Parramatta Powerhouse public inquiry, Willow Grove relocation discussed

Parramatta’s angst over tearing down a heritage building for the Powerhouse Museum has ‘dropped dramatically’ according to the state’s arts minister. His comments come as the CFMEU has revealed the exorbitant cost of the relocation.

The people of Parramatta’s angst over tearing down Willow Grove to make way for the Powerhouse Museum has subsided, the state’s Arts Minister said at a public inquiry today, before revealing he was not aware of the now bulldozed Royal Oak Hotel’s significance.

Arts Minister Don Harwin told a public inquiry into the government’s management of the Powerhouse Museum that the “story’’ behind Willow Grove, a former maternity hospital, was significant but not the building’s fabric and that it would never receive state heritage listing.

Deputy chair and Greens MP David Shoebridge MLC told him: “The people of Parramatta have told you that they’re appalled. The Royal Oak was knocked down by your government and now you’re going to destroy another heritage project. The people of Parramatta are sick of their heritage constantly being destroyed.’’

Deputy Chair David Shoebridge has attacked the state government for ignoring Parramatta’s heritage. Picture: Dylan Coker

But Mr Harwin said he was unfamiliar with the Royal Oak despite it being bulldozed in May to make way for his government’s $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail project before saying the community was less angry since the government revealed in October that 150-year-old Willow Grove would be relocated and neighbouring St George’s Terrace, built in 1881, would be saved.

“The level of angst has dropped dramatically,’’ Mr Harwin said.

Arts Minister Don Harwin. Picture: Dylan Coker

“There is enormous support for this project in Parramatta and I completely reject your characterisation of your views of the people of Parramatta.’’

Mr Shoebridge slammed Mr Harwin for the government “relocating’’ Willow Grove and “faithfully reassembling’’ it into a better condition that Parramatta Council left the “dilapidated building’’.

“It’s nothing of the sort,’’ Mr Shoebridge said.

“It’s being destroyed and a faux heritage item will be built in an undetermined location.’’

He was also lashed for failing to provide details about the cost of location of the historic Italianette villa Willow Grove and the exact site it would be relocated.

Mr Harwin said the cost would be factored into the $840 million for the project but CFMEU secretary Darren Greenfield later told the inquiry it would cost a hefty $25 million.

Mr Shoebridge blasted Mr Harwin, saying there was no planning approval to rebuild Willow Grove because “you bloody don’t know where you want to do it’’ and relocation was a poor heritage outcome.

Walt Secord has blasted the government’s timing of an announcement that confirmed construction of the Parramatta Powerhouse will start. Picture: Dylan Coker

Mr Harwin opened the inquiry about the “once-in-a-generation, iconic, world class contribution’’ world infrastructure opportunity the museum would be for western Sydney.

“I’m proud of the decision to build the western Sydney fit-for-purpose iconic museum,’’ he said, adding how the project would stimulate the economy post COVID-19.

But opposition arts spokesman Walt Secord accused Mr Harwin for sneaking the government announcement about the Parramatta Powerhouse getting the green light on Friday.

“I thought you would be shouting this announcement from the rooftops if you were so proud of it,’’ he said.

Mr Harwin told the inquiry he had his mother’s 83rd birthday and an commitment at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, but deflected attacks on announcement’s poor timing to Planning Minister Rob Stokes who issued a press release on Friday at 5.45pm.

Willow Grove, Parramatta, will be demolished. Picture: Monique Harmer

Mr Harwin said several sites would be considered for Willow Grove’s new home including the council sites, the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council and state government land holdings.

Warren Hopley is one of thousands of heritage supporters devastated to see Willow Grove Parramatta. Picture: Monique Harmer

In December, the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council indicated Willow Grove would relocate next to Parramatta Gaol.

In another blow to heritage campaigners, Western Sydney Powerhouse Community Alliance chairman Christopher Brown, who grew up in Parramatta, also told the inquiry he supported heritage at landmarks including the Roxy Theatre but he had not even heard of Willow Grove before the Powerhouse proposal.

CFMEU SAYS RELOCATING WILLOW GROVE WILL COST $25M

Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union secretary Darren Greenfield told the inquiry it would cost $25 million to relocate Willow Grove.

“It’s a brick rendered building,’’ he said.

“You can’t rebuild a heritage building. It will be a new building. From what we’ve looked at, it will be financially better off to redesign the museum.

“We don’t see the point when the museum can be redesigned to incorporate the building. It’s not a big ask to redesign the building. Do you tape a building, do you glue it?’’

He said delegates still planned to uphold the green ban and picket alongside community campaingners outside Willow Grove, which would be replaced with a walkway under the museum project.

Mr Greenfield said the pile of bricks could be dumped for 12 months after being dismantled before it was rebuilt, which could also take 12 months.

Earlier in the inquiry, asked what he would do to lift the CFMEU’s green ban, Mr Harwin said more discussions would need to be undertaken with the government.

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