Powerhouse Parramatta

To Don Harwin, Rob Stokes, Gladys Berejiklian, Bob Dwyer, Geoff Lee, David Elliott, and all those concerned, now add Peter Collins,



I am completely disgusted and in despair of the manner in which this N.S.W. Government has handled the “Powerhouse” project at Parramatta.

I have written numerous emails to the proponents and supporters of your vandalism of this well maintained heritage house, “Willow Grove”, formerly named “Aloha”, also Georges Terrace, but only received a few replies.

As a result of recent facebook comments, I understand that Georges Terrace will be now be kept, but plans are afoot to demolish Willow Grove and rebuild it “somewhere else??”

Where is there any sense in demolishing a heritage building to replace it with a hideous monstrosity to house heritage items? “Willow Grove” will never be the same.

Please, build your new “Powerhouse” somewhere else. I pray that the CFMEU NSW can be successful with their green ban on the demolition of “Willow Grove”.


In desperation,

Lyn Stapley.

The Hon. Don Harwin MLC

Dear Sir

I refer to your letter A3973504 – IM20/34030 of 11 November 2020 to Mr Mark Wolff in response to his message to The Hon. Geoff Lee.

In this he suggested what seems to be a viable alternative to the unfortunate dismantling, transporting and partially reconstructing of the historic Willow Grove House to make way for the Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta.

Whilst your response extols the merits of the present project, it fails to examine Mr Wolff’s proposal of mitigating its damage to historic Parramatta by instead relocating the museum to the more suitable Cumberland Newspaper Factory site.

That site, bounded by George St, Argus Lane and Macquarie St, is around three times the area of the present proposed site. It is only about 350m to the East of Phillip St and convenient to the new light rail line. The site seems inactive at the present time and may be available for purchase.

I feel Mr Wolff’s idea merits your careful consideration and would be grateful to hear your views on the subject.

Sincerely

Louis Thevenin

I object....

I object ....
The Powerhouse is a part of our history growing up, passing thro this magnificent building to have a swim at Parramatta Park.
Why do we as humans feel the need too destroy our heritage, forget our past like it’s never happen, maybe turn it into a museum rather then replace with a tower of units or shopping centre.
It’s about time we preserved our heritage for the future of our younger generation to visit in person rather then on the internet!!
Thank you
Fiona

Please find attached some comments on the shortcomings of the heritage assessment of Willow Grove, the revised Terry Kass History of Willow Grove, and a rebuttal of the claims there was a proper analysis of site options in the EIS.

Good Afternoon Marcus,

Thank you for your time on the phone earlier. As discussed, please find attached Council’s most recent submission which includes two attachments.

As you previously advised I have not been able to upload to the portal.

Many thanks

Myfanwy

Myfanwy McNally
City Significant Development Manager