The new museum should reflect the historical fact that Parramatta was the first settlement after Sydney Cove, and is now an important major centre in its own right. Consequently, it is considered that the following factors should be incorporated in its establishment:
. it should not be the result of a heavily compromised plan. Plans prepared to date are considered grossly inadequate, and should be laid aside. Farcically, they call for destruction of two significant Parramatta heritage listed buildings to make way for an unattractive mixed-purpose modern building. The plans do not inspire confidence in the Government nor the project manager;
. the presently chosen site is totally inadequate, and should no longer be considered, as there is ample suitable alternative space in the Parramatta area;.
. the significance of the project is such that it warrants a fresh start, particularly now that the Ultimo Powerhouse Museum will not be closed;
. the new museum should have an appropriate name. ‘Powerhouse Parramatta’ does not qualify in this respect;
. it should be located on a site that:
.. is not cramped for room;
.. is not flood prone;
.. does not require destruction of listed heritage buildings;
. . can adequately accommodate a distinctive stand-alone structure purpose built for a heritage museum;
.. does not incorporate unrelated residential or commercial accommodation;
. . has adequate space for dedicated, safe, off-street parking;
.. is surrounded by landscaped garden and trees;

I write to register in the strongest terms my objection to the proposed relocation of the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta.
The Powerhouse at Ultimo is a world-class Science and Technology museum, and no justification has been given for moving it from its current central location to Western Sydney. The destruction of the Ultimo museum and the historical building that houses it is wanton vandalism, with no discernible benefit to the citizens of NSW, other than property developers.
The permanent exhibitions at the Ultimo site must be retained at this site. To suggest a “fashion museum” as a replacement demonstrates again the lack of recognition of the cultural importance of the current museum.
Furthermore, the move also entails the destruction of several important historical buildings in Parramatta (Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace). Again there is no logical reason for this when many alternative sites are available.
Both aspects of this proposal demonstrate a disappointing lack of cultural awareness on the part of decision-makers, who appear to have no interest in the Museum and its future beyond short-term monetary gain.
I reiterate: I object to this proposal.
Yours sincerely

Peter R Gunn

30 Derby Road Hornsby NSW
21 July 2020

I am vehemently opposed to the demolition of the Heritage Listed Houses willow Grove and St Georges Terrace in Parramatta. We have to keep heritage structures like this in our community to see where we have come from . As a society we need to feel this connection.

I completely support the views of the North Parramatta Residents Action Group and believe the our precious history should be preserved, not destroyed. Where alternative options are being presented in order to protect our heritage and find common ground, it would be more than just a shame to ignore them.

It is very clear how much the preservation of the original Powerhouse meant to many people. I am asking for the rational consideration of an alternative site (for what was intended as a replacement), the preservation of our historic (and beautiful) buildings, and the preservation of public space in the city.

The recent flooding of the river bank also shows the foolhardiness of the plan.

I object to the project in its current guise. I believe that the Terraces and the Villa should not be demolished. Both Council and the Heritage Council of NSW point out the heritage significance and show that this development needs to respect this. As a long time resident I am appalled by the design and how it pays no regard to the values of these buildings in the significance to the City and this precinct. It shows a complete disregard for the local community and the consistent requests to keep these buildings and to develop a facility around them that enhances the sense of place and community. It is ironic that a Museum that is created and curated to preserve the values and achievements of the community and culture, and yet in the act of creating a place for this destroys a significant and never applicable place and precinct. Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace are one of a kind in the Parramatta CBD and their lose would have a significant impact on the community's connection with heritage. I believe that either another site or a smaller version that also incorporates Council's vision for a public square by the river with high profile links back to Parramatta Square.

I object to the Parramatta Powerhouse Project. Parramatta deserves a cultural institution that they both want and deserve which also protects heritage.
The definition of a museum is a building in which objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited.
These heritage buildings in Parramatta are in themselves historical and cultural artefacts. They are veritable museums in their own right and tell a story about Australia and about Parramatta itself. It does not make sense to destroy a historical and cultural building to make way for another building to store cultural and historical artefacts.
It puts me in mind of Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi song where we pave everything and put trees in a tree museum, it does not make sense and it is still not what the people want. The case for the wanton destruction of heritage is not clear.
Why can't we can’t have heritage and development and investment in arts and culture in Parramatta?
But at the same time we should not demolish St George’s Terrace, built in 1881, and Willow Grove, built circa 1886 to be demolished to make way for the new Powerhouse Museum.
It does not make sense.

The development of a new Powerhouse Museum at Parramatta must not proceed if it involves the demolition of, or any adverse impact on, either Willow Grove or St George's Terrace. Parramatta is rapidly losing its connections to the colonial era. Willow Grove and St George's Terrace are particularly important as they are set in the very heart of Parramatta's CBD. They provide a magnificent contrast between 19th century architecture and the high rise buildings of the 21st century. If the creation of a Powerhouse Museum requires the demolition of either Willow Grove or St George's Terrace, then the development of the new Powerhouse Museum must be abandoned. We can not adopt a policy of destroying history to exhibit history.

Our nation is only approximately 200 years old but that doesn't mean we can't retain our Heritage properties that are still standing. As Europe has done for centuries. We need to retain ours. Please respect the last 200 years & keep these properties.

Supporting comments outlined in the enclosed cover letter and written submission.