The controversial Powerhouse Parramatta project has officially received planning consent, following an announcement by the State Government late Friday afternoon.
The project, designed by Moreau Kusunoki and Genton has been given the green light to proceed, with a successful construction tender to be announced later this year.
Devastation flowed from the passionate members of the North Parramatta Residents Action Group (NPRAG) and allies who have fought hard for the protection and preservation of Willow Grove, which is set to be demolished and reallocated to make way for the development.
A greenban by the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) remains in place, preventing union members from participating in any demolition works on the 140-year-old Victorian Italianate Villa and former maternity hospital.
NPRAG’s Suzette Meade said the State Government has “declared war”.
“The community is ready to fight for our heritage and they will chain themselves to the fence of Willow Grove alongside the CFMEU to protect it from the wrecking ball of Berejiklian,” she said.
On Sunday advocates held a special Valentine’s Day ceremony where they hung hundreds of hearts on the security fence, to signify their support for the campaign.
By Monday morning these had all been removed.
NSW Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for the Arts Walt Secord said he believes the State Government slipped out the announcement late Friday afternoon because the project is “riddled with problems”.
“It is going on a flood plain; it is going to see the destruction of heritage at Parramatta; it is the subject of green bans and financial costs are spiralling out of control,” he said.
But despite the significant upset from some members of the community, City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer welcomed the approval and said it will be a game-changer for the city.
“I’m pleased to hear that Powerhouse Parramatta is one step closer to becoming a reality, giving the people of western Sydney a world-class museum on their own doorstep,” he said.
“Not only will it create more than 4,000 jobs, but it will attract up to two million visitors a year and inject millions of dollars into the economy.”
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said the planning approval marks a transformative cultural moment for the communities of greater Sydney.
“We have heard incredibly positive feedback and so much excitement from the communities of western Sydney and it has been wonderful for our team to be engaging with people through our Community Space,” she said.
“Powerhouse Parramatta will deliver dynamic exhibition, education and community programs that will bring cultural and scientific leaders from around the world and across Australia into Parramatta.”
Planning approval was granted pending 188 conditions of consent.
This included the process of selecting an “appropriate setting” for the relocation of Willow Grove and requires photographic recording of the conservation management to be archived.
Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin will appear before a hearing this week amid an upper house inquiry into the project.
Early works are expected to commence in the coming weeks.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.