Sydney to get museum of history of Chinese settlement

The City of Sydney has given the go-ahead for a new museum dedicated to the history of Chinese people in Australia to be built in a former library in Haymarket.

  Sydney to get museum of history of Chinese settlement   Lord mayor Clover Moore and Dr John Yu at the old Haymarket library. CREDIT: EDWINA PICKLES   The City of Sydney has given the go-ahead for a new museum dedicated to the history of Chinese people in Australia to be built in a former library in Haymarket. It says the Museum of Chinese in Australia (MOCA) will be a cultural centre and museum space dedicated to the discovery, preservation and promotion of the history of Chinese people. Lord mayor Clover Moore said relocating the City’s Haymarket library branch to a larger space in Darling Square last October presented an opportunity to repurpose the three-storey site at 744 George Street and ensure ongoing community benefit. She said the museum would feature a gallery and exhibition space, programming activities, community spaces for events, an artist in residence program, a cafe and shop. “Haymarket is the home of our city’s oldest and largest Chinatown, so it’s fitting that this is where we will create a centre for the preservation of our Chinese history," Cr Moore said.   “The museum will play an important role in promoting and sharing the story of Chinese settlers and their descendants, as well as understanding and celebrating their challenges, contributions and achievements." The Victorian building is in the Venetian gothic style. It was designed by architect brothers George and Ralph Mansfield and constructed in 1875 as a bank for the Commercial Banking Corporation of Sydney. The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage website states the building "is considered of regional significance for this fine stone crafting and eclectic detailing." Located in the southern part of the city centre, the building has frontages onto George and Hay streets and rear access from Palmer Lane. MOCA’s proposal was selected from 13 applications received. MOCA president Dr John Yu said "the Chinese community has a deep sense of pride in the growth of Sydney and it is important we share this with other Australians”. “This is an opportunity the city has given us," he said. Dedicated spaces will enable community groups to hold events, workshops and meetings and a studio space will feature artistic programs and artist in residence projects.