NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin has announced that the green ban imposed by the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) on Parramatta’s Willow Grove site will be lifted today.
St Georges Terraces will be revitalised and incorporated in the Parramatta Powerhouse, however the historic, 140-year-old Victorian Italianate Villa will be dismantled in the coming months, placed in storage and eventually relocated to a different site.
Mr Hawrin said The CFMEU and others who have a clear interest in the future location of Willow Grove will be invited to participate.
“The union’s decision to lift the ban comes after our lengthy discussions and I welcome it,” he said.
“The government is looking forward to announcing the main contractor for the construction of the Powerhouse Parramatta in the near future.
“Powerhouse Parramatta will be the first State cultural institution in western Sydney.
“It will be a magnificent science and technology museum that will delight families and great contribute to the Parramatta community.”
Museum Trust President, Peter Collins said, “this decision is without doubt the right one for the many communities of Western Sydney and the NSW economy”.
“Western Sydney will soon have a world class cultural institution they can call their own – inspired by one of the world’s most fascinating Collections,” he said.
North Parramatta Residents Action Group (NPRAG) spokesperson Suzette Meade said the community “do not support Willow Groves relocation as a win for heritage and firmly believe it will lose all heritage significance when it’s removed from where it was built
over a century ago”.
“There has been nothing but total disrespect to Parramatta’s heritage under the
Berejiklian Government,” she said.
“The Berejiklian Government is a serial offender when it comes to outrageous
heritage crimes in Parramatta.
“The people of Parramatta will not forgive or forget.
“To the people all over NSW that donated money to the Willow Grove court case, tied a heart on the fence, made signs and marched beside us – we thank you for your strong stand to demand better for our country’s heritage.”
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.