Powerhouse Parramatta

I write to object to the demolition and/or proposal to dismantle and reconstruct Willow Grove (Phillip St, Parramatta) in another location (the later being one of the most absurd proposals I’ve heard in years).

This historic building with its spacious garden has a proud Local History and heritage, and the building and garden lend themselves beautifully to being incorporated successfully into a larger riverside public precinct plan / revitalisation.

Former Curator, Powerhouse Museum (1988-2020)

I object to the proposed demolition/relocation of Willow Grove.

Willow Grove must remain where it is with its curtilage intact. This is our heritage and it must not be destroyed. Demolition and construction of a replica on another site is not acceptable.

The Willow Grove grounds could provide a beautiful point of access to the river. The proposed scale of the new museum building will block access to the river.

I object strongly to the Powerhouse Project at Parramatta and the destruction of Willow Grove and other historic buildings at Parramatta.

To even think about destroying this building is quite silly and has resulted in a lot of stress within the community as well as costs in government departments. We should be able to trust that government departments would sensibly and passionately protect the long, strong, powerful and irreplaceable history of these buildings.

Willow Grove, in particular, has history that MUST be protected, just as buildings in The Rocks were legally protected when they were sold a number of years ago.

Please ensure these heritage buildings do not come down.

I object .. to the Powerhouse Museum being moved to that site in Parramatta and the historic house being moved or destroyed..

I object ....to the relocation of Willowgrove.

There is no way this historic building can be replicated.

The building techniques ,craftsmanship and materials will be lost forever.

Please reconsider and find a better solution !

I am writing to you in regards to the proposed development of Willowgrove, Parramatta. The house and garden in Phillip St, is a significant historic feature within the Parramatta area, both for its garden design with significant plants/trees and is a unique historic building of Victorian Italianate style architecture. It should be valued for these reasons but also because it is a rare example of the life -style, culture and historical environment which the people who developed the Parramatta area lived. There are no other gardens and buildings dating from 1870’s of this heritage, size, cultural significance and style in Parramatta. The open green spaces around Willowgrove have been a part of the local environment for 150 years, its history and are an integral setting for the house and must be protected for all to enjoy.
The legacy of the families is the contribution they have made to the culture and heritage of not only Parramatta and Sydney but also to Australia generally. As a private house the families who lived there contributed to cultural development of Parramatta and as a maternity hospital the staff contributed to the health and welfare of many newborn babies and their families.
Australians travel to Europe, Asia and other places to look at and enjoy history that is protected by their governments. France (amongst many other countries) for example has implemented heritage protections gradually since the 19th century as an expression of national identity and recognises the powerful contribution heritage makes to social stability and sustainable economic development. These heritage protections cover fully intact buildings and ruins and are regulated and enforced. Singapore protects its culturally significant buildings and areas as a balance to its high rise developments, to maintain their history and culture as well as using it as a tourist attraction. We have history that is intact right in our back yard and it is either being destroyed or changed irrevocably?

If you visit the site you can still see how it has been developed over 150 years by different families and the maternity hospital. It was here when Parramatta was a rural hamlet outside of Sydney. This is a rare surviving example of our early cultural heritage which should be preserved for the benefit of current and future generations in the Parramatta, New South Wales and Australia. The house and open spaces must be protected and preserved for current and future generations to enjoy and learn from. Would destroying heritage protected buildings like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Customs House and St Stephens Uniting Church be allowed? Would cutting down trees in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney be allowed?
The universal appeal of homes and gardens like Willowgrove, Parramatta suggests that for many people it is not simply a beautiful old house and garden, but in an immediate way it provides a palpable connection to our past, bringing history to us and us into history. We cannot afford to lose this rare heritage building, trees and gardens or we will be left with a cultural and heritage desert. The future of Willowgrove, Parramatta is grim unless Parramatta Council, the State Government and Heritage agencies act to stop this destruction and tragic loss!

I object to dismantling Willow Grove and relicating it. It will become a reproduction rather than a heritage building.
The land on which willow grove sits also has historical significance.

Please stop this folly

Pam tibben

I object strongly to the insane proposal of demolishing heritage listed Willow Grove and St George Terraces. These buildings are not only state significant buildings, they are also NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT!

The idea of demolishing to build the Powerhouse that is not even a true museum is ironic. It is also insulting to the people of Parramatta and others who are against this. Many have loudly objected to this and it has all fallen on deaf ears. Experts have advised against this however seems greed can be the only reason as even alternate sites have been provided, which is the best solution, here we are still fighting.

When one travels to old cities such as London, Italy, Paris, etc, one admires the old heritage. One doesn't go to see glass buildings that are sprawling Parramatta. This is poor planning to the extreme and the community no matter how loud we object are ignored and you disrespect our country's history and culture.

NO MORE GREED AND DEVELOPERS PUT BEFORE COMMUNITY AND HERITAGE!

I object ....

As a new resident of Parramatta I have been delighted to find the remnants of one of Sydney’s earliest settlements. As Parramatta grows in size, it is vital we preserve what we can of the place’s history. Willow Grove should be retained for future generations.

Please register my objection to the current plans.

I object to willow grove being demolished. The Heritage of Parramatta is being destroyed and is irreplaceable. As a resident of North Rocks, I use the facilities in Parramatta and agree with proposal to build the city but times are such that innovation to blend old and new is possible and the only acceptable option.

I object ....To the Willow Grove demolition
Parramatta has amazing history the buildiings like Willow Grove give the city a real history and pride.
I cannot understand why this valuable would ever be demolished.
Please go back to the drawing board and relocate the new museum elseware........ I suggest the Cumberland Hospital has ample space ........ Please in cooperation with the Parramatta female factory

I object ....
Please stop this insane idea of demolishing WillowGrove. We need to preserve our history and be proud to show it we care.

Hello,
Respectful;

Please dont move this exceptional Villa. a
Its social history must remain in Phillip Street.
Please stop demolishing our history. Progress is not the destruction of our historic buildings.
Parramatta is so significant to Australia's history. Use that instead of destroying it!
I lived in the area all my life & I'm so proud of Parramatta. I wish the state government was too.
Stop repeating the same mistakes!
No one wants this. Please hear our voices.

#SaveWillowGrove

I strongly object to Willow Grove being relocated from its original position in Parramatta.


It is an exceptional Villa and its social history must remain in Phillip Street where it was built for Annie & Thomas Gallagher and their four children 140 years ago.

From its features to its history, Parramatta’s Willow Grove is unique and you cannot move a piece of history. It will not be relevant in a different location, it’s history wiped. Australia doesn’t have many historical buildings as they keep on being demolished, but it is important to try to maintain as many historical buildings as possible to keep track of the development of Australian society from the first settlers. It is an important part of the heritage of this country and to piece together its social history. As it is Australia needs stronger laws to protect historic buildings.


I sincerely hope you will take these objections on board and protect Willow Grove and decide to keep it where it is for future generations to enjoy.

I strongly object to the removal of the historic Willowgrove from its present site on Phillip Street Parramatta to North Parramatta.

The house should be preserved on its current site and plans for the new Powerhouse should be reworked to save both Willowgrove and the St George’s terraces. Alternatively the museum could be housed in the historic Fleet Street precinct leaving Willowgrove and its historic grounds completely intact.

Willowgrove is an important building to the community of Parramatta but also NSW for social, historical and architectural reasons. It is precious because of its long history and use as a family home and also a maternity hospital. It is an important piece in the architectural timeline of the establishment and development of the colony and the important settlement of Parramatta.

It is disgraceful to even consider damaging the integrity of this building by trying to move it. The NSW government should be acting as a custodian of much loved heritage buildings not a desecrator.

WILLOW GROVE SHOUKD STAY WHERE IT WAS BUILT I strongly object to the moving of Willow Grove from it’s original site, to make way for the Powerhouse Museum.
Willow Grove is part of the heritage of the Parramatta area and shoukd be left where it was built for future generations to enjoy.
So much heritage has been destroyed in New South Wales, in the name of progress.
Please leave Willow Grove where it is!

I must again raise my objection to any redevelopment of the Willow Grove site in Parramatta, including the bizarre plan to relocate the existing structure. What seems most bizarre of course is the apparent refusal of our state government to listen to the concerns of the people and to completely disregard their wishes. I do trust that there are still some willing to listen.

Please don’t allow Willowgrove to be torn down. It is such a beautiful building and a lovely connection to Parramatta’s and therefore Sydney’s history. It is important to conserve these things and maintain their connection to place.