Hall at St John’s Anglican Church to be demolished
On the same night the release of the Powerhouse Museum’s design spelt the demolition of historic properties, a decision was made to demolish a heritage-listed hall in Parramatta.
Parramatta
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The Anglican Church must have God on its side after plans to demolish a “mediocre” hall to make way for a $400 million development in Parramatta CBD have progressed.
Last night, Parramatta Council approved the demolition of the 108-year-old hall near S John’s Anglican Church despite Parramatta Local Planning Panel rejecting a request to demolish the building, which has local heritage listing.
The plans include two towers, three auditoriums to seat up to 1000 people and a public square. One of the towers would be eight storeys with a residential tower possibly to house an aged care centre and student accommodation.
St John’s Anglican Church senior minister Bruce Morrison was pleased
“We are very keen to preserve genuine heritage and there were a lot of memories associated with the hall but the primary heritage item is the cathedral and it’s really a question of what is the is the best urban outcome for the city of Parramatta.
“I think that the spirit of the Planning Department and the city council just reflects that it’s a proposal not just for St John’s but the community.”
The release of the winning design for the Powerhouse Museum was issued the same night of the council meeting.
Historic properties Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace at Phillip St, Parramatta, will most likely be demolished to make way for the Powerhouse Museum.
But unlike the hall, Reverend Morrison said Willow Grove held more weight has a heritage item.
“I think there’s a difference to Willow Grove, which is a state heritage item, and the parish hall which is a fairly mediocre building but you can’t compare,’’ he said.
NSW National Trust of Australia’s Parramatta branch president Cheryl Bates said the hall’s heritage was significantly linked to the cathedral.
“Sadly, the church representative stated at the local planning panel that the hall is “past its use-by date”.
“By its nature, the hall’s importance and its significance, should increase with age, not
the opposite.
“The hall should be included in a sensitive design and not disposed of in an offhand and carefree way.”
Reverend Morrison said the Planning Department must next approve plans.