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I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta Project. I object because 1/ We need to retain our historical buildings, not only for their aesthetic beauty, but also so we can educate future generations on what life was like in historic Parramatta. It is better to learn from an actual piece of history, as opposed from learning about it from a book. 2/ Cities are often cold places filled with towering office blocks, and other generic buildings, that cast shadows and create wind tunnels. We need to keep these older buildings because they break up the typical city skyline with their classical architecture and gardens. 3/ I don't think enough time has been given to considering the loss to our local history if these buildings are removed 4/It seems hypercritical to me to destroy a historical building, which is a museum in it's own right, so that another type of museum can be built in its place. If done properly there is nothing wrong with having a museum in Parramatta, but not at the expense of our fast disappearing local, history. Please do not allow the destruction of any more of our local history.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project as it would be detrimental to the social history of the area to demolish Willow Grove. Demolishing this property would be a huge loss to the area as it is incredibly historically significant.

I object to the Parramatta Powerhouse because building it will result in the destruction of historic Willowgrove and St George’s Terraces, Phillip street Parramatta. These are important culturally, socially and architecturally to Parramatta. The proposed building of MAAS on the river frontage at Parramatta should be halted and re-designed to include the historic buildings listed above or scrapped all together.

Attention: Marcus Jennejohn
NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

Dear Mr Jennejohn,

RE: NSW Government proposal for the Powerhouse Parramatta project

I write to express my objection to the NSW Government’s proposal for the Powerhouse Museum to be located on Phillip Street, Parramatta NSW.
I have thoroughly reviewed the information available online and attended an Infrastructure NSW webinar and do not agree with the Government’s proposal if it means that destroying the historical and culturally significant sites of Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces is required.

Parramatta is at risk of losing more of its historical identity and it is devastating to see that the proposal will demolish these two unique sites instead of preserving and encompassing them into the space of the proposed development. There are many examples across Australia, including in Parramatta where historical buildings have been preserved and utilised within the context of modern developments.

I advocate for greater community engagement and consultation by the NSW Government that will identify other suitable locations for this development and ensuring the preservation all places of historical significance.

I ask that you take into consideration the points I raise as a concerned resident of Parramatta LGA who wishes to see the NSW Government preserve Parramatta’s precious history and utilise Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces instead of erasing them from our history.

Thank you for your time.

I object to the demolition of Australian heritage in any way, shape, or form. There has already been so much lost, countless historic buildings levelled for development and tunnel construction. None of it can be replaced. Willow Grove House and the St Georges Terraces are a wonderful part of Western Sydney history, as proud as Elizabeth Farm and certainly as beautiful. Willow Grove House in particular has always stood as an icon of Parramatta for me, something to be enjoyed as much as the Riverside Theatre. Their loss would be a knife in the heart of Western Sydney identity.
The demolition of the gorgeous Willow Grove House and the St Georges Terraces would further be a stain on NSW's pride as the 'First State' - How can we hold ourselves to a historical legacy if we keep destroying it? The irony is all the more bitter if we are destroying our history in order to build a place to exhibit our history. There are MANY deep issues with the proposed new Powerhouse Museum, from lack of permanent exhibition and archival storage (i.e. what makes a museum a museum), to an overwhelming focus on the commercial aspects of a theoretically cultural institution. But the fundamental issue remains that even if you design the most perfect a museum, it will still be on the vandalised bones of Australian history. More museums are wonderful, but never at the cost of our heritage (and existing wonderful museums).

My comments are contained in the attached submission