The Powerhouse Parramatta will become a critical driver for the proposed cultural precinct in the area. A much loved collection and dynamic program will ensure the communities of greater western Sydney have better access to cultural experiences, major and community events, education and resources. For existing visitors and volunteers (of the Ultimo site), enhanced public transport and local links will connect them to a significantly enhanced, World Class experience, befitting the Powerhouse and its collection, and one that can not be realised without this building.
The Powerhouse Parramatta will connect to local Aboriginal communities and culture and draw regional visitors, students and artists to both the museum and the area - vital for the preservation, celebration and shared understanding of First Nations people, culture and artistic practice.
The proposed education spaces and programs will be an invaluable resource for the local and proximate communities - providing curriculum-based learning, and continuing the science-arts-technology focussed programs currently being delivered. Equipping students with future focussed skills needed to support productivity and innovation.
Powerhouse Parramatta will make a vital contribution to construction jobs in the area - needed now more than ever; and catalyse the development, maturity, business confidence and reputation of the creative industries in the area and in Sydney more generally.
In addition to jobs growth, the economic impacts for the community will be felt through the onsite accommodation and programs, research agenda and the revitalisation of the riverbank, public domain, 24/7 activation and pedestrian civic links. This significant increase in amenity will drive visitation and tourism (including myself and my family, intra-state tourists), creating significant precinct footfall that will support the local day and night time economies.

While do not 'object' to the Powerhouse coming to Parramatta, in fact I think this is an amazing boost for Western Sydney and the location makes it an amazing choice.
BUT - i do object to the tearing down of Willow Grove and possibly the terrace houses nearby ( St George's Terraces).
I first discovered Willow Grove when I started working in Parramatta in 2017, and was amazed by its beauty and how it had survived in amongst the growth of Parramatta, I saw a sign on it saying it was going to be knocked down, so started to follow its progress and made decision to try and prevent it's removal.
This house was built in 1870 - and it seems a ridiculous decision to knock it down, it should be retained as a piece of history from the area. Imagine our grandchildren being able to visit this piece of history and learn from it.
I am all for progress - and the benefits the Powerhouse will bring to Parramatta - BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF HERITAGE!!
Please reconsider retaining these historic buildings in your planning for the future.

I have just read the EIS and am deeply saddened by the obvious bias towards the move to Parramatta, and the lack of a balanced, pro and con, report.
This move from Ultimo is extremely unpopular and in the present climate of the Sporting Arenas fiasco and the Covid19 impacts it may well also be political suicide too. It has changed my next election vote.
Ultimo is easily accessible to all and part of the Sydney cultural scene. Sydney needs all it's Museums and Galleries.
Parramatta is NOT accessible to most residents/tourists and needs it's own cultural identity. Destroying the heritage building of the area and building a "Milk Crate" does not provide this. Destruction of places such as Willow Grove is simply cultural vandalism.Also, I understand, the new museum design actually has less museum/display space - strange.
Options - 1.4Analysis of alternatives does not provide for an option 4 of retaining Ultimo AND building a museum at Parramatta. There are enough objects in storage to more than fully provide for 2 - sister - museums.
There should be MORE Museums and Galleries in Sydney, Greater Sydney and Regional areas... a positive cultural stimulus to all NSW.
I live in hope that sanity will prevail.

This will be a valuable enhancement to Western Sydney, and Greater Sydney too. Transport links to Parramatta are very good, and the new Powerhouse will be another reason to visit, especially with the program likely to be implemented by the team driving the project.
We're all very excited about having a reason to visit Parramatta.

I am the convenor of an informal email group that has been functioning since May 1, 2016, with over 100 active members. The engineers, architects and museum experts in this group cannot properly examine this EIS in the short time allowed particularly considering that the exhibition is 'virtual'. We request an extension for an additonal two months.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
T Lockley

I strongly agree with a Metro West station at North Strathfield. This will be a great relief to the traffic congestion in the area.

Please see attached our submission letter to SSD-9063-Mod-1.

See attachment