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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.