Powerhouse Parramatta

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta proposal. I object strongly to this proposal. I have grown up in this neighbourhood, I have attended church across the road from st George’s Terrace and Willowgrove for many years. Parramatta has a very important part in the history of white settlement in this country. We should be celebrating and maintaining our built heritage because it is important to the culture of not just Parramatta but of NSW. Instead I have watched the beautiful old buildings of Parramatta being bulldozed into the ground and replaced with architecturally bland high rise eyesores. This attitude to our history needs to stop now. Willowgrove must be kept ! Listen to the people if Parramatta! Stop destroying our history!
The proposed site is a known flood plain and the proposed building is not a proper museum space. Find somewhere else to put your building and leave Willowgrove alone!

I wish it noted that I strongly object to the relocation of the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta. This is an act of cultural vandalism that will not be forgiven by the people of New South Wales. The Museum is currently located in an award-winning building and is recognised internationally as an outstanding and unique collection of science and technology with a unique focus on applied arts. It has become clear to the people of New South Wales that the relocation jeopardises the integrity of the collection.

This is because the proposed new site can house only about 25 per cent of the display area of the existing museum and will instead focus on entertainment areas. Apart from the fact that the proposed museum cannot house or store the current collection, it will not meet the necessary minimum requirements to allow for loans from overseas institutions. This really matters to Sydneysiders who want to be proud of this city and its institutions.

The new museum will not be taken seriously by international institutions and therefore, by international visitors. Parramatta needs, and should have, an internationally recognised arts precinct. The proposal for the new venue does not satisfy this need. For this project to be an economic success for Parramatta, there needs to be a museum that genuinely attracts international visitors for the unique artefacts on display. This could be achieved by focussing on the history of the area, historical indigenous and contemporary art, arts and crafts of the colony and so much more.

I have until now been very happy with how the current Liberal government has steered us through the pandemic and I’ve admired our Premier’s leadership. But I will be truly horrified (and in future opposed to the Liberal government) if my tax dollars go into this project and it turns out to benefit developers of more Sydney apartments or, simply removes this brilliant museum from my local area.

Yours sincerely,
Jo Lockwood

Putting aside the compromised design of the planned museum, that the demolition of Willow Grove and the Terraces with such unique, irreplaceable heritage value would even be CONSIDERED in order to construct it beggars belief.

One of the charms of Parramatta is its embracing of its history in its architecture, the side-by-side of the old and the new. Why would Parramatta want to repeat the mistakes of Sydney city in the 1960s-80s when so many beautiful, important buildings were lost?

The irony of a museum showcasing artefacts from lost times being the impetus for the demolition of- and being built on the fresh grave of- a piece of Sydney's history is so mind-boggling that it raises serious questions about the entire governmental decision-making process that led to this point.

How is this the only way Parramatta can have a museum? Why must it be constructed on that site? How wasn't this dismissed out of hand years ago, before the proposal got this far and cost the state so much money? WHO THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA?

I urge you to find a different solution and give Parramatta a true world-standard museum (with at least a storage and conservation area!) that honours history instead of destroying it. I will be following the Sydney Morning Herald's continuing coverage of this debacle with great interest.

Please see attached.

I object the powerhouse parramatta project.
The demolition of heritage buildings in parramatta is disgusting and criminal the nsw goverment does not care about history or heritage architecture. Willow grove hospital and st George's terraces should not be demolished for this project they should be saved they are part of our history and part of the character the defines parramatta. It feels like this goverment is not listening to the community and only doing what developers want to make a quick dollar.

I object to the project.
As a resident of Pyrmont, I enjoy having the powerhouse close by. The history, arts, and architecture is an asset to Pyrmont and Sydney.
Parramatta too should have a museum, but it’s a waste to money to destroy in one location, just to transfer its contents to another. A far better solution is to build another museum in parramatta, and fill it with different items, not pillage that of Pyrmont.
This creating two museums and expanding more areas for jobs, tourism, education and preservation of history in both location.
Also preserving the historical buildings at Pyrmont.
Saves money too.
It’s a win win win solution.
Thank you.

I strongly object to the removal of the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo, and to the destruction of heritage buildings in Parramatta for the construction of a recreation centre to house a small fraction of the Powerhouse Museum exhibits. I also object to plans for the Boulton and Watt steam engine to be a lifeless display in Parramatta, instead of being driven by steam as it currently is. Most of all, I object to the vandalism of Sydney’s history and the theft of its rich culture by a government that places value on money and self enrichment above all else.

I strongly object to the removal/relocation of the Powerhouse Museum from its present site in Sydney to Parramatta. I do not want the current site to be sold off for developers to make a quick profit at the expense of losing forever an important asset. Parramatta should, of course, have its own purpose built museum specifically to meet its own needs. This should be able to be achieved without the billion plus cost to the people of trying to move the Powerhouse. It is almost criminal to break up the amazing priceless collection that is the Powerhouse and, at more expense, put the items higgledy piggledy in other venues. Not just Sydney, but the whole of the country, is so fortunate to have such an amazing collection all in one place to visit whenever they can. The current site earmarked in Parramatta would involve the destruction of heritage buildings which Parramatta should be allowed to keep and a new site (not on a flood plain) for a brand new museum/arts centre should be designed to the wishes of Parramatta residents. This is such a short-sighted decision - once it is gone and high rise housing is in its place, that's it, it's gone forever and the country would have lost something very special.

The demolition of Willow Grove and the St George's terraces should not be supported. Parramatta is a historical location within the development of NSW and its heritage should be preserved for future generations and so that the significance of Parramatta can actually be observed. Parramatta has suffered extensive demolition and poor development of its heritage and it is time to start taking positive actions towards preserving it. The hypocrisy that an institution like the Powerhouse, who stands to represent innovation and history, would support such a proposition is abhorrent.

There is a unique opportunity to retain and conserve the terraces and Willow Grove, and integrate them within the Powerhouse Museum as a literal interpretation of Parramatta's past. The museum should be set around these structures and the connection to the river reinstated through the demolition of the car park (which in itself represents the poor development within the area). The retention of the structures would provide a richly layered museum experience and enhance the museum precinct.

The Heritage Impact Statement acknowledges the great significance of these structures and the Heritage Council further suggests an approach "including any designs
that could facilitate the retention of Willow Grove and the St George’s Terrace".

Whilst a development to allow a museum precinct is not opposed, and is in fact supported as it would provide reinvigoration and cultural value to Parramatta, the demolition of structures which already provide great cultural and social significance should not be supported.

Sarah Blacker
Registered Architect
B Architecture, B Arts (Honours), M Heritage Conservation (Expected 2021)
Member Institute of Architects, Member National Trust

A large part of the beauty of Parramatta is its links the its history, significantly via these beautiful old building.
The insiteless removal of these significant buildings to make way for a modern museum on this location is a huge negative to making a progressive great city.
Why must a museum and the very nature of what a museum is be at the expense of these lovely buildings?
What these buildings represent in their history and atmosphere of Parramatta is far greater than the proposed museum at this location.

I am emailing to strongly object to the destruction of Willow Grove in order to build the Powehouse Museum.
Whilst the construction of this museum is inappropriate for so many different reasons, I am particularly concerned about the disrespect for a significant cultural and historical site and the loss of this for future generations to see. I personally have found that visiting preserved historic sites brings history to life in a way that no text book or written account can. The destruction of this site will be a huge loss that cannot be recovered once destroyed. There are not many examples of this historic architecture remaining in NSW, and it must be proctected.
I also object to the improper use of taxpayer dollars. Spending $1.5 billion to relocate a fully functioning museum and to store exhibits while the site is being built is outrageous and how’s how out of touch the government is with its constituents.
I urge you to reconsider and await your response.

Dear Sir,

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project. I have lived and taught history in the Western Suburbs of Sydney for almost all my life, over 50 years. I have lived in Parramatta and currently live ten minutes away in Wentworthville. I have visited Willow Grove on many occasions. I have also been a number of times to the Powerhouse in its current location.

I object to the Parramatta Powerhouse project for many reasons:
1. The planned destruction of Willow Grove and the St George Terrace is a stupid and wanton idea. You do NOT destroy history in the name of creating a museum. The irony would be laughable if is was not so awful. We are mad on destruction. Those buildings, a precious part of Parramatta's history and landscape, should be restored and repurposed. Parramatta is fast becoming a wind tunnel of mirror and glass and these gems of our past must be saved. These two buildings are lovely glimpses into our past and their juxtaposition with all the modernity is a wonderful lesson for the residents. They are unique in the city and their loss would be immeasurable. We have loved going to Willow Grove during the Parramatta Lanes festival. My granddaughter commented on it being 'fairyland'. <image002.png>
2. The site is not appropriate. It is flood prone and there is absolutely no suitable parking. The Cumberland Hospital site is a much better option. Why are there no moves to look at creating a cultural hub here?
3. To destroy a museum to create an events centre is NOT the way to improve the cultural lives of Western Sydneysiders. We deserve a world class museum that recognises the significance of our place in the European invasion and settlement of colonial Australia. That is not what is coming. The Powerhouse is not even coming in its present form. We are sacrificing a wonderful museum for what?
4. To pull apart a museum before its replacement is in place is again a risible idea that actually detracts from Sydney's cultural life.
Please reconsider your plans. You are on a moment that is a turning point in the future fof what Parramatta will be. It is vital that the destruction of history isn't that pattern that we adopt in the name of 'progress'.

I am writing to express my concern about the Parramatta Powerhouse Project.

I have family connections in the Parramatta area and travelling and spending time in Parramatta has made me realise the significance of its history, beginning in early Colonial days. As it was such an important Colonial settlement significant buildings were constructed and the history of their use parallels the early history of the Colony.

It is clear that moving the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo to Parramatta will result in the destruction of Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces.

Parramatta is in the midst of a massive building program as a result of its development as the major centre of Western Sydney. It is essential that the heritage of Parramatte is not overwhelmed or destroyed during this rampant development.

Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces must be preserved and a completely new approach to the Powerhouse Project must be developed.

I await your response to my concerns.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta on the following grounds:
• That the total building size of the proposed Parramatta Powerhouse at 24,830 sqm will be only 58% of the existing Ultimo Powerhouse. Furthermore, the spatial analysis in the EIS architectural plans shows the total Presentation Space is just 12,644sqm1.
• That an estimated $1 billion or more will be spent to close the existing Powerhouse Museum, build a new facility and then have a building that is vastly inferior to the current Powerhouse Museum.
• That without adequate exhibition space, a significant number of the current exhibits will not be displayed.
• That a facility forecast to host 2 million visitors a year has no provision for car parking spaces.
• That the relocation of the Powerhouse would be to a site known to flood, such as in August 1986 and 10 February 2020.
• That working steam engines in the current Powerhouse will in future become only static displays.
• That former trustee of the Powerhouse Museum, Leo Schofield, describes it as, “one of the most shameful acts of cultural vandalism in the history of this country.”2
• That the 1870s-built Italianate villa, WillowGrove, considered to be worthy of heritage listing, would be demolished. This would be the loss of a unique building and a further loss of connection with Parramatta’s history.
On economic, cultural and common-sense grounds, I would ask that the NSW government re-consider the viability of the proposal for the Powerhouse Parramatta.

Sir,

I OBJECT to the Powerhouse Museum being relocated to Parramatta.

I OBJECT to the current world class Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo being closed and inaccessible to the community. It is within easy access for the community from the whole of the State as it is located near the Sydney CBD with transport links. As not all the citizens in New South Wales live in Western Sydney, the current Powerhouse Museum serves the citizens.
The Government speaks of using community transport, but non Western Sydney citizens would have to travel to Central Railway Station change their mode of transport and then travel another 30 mins approximately to Parramatta Railway Station and then onto the proposed Museum. I for one would certainly not spend 2-3 hours travel time each way to access a Museum by public transport.

I OBJECT to the proposal as it will be constructed on a known floodplain. Who would construct a building on a known floodplain?

I OBJECT to the 1870s Willow Grove and 1880s St Georges Terrace being demolished. Parramatta's heritage being again destroyed. These are state and local heritage significant sites. With the construction of the light rail throughout Parramatta, the Government has destroyed the Royal Oak Hotel, destroyed the ambiance of The Female Factory site by having the light rail route through the site.

I OBJECT to there being no permanent displays in the museum. This is what a Museum is : permanent displays of our heritage, culture and lifestyle.

I OBJECT to there being no significant storage areas on the site. Even if there is to be basement storage areas, concerns about the building being water-tight need to be addressed.

DO WE NEED more coffee shops and temporary display spaces? NO, we don't as there are plenty of refreshment shops/cafes in Parramatta, particularly in Church Street.

INSTEAD of funding and potential blowout in the proposed budget for a new Museum,
THE FUNDING SHOULD BE SPENT ON RESTORATION OF THE ROXY THEATRE which will provide the community of Western Sydney with a potential 2000 seat world class theatre and permanent performance space.

Dear Sir,

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project. I object to the proposed demolition of the property, Willow Grove and other heritage properties of Parramatta in order to make way for the proposed construction of new Powerhouse Museum and other facilities.

I have not made any reportable political donations and I'm not a member of, or aligned with, any political party.

I have been a regular visitor to the Parramatta business district more than 45 years having lived and worked in the area. I continue to visit the Parramatta business district regularly as part of my occupation. It is a sad fact that Parramatta has over the past several decades lost an enormous number of its significant historical buildings and homes. The historical properties currently marked for demolition in order to make way for the Powerhouse Parramatta Project should be retained. Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces are rare examples of architecture that no longer exist in Parramatta CBD and should be retained.

Yours faithfully,

Danny Bricknell

Greetings,

My name is Benedict Kennedy-Cox, a proud GWS resident and, emphatically, I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta Project.

I am aware you a professional doing you job and I respect that. Additionally, I respect the perspective and knowledge you would have on the situation, I would like to share mine with you.

My reasons for objecting to the Powerhouse Parramatta Project are as follows:
1. Loss of the heritage sites Willow Grove Villa and St Georges Terraces. They are of significant cultural heritage to the recent inhabitants of Parramatta.
2. The $1.2 billion price tag and loss of educational resources involved in relocating the Powerhouse museum are disappointing considering it can not even be called a museum when it is moved.
The bill for the taxpayers is too high for the loss of the knowledge from the Powerhouse Museum that cannot be transferred to the new site and certainly not worth the loss of the heritage-listed sites.

Kind regards,
Benedict Kennedy-Cox

Dear Sir,
I, like hundreds of others, object to this "vandalism" which the NSW government is determined to go ahead with and demolish a beautiful and dignified 19th Century property Willowgrove in Parramatta for the sake of erecting an inferior and smaller fake museum instead of leaving the Power House Museum where it is at present - Ultimo.
In your heart of hearts, you and the rest of the NSW government know that what you are doing is wrong and you also know that developers are out to demolish even the Pyramids of Egypt if they could just for a few coins of silver.
Leave things as they are, Sydney already has I am for sale reputation, so please leave alone whatever bit of dignity still remains in this city which belongs to the people and not the government to toy with it when it's running short of funds.