river. The Ferry Wharf is always over flowing and services are ceased for days on end. There are many news film footages of this occurring over the years, you only need to search the internet for ‘Parramatta floods’. HYPERLINK "https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=parramatta+flooding+2020&&view=detail&mid=3797BF2CC3A2AA01C4003797BF2CC3A2AA01C400&rvsmid=AA2F605903943C6F95F9AA2F605903943C6F95F9&FORM=VDQVAP" https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=parramatta+flooding+2020&&view=detail&mid=3797BF2CC3A2AA01C4003797BF2CC3A2AA01C400&rvsmid=AA2F605903943C6F95F9AA2F605903943C6F95F9&FORM=VDQVAP
https://www.news.com.au/national/raw-minor-flood-warning-issued-for-parramatta-cbd/video/00ea3b2fde0da664176acc4acb770c8f

·Also back in 2015 there was a large sinkhole in nearby Parkes Street, Parramatta. This is only about 4 blocks/streets away from the riverbank. This had occurred after a significant amount of rainfall over a period of days. Residents were relocated for a long period of time and this was largely reported on all news channel and newspapers. HYPERLINK "https://www.9news.com.au/national/new-pictures-emerge-of-sydney-sinkhole-which-prompted-emergency-evacuation/590dd240-206a-49d4-a842-f3adda3c2b40" https://www.9news.com.au/national/new-pictures-emerge-of-sydney-sinkhole-which-prompted-emergency-evacuation/590dd240-206a-49d4-a842-f3adda3c2b40
·Personally I believe the Powerhouse is in the wrong location on the riverbank. I have seen the North Parramatta Residents Action Group (NPRAG) plans for a NSW Museum to be built in the Fleet Street Heritage Precinct near the Female Factory area...which I totally support this idea. This would be the perfect location – on the Light Rail route, next to the World Heritage-Listed Parramatta Park, the old Parramatta Gaol at the entrance, next to the Westmead Hospital Precinct and Ronald McDonald House. This will open up the area for more people to come together and learn about not only the Colonial history but also the Indigenous History something that is very lacking in this time and era. The location is an amazing tourism mecca that need attention. HYPERLINK "https://www.facebook.com/parramattacommunity/posts/3461177987232771" https://www.facebook.com/parramattacommunity/posts/3461177987232771
·
Hopefully this submission will be accepted and that a much better location for a museum/event centre to be proud of will be found with no impacted damage to these wonderful heritage. Australia’s heritage needs to be championed.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project, for the following reasons:
·It would necessitate the demolition of a valuable heritage building (Willow Grove), and a row of heritage houses (St Georges Terrace.)
·Once heritage buildings such as these are demolished, they are gone for good, and this severs a link with Australian history and local history.
·Willow Grove has a particularly strong connection with Parramatta's history because it was used as a maternity hospital from the 1920s to the 1950s.
·The site is also unsuitable because it is flood-prone, and this represents a safety risk.
·The proposed building design is incredibly ugly.
·A far better option for the Powerhouse Museum would be the old Cumberland Hospital Precinct site, or to keep the exhibits within the Powerhouse Museum building at Ultimo, which is now being retained.
·The fact that the development has been earmarked for this site has worrying implications in relation to the NSW Government's attitude to protection of the state's heritage.

I am writing to express my concern over the powerhouse museum development in Parramatta. I am concerned over the proposed demolition of St George's Terrace and Willow Grove.
I think that such buildings and historic sites should be protect and that destroying them will be removing some of our nation's fascinating history.
I am 24 years old and I have a deep interest in this country's history. I find that buildings are the best way to visualize what life would have been like in the past. I am very hopeful that my children and their children can admire the same buildings that I have throughout this great country. It is because of heritage protection in Australia that we are so lucky to have so much of the past still as a part of our cities and local towns.
I believe that the Powerhouse Parramatta is a very important, much needed development for Western Sydney however I am of the view that it would be possible to relocate it to a close by location without destroying such monuments of time.
If I may be so bold, I could liken it to the proposed developments of the Sydney Rocks way back in the 70s. Back then, the government believed that it was a good idea to knock this area over as well. If it wasn't for the efforts of the BLF union back then, that area of Sydney would look quite different. Now days the thought of sending a wrecking ball through any of those beautiful buildings would be heinous.
I think that as good as a museum is for tourism and improving a town, keeping and showing a towns heritage is also very important. When I travel through Australia I always stop at towns and have a look at old statues and buildings. Those structures are a part of a towns culture and character. You can't put a price on that.

I hope that my one small email and solidarity can make some contribution towards saving some of these beautiful buildings.
Thank you for your time.

I am writing to object to the proposed demolition of The HERITAGE LISTED SITES of Willow Grove and St Georges’s Terrace for the relocation of the additional Powerhouse Museum.

Parramatta is known as the Second Settlement and was settled the same year as Sydney and is a significant part of Australia’s history and these two buildings are part of that heritage.

I do not understand how an arm of our government who have been appointed to uphold the laws, by laws and legislations can choose to totally ingnore these.

I feel there are many run down industrial sites in the Parramata, Clyde, Rosehill and North Parramatta areas that I consider eyesores and feel that the district would benefit better by an upgrade and more productive use of these sites

Powerhouse Museum Objection at present site. Can it be moved next to Female Factory instead?

Registered with Dept of Planning but unable to make submission there. Now 5.05 so probably be ignored after trying

from 4.45 PM to register submission on website after registering there. WHAT A MESS. I am a Qualified Town Planner / Architectural Consultant/ Project Manager,

Worked with Dept of Railways for 34 Years until 2003. I designed Motel at Junee for Rail staff north of Station. Cheers Ken

I wish to lodge an objection to the Powerhouse development in Parramatta which involves the destruction of Willow Grove & St Georges Terrace.
These heritage buildings need to be retained in what has always been known as the 'Cradle City'.
The destruction of our history removes the heart & soul from Parramatta.
The Fleet Street precinct is the correct site for a Museum, alongside the recently restored Female Factory, not the current site.
Thank you for your consideration.

I object to the Parramatta Powerhouse development for a number of reasons.

This proposal to destroy the historic WillowGrove Villa and the St Georges Terrace is barbaric,

How can a museum to celebrate and preserve history be created at the expense of these two significant heritage items?

These two items are part of Parramatta's, and indeed, NSW's built history. They are also part of our social history. Ad once they are gone, they are gone forever.

I am also concerned about the proposed site - especially the flooding issue. I am old enough to remember when the old David Jones car park site was severely inundated by the flooded Parramatta river. How the current museum proposal can proceed at this location given its propensity to flood?

There is another site in Parramatta that could be found (adjacent to the new stadium perhaps?), that would enable a world class museum to be built in Parramatta. A site that would be flood free and would enable the preservation of Historic WillowGrove and St Georges Terrace.

Please be aware that I managed to create an account on the NSW Major Projects portal to make this submission, but then the site wouldn't let me proceed, with a repeated message saying an unexpected error had occurred. Probably due to the flood of submissions opposing this proposal.

Alas I have not been able to access the EIS for the Power House
But what I do know is that WILLOW GROVE must be saved and retained at all costs
Any firm of Power House museum can go anywhere in Australia EXCEPT on that site.
In my 50 years on this planet I've never heard anything as ridiculous as destroying heritage to display history
It makes no sense
Please accept this email as my response to the submission

Please, please find a way to circumvent any plan to destroy Willow Grove and
St. George's Terrace Parramatta in the process of building a Museum at Parramatta.


It is a tragedy to destroy the surviving last historical remnants of early Colonial Australia at Parramatta. So much
has already been lost over the years. These buildings, practically 200 years old, are a prized reminder
of the settlement of the area of Parramatta. It is sadly ironic that we should even think to destroy historical buildings in order
to erect a functional building that most likely shall display the 'images' of what once was real and living history.

Our historic buildings are irreplaceable and should be preserved for future generations. Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces are heritage listed and it is vital that they are protected as per the intention of their listing as items of historic significance. Rome would be just another city if the Roman structures had been removed to make way for the newer buildings – I think you will agree that this would have been a travesty. We should project our past in the same way and ensure it remains in place for us to enjoy well into the future.


I urge you to protect these valued and unique buildings and remind our community of the importance of preserving our built history before it is all gone.