Protesters turn out on Willow Grove lawn to call for action on heritage demolition
Activists from NPRAG and community members at Willow Grove turned out to protest the business case for the Powerhouse Museum which would see the demolition of Willow Grove.
Parramatta
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More than 175 residents held clocks and signs on the lawns of Willow Grove on Saturday, demanding the State Government “wake up” and scrap plans to demolish the heritage building.
The protest, organised by the North Parramatta Residents’ Action Group (NPRAG), comes in the wake of a petition of 12,500 signatures in support of retaining the building which has been earmarked for demolition to make way for the Powerhouse Museum.
According to the government’s business papers, saving Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace on Phillip St in the CBD would cost an additional $43 million.
NPRAG president Aidan Anderson said the government could expect a community backlash if it refused to change its position.
“Over 175 people attended to send a clear message to Premier Gladys Berejiklian and the State Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee, that we completely oppose the destruction of Parramatta’s heritage — and Australia’s history,” he said.
Mr Lee called the protest “misleading”, claiming photos of the protest showed significantly fewer people.
“Labor is up to its old tricks again — trying to mislead the public,” he said. “Who are they trying to deceive.”
Mr Lee said the government had not yet made any decisions.
“I support the incorporation of Willow Grove into the new design of the museum,” he said.
The National Trust of Australia and the Australian Institute of Architects have both called for a moratorium on any action at the site.
At its meeting on Monday night Parramatta Council voted to send a letter to Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Arts Minister Don Harwin and Mr Lee questioning the placement of the Powerhouse Museum on the heritage sites.