Powerhouse Parramatta

The destruction of the Ultimo site, the jeopardy that major objects will be placed in in the course of removal, the destruction of St George Terrace and Willow Grove are the reasons for my objection. Siting a museum with the valuable objects on a flood plain also seems to be an act of folly. Let Parramatta have its own museum and keep the Powerhouse where it is.

I most strongly OBJECT to the Powerhouse Parramatta project.

I am dismayed that our cultural heritage is not being respected and preserved. All too often it is demolished in the name of progress and replaced with something far inferior.

Willow Grove and St Georges Terraces are excellent examples of architecture that exists nowhere else in Parramatta and for that reason their preservation is paramount.

It is galling to see how little we value our history. In Europe, the architectural history of towns and cities is preserved, making them a major drawcard in tourism. If Parramatta is to become a major drawcard for tourism, then buildings such as these must not be demolished.

The social history of Parramatta has not been adequately studied and reported on in the EIS and for this reason,the demolition must not proceed.

I have not made any reportable donations to political parties.

It has come to my attend that there is a "their proposal to demolish heritage
buildings Willow Grove Villa and St Georges Terraces to build the ‘Powerhouse Parramatta”

If this is true the logic does no stack up
- destroy historical heritage to preserve items worthy of a museum!!!! What nonsense!!!

I am not arguing on detail but on the principle stated above.
All levels of Australian governments over the decades have not properly respected and treasured our cultural heritage.
If this historical building were to be destroyed, it would be another example of disregard for our architectural heritage.

These building could be maintained AND repurpose.

Please have the courage to say NO and think outside the box

Re: The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the “Powerhouse Parramatta” project
I object to the project for many reasons some of which are as follows:
• The statement fails to include the construction and operational impacts of demolishing the existing complex at Ultimo, of which there are many. Why destroy an existing world-class collection and precinct in the name of what the good people of Parramatta might ‘deserve’? Parramatta and western Sydney has its own marvellous history. Celebrate it by showcasing it in its own building and with its own collection. Leave Ultimo alone. It has been said that the Ultimo complex is no longer ‘fit for purpose’. It seems, rather, that the ‘purpose’ has been redefined to allow for current development intentions.
• The statement fails to address the many publicly articulated local community concerns and sensitivities regarding the proposed demolition of existing culturally significant buildings, viz, ‘Willow Grove’ and St George’s terrace. To demolish existing heritage buildings to create space for an excuse for a museum is not an intelligent project.
• The statement fails to convince that the new complex will properly display items and objects as they were displayed at Ultimo, indeed, there does not appear to be any space dedicated to display of existing collection items; nor does there appear to be sufficient space allocated for objects under climate-controlled conditions.
• The statement fails to convince that the complex will act as a museum at all. It does suggest that it will house any number of commercial activities and will likely be a soulless as the surrounds of Darling Harbour. The statement fails to integrate the early history of the original collection from 1879 into the present.
• The statement fails to offer a design in keeping with the social, historical, and cultural heritage of Parramatta, a city which today hardly suggests it had any history of early settlement at all. From the plans, the proposed building is just another pile of steel and concrete among many and which resembles, yes, a ‘milk crate’.
• The statement fails to convince that the complex will be accessible. It is said that Parramatta is the geographical centre of the city of Sydney. Where is the appropriate transport? How does the deserving population of Western Sydney travel to the complex? How does the visitor from Broken Hill, Bega or Ballina do the same? Not to mention the expected hoards from Barcelona and Beirut. And where do they park their vehicle?
• The statement suggests certain costs such as for development … for which, read, demolition of existing heritage building, redesign of streetscape, create new laneways, coping with the flood zone; and then for construction … read: employment costs, building materials, kickbacks to builders, etc. The figures are mind-boggling. If such amounts are available for such a project what does this suggest about a government which has also removed significant trees in the cause of light rail, created a hole where a stadium once was, persists in ignoring the pleas of the Windsor community regarding the destruction of the Macquarie era heritage precinct of Thompson Square and the demolition of a valued local Windsor bridge. Corruption leaps to mind. NSW taxpayers’ money can be better spent.
• Lastly, the EIS fails to convince that the Government has any conception that Parramatta could have its own world class museum, with its own purpose, without the destruction by dispersal of an existing world class museum collection and buildings in Ultimo.

I lived in the Parramatta district during my formative teens. I attended school. I understood then the significance of both its early settlement and its convict history (a forebear spent time in the Female Factory), plus its place as a destination for generations of newcomers to Sydney. That is what should be celebrated—with a complex dedicated to that purpose and on an appropriate site.


Jennifer Halloran Brookes
21 Rossi Street
Yass NSW 2582
03/07/2020

Dear Madam/Sir,

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta. When at work I'm a frequent passer-byer of the heritage villa, Willow Grove, and St George's Terrace.

I object to these buildings being demolished to make way for the Powerhouse Parramatta. I will withdraw my objection if both these constructions can be included in the new Powerhouse project.

I object to the Powerhouse Museum because it is at the expense of heritage in Parramatta.
Willow grove and the terraces are an important part of our heritage.
I am proud westie , born in Parramatta. I love this city . Aside from our awesome community, what makes it special as a CBD location is the blend of new developments and our historical buildings. Our heritage must be protected.
I don't object to the Museum itself. But I do object the museum being built at the expense of Willow Grove and our terraces.

Please see the attached letter supporting Powerhousing Parramatta.

Process
- Consultation should not be occurring in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis. It is not business as usual and things of this nature should be suspended
- I note the State Government cynically released the architects design to the public including the controversial demolition of Willow Grove just before Xmas. No wonder trust in politicians is at a record low. Do they really think voters are stupid?
- The Covid-19 effects on the State economy are likely to be profound. Activities of this nature should be reviewed to see if money could be better spent in more critical areas (hospitals, nurses etc) once the immediate crisis has passed
- Public consultation should be broadened from what you want this Powerhouse Museum development to achieve to should this development happen at all. If not, what should go there instead.

Concept
- The Powerhouse museum should remain in Glebe. It is common knowledge the State Government wants the Parramatta development to happen to free up the land in Glebe for redevelopment.
- The close association of certain members of this Government and developers is noted and will no doubt be subject to review by ICAC should the development proceed unchanged.
- Parramatta Council and all local residents I know are opposed. The only people possibly in favour would be some retailers who will gain from increased foot traffic.
- Unfortunately Parramatta residents are too busy surviving to protest and complain. That’s a middle class activity. Try this in Balmain or Killara and see what happens.
- There is a dearth of cultural facilities in Parramatta but the Powerhouse is too large and the wrong sort of cultural institution for Parramatta. A smaller museum that focuses on Western Sydney and culturally significant aspects such as sport etc would be more in keeping with the region.
- The size of the building is insufficient for the Powerhouse's existing exhibits. The Powerhouse should remain in Glebe, where it belongs, and a much smaller museum should be built on the site adaptively reusing the heritage already there.

Site Design
- The site is a poor choice being prone to flooding. The design to mitigate against this is expensive. I hope the operators factor in a large cleaning budget because that riverbank is overtopped every second time it rains. (I’ve lived next to the river for 31 years and know this better than any hydraulic engineer).
- The Trustees of Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences or whoever should be demanding more maintenance money for a building of that design. Window cleaning? Bird control (plenty of feral pigeons around)? Siting of utilities?
- The design is typically postmodern and looks hideous. An Army pillbox would be marginally more attractive.
- Architects have been let off the lease so the result is to be expected. Funny how they didn’t want to keep Willow Grove and the Terraces. No doubt they were given the hint in the briefing. .
- A winner of a design competition simply means architects judging other architects. Here’s a revolutionary idea- put up half a dozen designs and ask local residents to vote on it. Include in each design a construction budget. Architects would HATE it- that in itself tells you it’s a great idea.
- Willow Grove should be retained and adaptively reused as part of the site offering. At a minimum the façade of the Terraces should be preserved.
- A smaller building would allow Willow Grove to be retained. If necessary Willow Grove could be physically moved forwards notwithstanding chimneys, stone foundations etc as happens in Canada.

Cultural Vandalism
- There is relatively little heritage left in Parramatta. What’s left should be preserved.
- Willow Grove is a particularly beautiful building. The site it is on is particularly beautiful.
- There aren't many Terraces left in Parramatta. If this Govt has its way there will be even less.
- The building is heritage protected. What does it say about a Govt prepared to ignore its own laws to bulldoze through a development nobody particularly wants? -- If Government is so convinced they are right I’ll set Govt a challenge. Take a photo of Willow Grove and a photo of the Lightbox and ask ordinary residents which they prefer. Then respect that decision. No surprise this suggestion won’t ever be taken up.

I note the CFMEU, reflecting community sentiment, is showing leadership on this issue with a Green Ban. I'm not generally a fan of militant unions but all power to them.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project.

Because already Sydney has lost enough of it's identity due to "progress".

By tearing down our beautiful and grand old buildings that are rich in history, deep in character and that have huge architectural significance, decimates our community's sense of place, identity and connection, and, i believe, is also criminal.

Let's preserve the last of our modern history for future Australian generations and save Willow Grove Villa and St. Georges Terrace's.

And let's NOT move the Powerhouse from Ultimo and keep it where it is.

I have not made any reportable political donations.
Please withhold my personal information from my submission.

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta Project.

My objections have many aspects, but of principal concern is the proposed demolition of Willow Grove and ST George Terraces. This outstanding example of a style of architecture which has become so rare now, should be retained, not only for its intrinsic beauty, but also its historical significance. Generations to come will be robbed of an immensely significant part of their heritage should this building no longer exist. There will no doubt still be a Parramatta Powerhouse Museum in due course, but please not at the expanse of such a treasure?

I am a Parramatta resident and have witnessed the continued demolition of historical and natural sites in the entire Parramatta council area. However, few are as obvious and central as WIllow grove house. I gain immensely by being able to visit the precinct of Parramatta, as do many other Sydney residents and indeed overseas and interstate visitors, in order to learn more about our history, not from a museum, but from real examples of the homes, hospitals, schools etc of a bygone era. These are irreplaceable. To lose them for the sake of a new building which could be built elsewhere beggars belief.

I am not saying “Do not have the Parramatta Powerhouse”. But I am saying “Do not destroy what should be treasured”. WIilow grove and the StGeorge Terraces could easily be incorporated into the planning for the Parramatta powerhouse museum and am shocked that there has been not consideration of it.

My further thought regarding the Powerhouse Museum is that the existing museum in Ultimo should remain. Sydney is large enough to retain both. The Sydney powerhouse building houses extraordinary original engines that are so heavy I doubt they could be easily moved to another venue. In addition, the building which houses it is a magnificent example of historical industrial Sydney and its ideal location for people from all over Sydney, being so close to Central Station. It must be retained.

In the sincere hope that you will consider these views,

Julie Lennon

Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the Powerhouse Parramatta.
Although it is a great opportunity to provide the Western Sydney community with a world-class museum, I object strongly to the demolition of Willow Grove and the St George's Terrace.
The SEARs indicate that EIS shall:
• outline the process leading to the selection of the site and the siting of the new development in the context of the heritage items on the site, including any designs that could facilitate the retention of Willow Grove and the St George’s Terrace.
The SOHI notes that:
The demolition of the “Willow Grove (and potential archaeological site)” and the “St George’s Terrace (and potential archaeological site)” would have a major physical and visual impact on the heritage significance of these heritage items. The demolition would result in the total irreversible loss of the conservation values that constitute heritage significance, including significant fabric and the visual setting. Finally, the proposal would result in statutory delisting of these heritage items.
It is therefore unconscionable that these sites, which have centuries of historical value should be demolished for the museum, but rather they should be, at the least, incorporated into the design.

The utter destruction of the Powerhouse Museum (the Powerhouse) cynically claimed to be the movement of the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo to Parramatta, is Australia's Penn Station moment and we will be dammed for it forever and rightly so. Trashing the Powerhouse and demolishing the precious buildings in Parramatta to make way for Powerhouse Parramatta, the milk-crate monstrosity, are acts of supreme vandalism. The Powerhouse that we all know and love should not so ignominiously be doomed to demolition because it deserves to be conserved as an important part of Sydney's history. I mean honestly, there is no better purpose for a museum. To sell off the Powerhouse for commercial development just beggars belief, and has caused so much immense sadness to so many in Sydney, indeed across Australia ... indeed around the world. Nothing makes sense about this proposed vandalism whether in economic, community or heritage terms, except that Ultimo and Parramatta are the losers as a result of the extreme political ignorance and arrogance.
I am heartbroken and cannot understand why community wishes and expert advice have been so categorically ignored. Why are we doing this? I am starting think we are not being told the full story. Is there anything else we ought to know this extraordinary development which makes no sense whatsoever? Who are the main players in this? Do we even know? Why did such an outrageous proposal ever make the light of day let alone shut down a world class museum and get ready to demolish beautiful historical buildings in Parramatta? Why did Parramatta getting a museum come at the expense of the wider Sydney community indeed the wider global community? Why couldn't Parramatta have a museum as well? We don't have moratoriums on building roads, why do we have moratoriums on building museums?
The whole Powerhouse-Museum-Powerhouse-Parramatta-Milk-Crate Project is an appalling act of shocking cultural vandalism.
On my last visit to the Powerhouse earlier this year, I hugged my little granddaughter tightly with many many tears cascading down my cheeks as I showed her for the last time the last remaining Boulton and Watt steam engine, the glorious steam train which carried the first passengers from Central to Parramatta in the 1850s, the marvellous Strasburg Clock Model, the Catalina Flying boat, the magnificent destination board, and so much more.
I am full of utter sadness and despair, and I beg you to please rethink this entire project, and leave the Powerhouse as is and where it is, and build a super state of the art museum somewhere in Parramatta without destroying Parramatta's marvellous heritage.
I object wholeheartedly.
Kind regards,
Sue Abbott

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta proposal because the proposed location is not sensible, being flood prone, and will involve the destruction of even more of our historic buildings.
I grew up, studied and worked in Parramatta, and have seen the Parramatta River in flood many times in my 80 years. I have also witnessed other historic buildings being lost because of developments. No more, please!
It's a plus that common-sense has prevailed, and the wonderful Ultimo site will be saved, but Parramatta is entitled to its own Powerhouse as well.
Please consider the Fleet Street Heritage Precinct as the site of the proposed Museum. It links with other historic buildings, and with Parramatta having been such an important part of our Colonial history, that would be an additional drawcard for tourists.

Please see an email that was sent to the Planning below

I am writing this email (not that i think you will read it) whilst trying to hold back my dismay that really there are some dumb things done by people in high places, what i cannot understand is that moving the Museum (sorry i know it is for monetary gain by developers and others) to Parramatta into an area that has no great tourist appeal like the City which has plenty of Accommodation, just recently we lost the Royal Oak hotel which had a great deal of history in the Parramatta area and also for local Sydneysiders that would attend the football and other functions at the Stadium, it seems that someone in Government is getting off on demolishing what is left of the early days of Australia’s history, with other Institutions in the way for the light rail, it seems Parramatta which houses a vast majority of Heritage is on their list. Please take into account the recent news that not all exhibits will be on display and just hope it does not rain and flood the new site, as having worked in Parramatta just across the River from the site that area holds a lot of water and that would not look good for the current Government of the day.



In closing Parramatta is an area different from the City as the People that reside in Parramatta or the local areas have a background of growing up in the area or want a life style for their families whereas the City now has a population that did not grow up there but resides there for Employment purposes and i refer to your quote on Linkedin below




The comment below is from the planners Linkedin page

I am passionate about smart growth planning, sustainable design and transit-oriented development and how these new urbanism concepts can support the creation of interesting and vibrant urban places.
I understand the importance of providing clear and defensible justifications to ensure the success of planning proposals and to support sound policy.


Since i have written the above email and sent it i have had a discussion with Marcus, and i mentioned that Parramatta being the second settlement has more surviving history than the City and it has always been a town that was divided by the Railway, and therefore the division attracts more people than others to some areas (some other examples are Chatswood, Eastwood, Epping, Hornsby, West Ryde, Burwood to name a few) Parramatta although having top class name accommodation the places are old and not up to scratch for tourists.
I suggested to Marcus to look at the Camellia area as it is currently an under developed dust bowl, you could imagine River Transport and use of the existing Rail or new light rail (that's another issue) to access an area that has a top class horse racing facility and plenty of space where the museum could be built in its entire form doing away with any storage, so all displays could be seen and not hidden and then build the accommodation and a small or big version of Darling Harbour there as it is just vacant land sitting there blowing dust around, it would be better for Parramatta's economy and the visitors or tourists could take in the sites of Parramatta as it existed and does today
0417771147

My opposition to the Powerhouse Parramatta Project is set out below.


Submission to the Powerhouse Parramatta Project
Application Name: Powerhouse Parramatta Project
Application Number: SSD 10416

I OBJECT TO THE POWERHOUSE PARRAMATTA PROJECT

1 I object to the current Powerhouse Parramatta Project being dependent upon the “relocation” of the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.
The decision to relocate the Powerhouse Museum from Ultimo to Parramatta is based on the assertion that it the does not meet “...the standards required to showcase its vast collection … “. Where is the proof for this assertion? It defies logic because the museum is showcasing its vast collection right now. The Powerhouse in Ultimo houses huge machines in purpose-built structures that are still viable. If, as claimed, these are now substandard, why haven’t upgrades been made? As Henry Ergas states, refurbishing “would involve outlays of $150m over three to five years – which pales into insignificance compared with the $1.2b to 41.5b the move to Parramatta could easily cost.”
Furthermore, how is it possible that The Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, built and opened in 1988, needs to be abandoned when comparable institutions such as the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Museum (1881) and the Air and Space Museum (1976) are older and still in use, with no plans to relocate or dismantle them because they are substandard?
Rather than the Powerhouse Museum’s vast collection being transferred to Parramatta for exhibition and storage, as claimed by the Parramatta Project, it will in fact be broken up, some objects going into temporary storage, others being moved to locations unknown across the state. This magnificent collection will be in limbo for at least three years and then when the new museum opens, exhibits will have to be transferred back and forth from the Castle Hill storage facility. The potential for damage to these precious objects is enormous. Yet they could all stay safely in Ultimo, while allowing some objects to be on permanent loan at the Parramatta site. In other words the “relocation” of the collection as envisaged in the Powerhouse Parramatta Project will in fact result in the dismantling of a world heritage collection.

2 I object to the demolition of Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace. My reasons are:
a. Heritage
Both Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace are rare examples of architecture and construction in late nineteenth century Parramatta. They are historically and aesthetically significant to the growth of early Parramatta. They are examples of rare architecture that should be retained in the Parramatta CBD.
b. Tourism
Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace add value to the streetscape of Phillip Street because they are beautiful to look at and are easy to relate to on a human scale as opposed to concrete and glass tower blocks that are cold and intimidating. These buildings add character and diversity to Parramatta. They bring history alive! They are living museums! What a drawcard for tourism!
c. History
Much of Parramatta’s history is embodied in these buildings. For example, Willow Grove was a maternity hospital for many years and there are people today who are still alive who were born there. As stated above, by maintaining these buildings you are bringing the past into the future as living museums.
d. Personal
As a former resident of Granville, Parramatta and Harris Park for twenty five years I can recall walking along Phillip Street after shopping at David Jones and admiring the beauty of Willow Grove and its garden. I enjoyed it as a peaceful retreat and oasis in the hustle and bustle of the CBD. I remember thinking what a gem it was and how lucky we were to have it preserved for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

3 I object to the proposed location of the Powerhouse Paramatta Project
The location of the proposed museum is unsuitable because it is in a high risk flood zone. It is therefore a grave risk not only to visitors’ safety, but could result in permanent damage to the museum collection.
A better choice of location for a museum in Parramatta would be the Female Factory Precinct. This is an historic precinct which has plenty of room for a museum which showcases the history of Parramatta and New South Wales. It would then be unnecessary to demolish Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace. Not only that, the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo could be saved too. An event space/commercial/residential structure could still be built on the old David Jones site, without ruining the integrity of the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo and the integrity of Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace. A Win Win Win for common sense and the economic use of my, and other taxpayers’, money!


4 I object to the artificial western Sydney/inner city divide
I am appalled by this artificial western Sydney/inner city divide which is being used as an argument to remove the Powerhouse Museum altogether from Ultimo. This idea that western Sydney has no access to arts and culture and therefore the Powerhouse Museum must be razed because the inner city has too much arts and culture, is a furphy. What kind of society are we that we can’t have two museums in different locations? It happens in other cities around the world. If we want world class tourist attractions then more arts and culture in more places is the way to go.

In conclusion, the Powerhouse Parramatta Project should not go ahead unless the future of the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, Willow Grove and St Georges Terrace are secured.

Wendy McLean

I object to the Powerhouse Parramatta project for many reasons:
* the historical value of heritage buildings Willow Grove Villa and St Georges Terraces cannot be quantified and cannot be stressed enough. We have so few representations of our colonial past, it seems astounding that a government would willingly seek to destroy this. I find it particularly ironic that the state government is looking at destroying history to house historical artifacts! Like The Rocks at Circular Quay, the heritage buildings at Willow Grove Villa and St Georges Terraces add to ,the uniqueness of Parramatta, providing further opportunities for tourists to the city to learn about the history of the area.
* Building the Powerhouse at this particular site (which stretches from the river banks to the heritage buildings) is monumental environmental idiocy - I'm sorry to use such strong language, but it seems those in decision making positions don't really examine the land and water behaviour in the area and what happens when it rains excessively. It floods often enough for this to be an issue. We also have plenty of sites in Parramatta that would serve better as a museum base than an area that consistently is flooded when rain causes the river to burst its banks. It would seem crazy, so to speak, to build something here. I cannot believe knowing this as a regular citizen, yet those in decision making roles have not consulted experts on this at all. Or perhaps they did and ignored the advice? It wouldn't be the first time in the name of 'progress' would it?
* Willow Grove served as a maternity hospital for a few decades leading up to the 1950s. Yet again, if we destroy this building, we are erasing the history of women in this country. Don't we matter enough? Surely we do! History isn't about how many wars we've won, or lost. History is also about how we lived as a people, how we cared about each other. Historians and archeologists judge the times we began to show ourselves as a civilised species was when they noticed broken bones had been set in the remains of humans discovered; the ability to care for one another. Destruction of these historical buildings will erase this and proves the point that as a society we do not care about each other, particularly how women lived, birthed and helped build a society.
* Haven't enough old buildings been destroyed in Parramatta? Does everything need to be a sky scraper or modern building to show progress? What would Athens look like if Greece destroyed the Parthenon for more buildings? How about the Colosseum in Rome? Or Stone Henge? Are we such an ignorant society here in NSW that we cannot see the value in these beautiful old buildings? What's next? The Opera House? That's on prime real estate too!
* Parramatta has plenty of great sites which would benefit from the Powerhouse Parramatta as a venue. What about repurposing Parramatta Gaol? Surely we have the know-how to keep the structure in tact yet use it to house the historical artifacts touted for Parramatta. Perhaps you could take advice from European cities who do this successfully and do not destroy their history at all.

I am a local Parramatta resident & am fully supportive of the Parramatta Powerhouse proposal. The Powerhouse will provide Parramatta with a world-class cultural facility. I value the employment and tourism opportunities that the Powerhouse will bring to Parramatta.

I would like to object to the Parramatta Powerhouse Project as I can’t detect any benefits of the present plan, but I am very much in favour of a world-class Cultural Institution with Performance Spaces, Lecture Halls, Conference- and Exhibition Centres and aMuseum of Parramatta including Aboriginal Culture . The location should also be re-considered due to being flood-prone and to protect the historical properties of Willow Grove and St. George’s Terraces which must be retained . The Fleet Heritage Precinct would be more suitable. It is also important to leave the collection of the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo intact. The present location in Ultimo is perfect, because of the historical industrial infrastructure.The name “Parramatta Powerhouse “ is also not suitable as it has no connection to a powerhouse.
Please re-consider the plans as the objections by the National Trust, the HHA and by 14.000 people who signed a petition cannot be ignored

The destruction of the fine heritage Willowgrove Villa and St. George's Terrace is totally unjustified in order to construct a giant "Milk Crate" looking edifice on a flood prone site. Parramatta has lost so much of it's heritage in the rush to make it a carbon copy the high-rise mistakes of Sydney CBD. The city deserves good community facilities but not at the expense of it's existing unique character. Why does the proposed building need to be so huge. Incorporating scores of units for travelling students and artists is a luxury that adds hugely to the scale of the building. These facilities should be located on a nearby site in a way allowing for a total redesigned development sympathetically incorporating the retained heritage buildings. Parramatta has so many heritage issues it needs to address including the "Roxy" Theatre and the magnificent sandstone buildings in the former Female Factory/Cumberland Hospital Complex which are crying out for new and sympathetic uses that will guarantee their preservation for community uses. Now that the Government has abandoned the closure of the Ultimo Powerhouse Museum there should be a full scale re-think on how the city retains existing fine grained urban character instead of the current bulldozer approach to planning. The city should be focusing on it's Aboriginal heritage' agriculture history and ethnic diversity. More than enough to fill a new museum. Not a second Powerhouse Museum but a unique Parramatta Museum.

Please refer to attached letter and supporting attachments