The Friends of Wentworth Memorial Church have launched a public petition https://www.change.org/wentworthmemorialchurch
we are sharing the petition:
Designed by the late Don Gazzard, the former Wentworth Memorial Church is an iconic, though recently neglected, masterpiece of Sydney modernism. With the support of Don’s former business partner, Mark Sheldon, we are calling on Sydney Living Museums (Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales) to acquire this important site as part of their collection.
Recent plans to convert the building into a private luxury residence has drawn attention in the media and strong opposition from many members of the architectural and local community. While the development application remains under consideration by Woollahra Council, a section 60 Heritage Application for this proposal has already been considered and not granted approval by Heritage NSW. In light of these developments the property (32B Fitzwilliam Rd, Vaucluse) has since been publicly re-listed for sale, scheduled for virtual auction at 6pm Monday September 14th, offering new hope for the site to be reclaimed.
Already state heritage listed for its significance as a rare ecclesiastical example of Sydney School architecture and a memorial to fallen WWII soldiers, the Wentworth Memorial Church deserves a dignified future that all Sydneysiders can enjoy for years to come. As a significant and unique piece of modernist architecture, tied closely to the story of the Wentworth family, the Wentworth Memorial Church would make a logical and compelling addition to Sydney Living Museum’s current portfolio.
The Wentworth Memorial Church has the potential to make new and valuable cultural contributions to our city if preserved for public use. If you share in our hope and belief that this building can and should become more than simply another private luxury residence, we implore you to sign up below and share this petition with friends, family and colleagues!
If you would like to know more, or share your own ideas / insights on the building’s future, we encourage you to reach out to us at friends.wentworthmemorialchurch@gmail.com and follow us on on Instagram or Facebook!
