Parramatta Powerhouse Museum apartments planned cops backlash

It’s billed as a $767 million cultural drawcard for western Sydney, but Powerhouse Museum opponents have lashed out over dozens of apartments planned for the massive project.

More than 50 apartments are planned for the $767 million Powerhouse Museum in western Sydney, but opponents have lashed out at the plan to have taxpayers foot the bill for the dwellings when the landmark will be surrounded by hotels and apartments.

The apartments, which will be subsidised by the government and “key partnerships’’ have also prompted backlash and fresh concerns about flood risks on the riverbank site.

In April, details emerged about how the Powerhouse’s relocation from Ultimo to Parramatta meant the Phillip St site would include retail and function venue spaces, with apartments and a 60-bed dormitory for visiting students and scientists, retail and food hall and some exhibition space.

However, Infrastructure NSW’s accommodation facilities now include plans for 56 apartments, to be called the Powerlab Residences and the Academy, for visiting researchers and regional school students respectively.

The Powerhouse will be built next to the Meriton apartments.

In a letter from the Department of Planning Infrastructure and Environment to Infrastructure NSW in December, requests were made for more information into the plan for serviced apartments after apartment approval was sought.

The document also states that a report for the site fails to take into account flood impacts on the dwellings.

North Parramatta Residents’ Action Group spokeswoman Suzette Meade said the apartments were not necessary.

“Does a museum need serviced apartments when there’s a Meriton next door and a Parkroyal?

“I'm sure Harry Triguboff would put 10 aside for visiting scientists,’’ Ms Meade said.

“We’re losing Willow Grove and parkland for real estate for apartments. What other museums in the world are building serviced apartments?’’

Powerhouse Museum Alliance heritage consultant Kylie Winkworth slammed the accommodation.

“Given the Meriton building’s next door why is the taxpayer paying to build accommodation when they could a lease a floor at Meriton?’’

“They are effectively serviced apartments and I can’t see how the public is paying for that in a building that is already over-scaled and damaging Parramatta’s heritage. It’s an absolute tragedy for Parramatta that they’re getting this damaging and destructive development.’’

Kylie Winkworth in front of heritage-listed Willow Grove, which will be demolished. Picture: Monique Harmer

In August, flood experts Molino Stewart warned fatalities could occur at the museum if a flood hit because the proposed design failed to provide evacuation plans or access for people with disabilities and no backup power.

But anInfrastructure NSWspokeswoman defended the Powerlab Residences and The Academy. The Powerlab Residences are planned studios managed by the Powerhouse for visiting scientists, researchers and the Academy.

Regional students could stay at the Academy apartments.

“The Academy provides on-site accommodation for up to 56 students providing a unique opportunity for NSW regional and remote students to embed themselves in Powerhouse programs focused on science and technology,’’ she said.

Powerhouse CEO Lisa Havilah said the residences would be an important part of the museum’s programs for thousands of regional schoolchildren.

“Powerhouse Parramatta will deliver opportunities for thousands of regional schoolchildren each year through our Academy program in a way that no other cultural institution in NSW has before,’’ she said.

“Our accommodation will give regional children the chance to fully immerse themselves in our collection and programs.’’

Infrastructure NSW said the site would be safe from flooding.

“As part of the ongoing design of the Parramatta Powerhouse a thorough assessment of flood risks has been completed. The Powerhouse Parramatta will be a safe place for people to visit and the collection to be exhibited.’’

Western Sydney Powerhouse Community Alliance Organisations members at Parramatta Square on February 4. Picture: Anna Kucera

Last week, members of the Western Sydney Powerhouse Community Alliance Organisations met at Parramatta Square.

The 29 organisations that support the museum coming to Parramatta include the Parramatta Eels, Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council, Alex & Co, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Sydney University.

Western Sydney Powerhouse Community Alliance chairman Christopher Brown said excitement was building for the museum.

“The Western Sydney Powerhouse Community Alliance is giving voice to silent majority that want a state of the art technology and creative arts museum in this region that their kids deserve to access as much as those in the eastern suburbs,’’ he said.

“The people of the west aren’t going to be railroaded by a few naysayers with too much time on their hands trying to stop this new museum.’’

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