I am writing to express my concern about the Parramatta Powerhouse Project.

I have family connections in the Parramatta area and travelling and spending time in Parramatta has made me realise the significance of its history, beginning in early Colonial days. As it was such an important Colonial settlement significant buildings were constructed and the history of their use parallels the early history of the Colony.

It is clear that moving the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo to Parramatta will result in the destruction of Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces.

Parramatta is in the midst of a massive building program as a result of its development as the major centre of Western Sydney. It is essential that the heritage of Parramatte is not overwhelmed or destroyed during this rampant development.

Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces must be preserved and a completely new approach to the Powerhouse Project must be developed.

I await your response to my concerns.

Dear Sir,

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project. I have lived and taught history in the Western Suburbs of Sydney for almost all my life, over 50 years. I have lived in Parramatta and currently live ten minutes away in Wentworthville. I have visited Willow Grove on many occasions. I have also been a number of times to the Powerhouse in its current location.

I object to the Parramatta Powerhouse project for many reasons:
1. The planned destruction of Willow Grove and the St George Terrace is a stupid and wanton idea. You do NOT destroy history in the name of creating a museum. The irony would be laughable if is was not so awful. We are mad on destruction. Those buildings, a precious part of Parramatta's history and landscape, should be restored and repurposed. Parramatta is fast becoming a wind tunnel of mirror and glass and these gems of our past must be saved. These two buildings are lovely glimpses into our past and their juxtaposition with all the modernity is a wonderful lesson for the residents. They are unique in the city and their loss would be immeasurable. We have loved going to Willow Grove during the Parramatta Lanes festival. My granddaughter commented on it being 'fairyland'. <image002.png>
2. The site is not appropriate. It is flood prone and there is absolutely no suitable parking. The Cumberland Hospital site is a much better option. Why are there no moves to look at creating a cultural hub here?
3. To destroy a museum to create an events centre is NOT the way to improve the cultural lives of Western Sydneysiders. We deserve a world class museum that recognises the significance of our place in the European invasion and settlement of colonial Australia. That is not what is coming. The Powerhouse is not even coming in its present form. We are sacrificing a wonderful museum for what?
4. To pull apart a museum before its replacement is in place is again a risible idea that actually detracts from Sydney's cultural life.
Please reconsider your plans. You are on a moment that is a turning point in the future fof what Parramatta will be. It is vital that the destruction of history isn't that pattern that we adopt in the name of 'progress'.

I am emailing to strongly object to the destruction of Willow Grove in order to build the Powehouse Museum.
Whilst the construction of this museum is inappropriate for so many different reasons, I am particularly concerned about the disrespect for a significant cultural and historical site and the loss of this for future generations to see. I personally have found that visiting preserved historic sites brings history to life in a way that no text book or written account can. The destruction of this site will be a huge loss that cannot be recovered once destroyed. There are not many examples of this historic architecture remaining in NSW, and it must be proctected.
I also object to the improper use of taxpayer dollars. Spending $1.5 billion to relocate a fully functioning museum and to store exhibits while the site is being built is outrageous and how’s how out of touch the government is with its constituents.
I urge you to reconsider and await your response.

A large part of the beauty of Parramatta is its links the its history, significantly via these beautiful old building.
The insiteless removal of these significant buildings to make way for a modern museum on this location is a huge negative to making a progressive great city.
Why must a museum and the very nature of what a museum is be at the expense of these lovely buildings?
What these buildings represent in their history and atmosphere of Parramatta is far greater than the proposed museum at this location.

The demolition of Willow Grove and the St George's terraces should not be supported. Parramatta is a historical location within the development of NSW and its heritage should be preserved for future generations and so that the significance of Parramatta can actually be observed. Parramatta has suffered extensive demolition and poor development of its heritage and it is time to start taking positive actions towards preserving it. The hypocrisy that an institution like the Powerhouse, who stands to represent innovation and history, would support such a proposition is abhorrent.

There is a unique opportunity to retain and conserve the terraces and Willow Grove, and integrate them within the Powerhouse Museum as a literal interpretation of Parramatta's past. The museum should be set around these structures and the connection to the river reinstated through the demolition of the car park (which in itself represents the poor development within the area). The retention of the structures would provide a richly layered museum experience and enhance the museum precinct.

The Heritage Impact Statement acknowledges the great significance of these structures and the Heritage Council further suggests an approach "including any designs
that could facilitate the retention of Willow Grove and the St George’s Terrace".

Whilst a development to allow a museum precinct is not opposed, and is in fact supported as it would provide reinvigoration and cultural value to Parramatta, the demolition of structures which already provide great cultural and social significance should not be supported.

Sarah Blacker
Registered Architect
B Architecture, B Arts (Honours), M Heritage Conservation (Expected 2021)
Member Institute of Architects, Member National Trust

I strongly object to the removal/relocation of the Powerhouse Museum from its present site in Sydney to Parramatta. I do not want the current site to be sold off for developers to make a quick profit at the expense of losing forever an important asset. Parramatta should, of course, have its own purpose built museum specifically to meet its own needs. This should be able to be achieved without the billion plus cost to the people of trying to move the Powerhouse. It is almost criminal to break up the amazing priceless collection that is the Powerhouse and, at more expense, put the items higgledy piggledy in other venues. Not just Sydney, but the whole of the country, is so fortunate to have such an amazing collection all in one place to visit whenever they can. The current site earmarked in Parramatta would involve the destruction of heritage buildings which Parramatta should be allowed to keep and a new site (not on a flood plain) for a brand new museum/arts centre should be designed to the wishes of Parramatta residents. This is such a short-sighted decision - once it is gone and high rise housing is in its place, that's it, it's gone forever and the country would have lost something very special.

I strongly object to the removal of the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo, and to the destruction of heritage buildings in Parramatta for the construction of a recreation centre to house a small fraction of the Powerhouse Museum exhibits. I also object to plans for the Boulton and Watt steam engine to be a lifeless display in Parramatta, instead of being driven by steam as it currently is. Most of all, I object to the vandalism of Sydney’s history and the theft of its rich culture by a government that places value on money and self enrichment above all else.

I object to the project.
As a resident of Pyrmont, I enjoy having the powerhouse close by. The history, arts, and architecture is an asset to Pyrmont and Sydney.
Parramatta too should have a museum, but it’s a waste to money to destroy in one location, just to transfer its contents to another. A far better solution is to build another museum in parramatta, and fill it with different items, not pillage that of Pyrmont.
This creating two museums and expanding more areas for jobs, tourism, education and preservation of history in both location.
Also preserving the historical buildings at Pyrmont.
Saves money too.
It’s a win win win solution.
Thank you.

I object the powerhouse parramatta project.
The demolition of heritage buildings in parramatta is disgusting and criminal the nsw goverment does not care about history or heritage architecture. Willow grove hospital and st George's terraces should not be demolished for this project they should be saved they are part of our history and part of the character the defines parramatta. It feels like this goverment is not listening to the community and only doing what developers want to make a quick dollar.

Please see attached.