Sydney Modern Gallery

* The change to the visual impact on the precinct is unfathomable and unacceptable. The outlook down from Art Gallery Road, Mrs Macquarie's Road and from Woolloomooloo Gate would be severely negatively impacted.
* The green space opposite the Wooloomooloo gate used by residents, tourists and a huge number of birds and wildlife would be destroyed. TO be replaced by 7 to 9m high buildings would be a complete eye sore.
* The loss of parking places in Mrs Macquarie's road is unacceptable.
* Maybe more art gallery buildings over the domain towards St Mary's rather than towards the harbour?

I very much oppose the alienation of any more of the Botanic Gardens' green space for the Sydney Modern project. The section of the Cahill expressway which cuts through the Gardens is an egregious example of land grabbing which, like the present proposal, should never have taken place. It should be undergrounded and returned to the Gardens before any further desecration is undertaken.

Why not follow the examples of the Louvre and the Tate Galleries and build branches to serve the more distant members of our community (e.g. Parramatta and Penrith) and rotate art works between these, leaving our fine Art Gallery as it is.

I object strongly to this a proposal to extend Art Gallery exhibition areas onto what has traditionally been Domain and Botanical Gardens land. Sydney has little enough open areas as it is without removing current precious land.
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In addition, the Botanic Gardens perform an essential purpose in preserving valuable native and exotic plants and their natural environments. In the era of climate change nothing should be done to reduce this work. The Art Gallery extension must be put elsewhere.

My objection to this development, as a long time country member of the NSW Art Gallery, is the concentration of cultural resources in the Eastern part of Sydney (not even the population centre which has for may years been Parramatta and is shifting west. ) This is the Art Gallery of (the State of) NSW - not of Sydney - and particular not of Eastern sydney.
No argument has been made as to why the new facility should be located adjoin the current one on a site which represents gross overdevelopment and the erosion of already scarce green space in Sydney's centre. There appears to have been no consideration given to alternative, more equitable and preferable locations for the expenditure of such a large sum of public money and the development of such a large physical structure

This proposal needs to be substantially modified to ensure that there is NO loss of any public green space. Given this Government's appalling record of destroying mature trees, any further loss of public green space, particularly near the Gardens, is totally unacceptable. We desperately need open green space and trees in Sydney, particularly as we are forced to take so many immigrants due to Federal Government policy. Once the space is gone and our urban environment damaged,it will be gone forever. I am a regular visitor to the Art Gallery and to the Gardens, and there are ways to expand the Gallery without encroaching on public green space. In any case the NSWAG is kidding itself, it will always be second best to the NGV (mainly due to the quality of the collections and the Felton bequest).

I object to the proposed development for the following reasons

The unacceptable loss of green space - Looking at DA_0011 it is an incredible amount of open space that will be lost not only with actual building but the surrounds as shown in DA_0055.

The NSW state government recently announced its "Greener Places" draft policy which treats green spaces and plants as important state infrastructure for the many benefits it provides. Existing green spaces are all the more important given the projected growth in population and that many more people now live in apartments.

On one hand there is important recognition of the necessity of green spaces and on the other hand here is a project that will result in a vast tract of land in a highly populated and vulnerable area to be lost forever. It seems to me that this proposal is more about commercial activity and the artificial embellishments such as green roofs are to hide that fact and make it seem less green space is used.

The relative lack of commercial activity and natural beauty of the Botanic Gardens and the Domain are a huge attraction for millions of tourists and locals alike each year. It is a beautiful relaxing space to walk, exercise, rest or explore. People often call it beautiful, peaceful, an oasis in the city.

Any development in the Domain needs to be done in consideration of the whole area and not piecemeal as this project proposes. This project is centred entirely on the Art Gallery with little regard for its surrounds. For example:
the Domain and the Botanic Gardens is already widely visited and used, with the governments own projected increases in population and tourism and now this development expecting further increases in visitation of 1.2m to 2m a year. This will have a huge impact on traffic, parking, access and visitor amenity in the Domain.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) consideration of this is too narrow and too short term. There is a parking station currently under utilised, there is a bus service, possibly a ferry terminal (which no doubt if built will result in more loss of land) and there are some parking spaces. How is supposed to cater for the millions that are expected to visit the Gallery plus the millions that visit and use the Botanic Gardens and Domain each year?

To me EIS seems to say lets build this and whatever problems arise it will be for someone else to solve. Of course the solution may result in further loss of green space.

the development proposes a takeover of the only road leading to the main entrance of Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquaries Chair. Does that mean that the Botanic Gardens has management of the road before and after that section? I find unacceptable the Gardens no longer have control of the road the leads to their entry. This section should remain with the Gardens so that it can be part of a comprehensive plan for the management of traffic in the Domain.

A building is positioned across from the entrance to the main entrance of Botanic Gardens (Woolloomooloo Gate) destroying trees and impacting on the views and beauty of this area.

In conclusion whilst the Sydney Modern is a worthy project it should not come at the expense of our precious green spaces.

This project is objectionable for the following reasons. The design of the proposed buildings is uninspiring and out of sympathy with the existing Art Gallery. The buildings would occupy an unnecessarily large area of very beautiful land which should remain open for enjoyment by the public. Any expansion of the Gallery should take place on the opposite side, so that the new building(s) would face the city, not the harbour.

I strongly object to the Sydney Modern project.
The proposed site is most inappropriate and takes away from the green space area opposite the Botanical Gardens.
AGNSW has a poor selection of paintings compared to other galleries such as the National Gallery of Victoria. We need to improve the present collection rather than erect another building.
As government funding is not on a continuing basis, the so-called gallery will become a function centre.
Apart from the unnecessary nature of this, there is inadequate parking for a function centre along Art Gallery Rd.
The space in the gallery could also be used more efficiently eg removing the Kaldor collection to the Museum Contemporary Art.
As Sydney already has the MCA, Sydney Modern is unnecessary. The MCA should be the place contemporary art is held and displayed.
It would also make more sense to build another art gallery and museum at Parramatta, rather than dismantle the Power House Museum and move it there.
In sum, Sydney Modern is artistically unnecessary, aesthetically undesirable and a misuse of funds that could go to school, hospitals etc.

I would like strongly to object to this proposal.
1. I object to the loss of green space which currently allows people to enjoy their lunch on the grass and for children to play. It is a welcome spot of undeveloped green space in an increasingly congested city and forms a green link between the Domain and the Botanic Gardens.
2. The proposed building will cut off the current expansive view from the area near the existing Gallery.
3.The proposed design may be clever and cutting edge etc etc but it is totally incompatible with the grand old sandstone Art Gallery of NSW.
4. An alternate site exists at Barangaroo which should be used.
5. It would be a very good idea if the state government cut back on its multitude of building and road projects. This proposal is yet another example of a government that seems to think that it is running a construction company rather than a complex society.

.Severe encroachment on RBGDT land. Arrogant approach of
Art Gallery.
.Adverse heritage effect on Gardens.
.Extremely adverse effect on visual setting of old building from
both southern and northern approaches.
.Interruption of significant views from the road and Gardens'
entrance to the east and to the ridge of Potts Point.
.New entrance likely to become the one most used with old
building diminishing in importance.
.Blocking of views from Captain Cook wing of gallery.
.No provision for parking.
.No evaluation of land to the south east of existing building or
of Barangaroo which would be an excellent site.
.Nasty feeling this is a done deal.

I write in support of this momentous expansion of the Art Gallery of NSW. I believe that the Sydney Modern Project will dramatically improve the usability of a much undervalued space off Art Gallery Road, for the greater advancement of culture and the arts in our city.

I feel that this is the Opera House for our times: a significant investment in the fabric of the city. It will bring the AGNSW into line with other state arts institutions in terms of the international exhibitions the city can attract and the artist commissions possible in the space, and the works from the State's permanent collection which can be shown.

The design by SANAA is superb, and the sculpture garden from Woolloomooloo that links the space to the Domain will be a much valued contribution to the walking scape of Sydney.

I trust the NSW Government will look favourably on this valuable development proposal.

I am in support of this project for a number of reasons. Sydney needs to keep its place as a global city with global cultural institutions. The AGNSW in its current form is not able to service its local or international visitors let alone the growth in visitors projected over the years. The Gallery has had to turn away school children and students because it doesn't have the facilities nor space to accommodate them. The solution to expand the Gallery on the site to the north of the existing building is taking advantage of underutilised open space with complex contours not providing a practical amenity for users of the Botanic Gardens. The selection of the internationally recognised Japanese architect SAANA for the design of the now called Sydney Modern was an inspired move. Their sympathetic and modest design will integrate into the contours of the site and compliment the existing building while providing the appropriate amenity to visitors. there are many more reasons why this project should be supported, most of which have been articulated by the AGNSW in its various communications to the community and the press.

I'm excited about the expansion of the Art Gallery of NSW and a larger exhibition space the audience can enjoy. The project would benefit the residents of Sydney in the long run and may turn into an iconic landmark of Australia. I totally support the project.

I wanted to write to show my support of this much needed new building. The SMP will give so much back to the people of Sydney and future generations. Promoting culture forms the backbone of a progressive society and enables ideas and freedom to thrive.

The new building will enable: increased tourism, the opportunity to showcase larger blockbusters which currently cant be shown in the existing building, a safer more inclusive thoroughfare between the city and Woolloomooloo and give more space for the collection to hang (the majority which is in storage) to be enjoyed by the public.

I wholeheartedly support the DA application.

I support the application but am concerned that a submission proposed to be made by the Friends of The Royal Botanic Gardens will not represent the views of all members of that organisation. Attached is my response to those concerns.

As director of a regionally based public gallery, the Art Gallery of NSW is a vital link with the broader arts sector. Expertise, advocacy and access to collections are key elements in which the AGNSW staff support our work to our audiences.

On top of that, audiences in our region see the AGNSW as a key cultural asset for the state. Regional NSW audiences make up 6% of AGNSW visitation, but I have no doubt this will grow with the development of Sydney Modern.

The expansion of the AGNSW is a long overdue project, and will cement Sydney as a key cultural destination in the country. Lismore Regional Gallery has recently expanded, and I can attest to the public hunger for enhanced cultural spaces to gather, and to reflect on our place in society.

We have also seen the economic boost that comes with a new development, and have no hesitation that Sydney Modern will deliver this to Sydney, and further afield.

I strongly object to the plan for the Sydney Modern extension of the NSW Art Gallery. Apart from taking precious green space from the Royal Botanic Gardens, I feel the extension could be positioned to the east or south east of the Art Gallery and lose nothing in doing so. There is no reason to build such a huge building that destroys trees and usurps an historical site. These institutions are all cultural icons sharing a very special place in Sydney that will become more and more important as the population grows. We need all the green space we have now, if not more. Rethink this design and have more public consultation.

It's such an exciting expansion for the Gallery - and I feel proud that my city is investing in the arts and building this space for the future.

This is the most important arts and culture project of a generation in Sydney, with benefits in so many areas. Residents and visitors will get to see more of the collection as well as the finest temporary exhibitions, and will find a welcoming space that can play a vital social and education role in their lives. A place of not only learning but inspiration and joy. And the fact that schoolchildren are currently being turned away by the 1000s due to lack of space and facilities is something that must be rectified. The project's focus on green space will provide new public areas for people to really use and enjoy - not the barren, lacklustre space that currently exists in that location. Neighbouring institutions - including the RBG, State Library, ArtSpace and others - will benefit from increased visitorship and collaborative opportunities. There are so many other wonderful aspects to the project, not least of which is the fact that some of the world's greatest architects will be designing a new landmark for everyone to enjoy - for free. This project is so needed - really overdue - and will have a tremendous positive impact on the city, region and nation.

I have been following the Sydney Modern Project, connected with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, for some time and wanted to record I am tremendously excited by what it offers, both to the area of Sydney on which it will be built, Sydney as a major Australian city and also the State of New South Wales.

So many major global cities are well-known for their arts and culture, and in particular their premier art institutions. Obvious examples include London, Paris, New York, Venice, Rome, etc.

New South Wales residents and visitors to New South Wales are already fortunate to have access to the Art Gallery of New South Wales but to have the ability to re-energise the institution with the "Sydney Modern development" is an exceptional opportunity and will offer so many additional benefits.

Having looked at the New South Wales "Planning & Environment" website in relation to the potential employment, visitation and other opportunities it will offer Sydney. I congratulate the New South Wales government for supporting this initiative.

As a regular visitor the the AGNSW I simply cannot wait for the project to be completed and open to the global public.