However, the desire of some councillors to have a sit-down meeting with Premier Gladys Berejiklian to refine details of the museum was again thwarted on the Lord Mayor’s casting vote at the recent council meeting.
At the meeting, Councillor Pierre Esber, backed by deputy Lord Mayor Michelle Garrard,suggested that “now was the time” to put forward ideas on the museum, perhaps saving heritage buildings Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace from demolition.
The councillors made the point that, now the Powerhouse at Ultimo was staying, plans for Parramatta may be open for change that would save the heritage properties.
The Premier has reaffirmed her commitment for an off-shoot museum for Parramatta, though there is a feeling that it may be a different version to the one originally proposed.
Cr Garrard said that, following the Ultimo announcement, there was hope that the government “may change its mind over the demolition” of the heritage buildings.
Cr Steven Issa said it was inconceivable for council to sit down with the Premier in the time remaining for final acceptance of the proposal.
In further discussions with this publication, Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer said council would be in discussions with Arts Minister Don Harwin on the finer details of the Parramatta proposal.
Centre of global Sydney
Council’s submitted formal response, to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Parramatta museum applauds NSW Government’s continued investment in cultural and social infrastructure in Parramatta, while again reiterating council’s continued advocacy for the retention of Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace.
“Parramatta is the centre of global Sydney and deserves a world-class cultural institution. The new Powerhouse Museum will deliver that,” Cr Dwyer said in a statement..
“I thank the NSW Government for recommitting to this game-changing project and we will do everything in our power to ensure the best outcome for the community.”
Council has identified in its submission opportunities to improve the proposed museum’s design, including the way it integrates the public domain and its interaction with the planned Civic Link – a key pedestrian spine linking Parramatta Square with Parramatta River.
Council is requesting the NSW Government consider these matters and greater collaboration during the detailed design process.
“We can use our local knowledge and technical expertise to help refine the museum’s design and make sure it takes full advantage of its riverside position in Parramatta’s CBD,” Cr Dwyer said.
“While we fully support the new addition to the Powerhouse family in Parramatta and welcome the thousands of jobs it will bring to Western Sydney, it’s important for us to suggest ways to enhance the museum for the benefit of our community.
“We look forward to working with the NSW Government on the museum’s design for what will be a once-in-a-generation, world-class cultural institution we can all be proud of.”
