City of Parramatta to lodge submission on new Powerhouse

City of Parramatta Council has affirmed its support for a new flagship museum in Parramatta as part of the Powerhouse family and is eager to work with the NSW Government to refine the project’s design. 

Council will be submitting its endorsed response to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta, as part of the State Significant Development Application.

The submission confirms Council’s support for the new museum – Western Sydney’s first major world-class cultural institution – and the NSW Government’s continued investment in cultural and social infrastructure in Parramatta.

It also reiterates Council’s continued advocacy for the retention of two important local heritage sites – Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace.

“Parramatta is the centre of global Sydney and deserves a world-class cultural institution. The new Powerhouse Museum will deliver that,” City of Parramatta Council Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

“The people of Western Sydney have waited far too long for an institution of this calibre close to home and Council wants to ensure that what is delivered is right for our City.

“I thank the NSW Government for recommitting to this game-changing project and we will do everything in our power to ensure the best outcome for the community.”  

Council has identified in its submission opportunities to improve the proposed museum’s design, including the way it integrates the public domain and its interaction with the planned Civic Link – a key pedestrian spine linking Parramatta Square with Parramatta River.

Council is requesting the NSW Government consider these matters and greater collaboration during the detailed design process. 

“We can use our local knowledge and technical expertise to help refine the museum’s design and make sure it takes full advantage of its riverside position in Parramatta’s CBD,” Cr Dwyer said.

“While we fully support the new addition to the Powerhouse family in Parramatta and welcome the thousands of jobs it will bring to Western Sydney, it’s important for us to suggest ways to enhance the museum for the benefit of our community.

“We look forward to working with the NSW Government on the museum’s design for what will be a once-in-a-generation, world-class cultural institution we can all be proud of.”