Here is a report from former residents who lived directly opposite 126 Greville:

“We were asked to arrive around 11.30 for the 12.00 ceremony but we were delayed and got there at 12.15.  Greville St was parked out, there was media outside the front gate and around 30 vested security guard, around 50+ immaculately dressed members/officials to make sure you were signed in and escorted to your seats, at least two drones flying overhead and two huge boom cameras recording proceedings.  There was a table manned by suited types serving tea/coffee/water and a couple of screens which look like they were set up for those too far away to see.  We were grouped with about 3 others to a middle aged church member called Kim who was warm and friendly and escorted us to a spot where we could see the official opening and stayed with us.  The opening was said to include a performance by Kate Cebranno.

We could not stay later than about 12.45 so we walked out and were interviewed by channel 9 but it does not look like they used it in the news bulletin.  We were told we could go in anytime and ask for a look around.”

Additional reports from local residents who attended the opening:

“It was actually a bit of an intimidating presence. There was a lot of security and some were even scouting up and down all of Greville Street. In the week leading up to it security were staring at cars driving past. There was also a police presence. They had their camera crew there as well at the entrance filming.

When driving past I noticed on the day a ‘registration desk’ and I wasn’t willing to register my contact details so I don’t know what they’ve done with the building suffice to say I did read that there are private quarters for the likes of Travolta and Cruise visits.

You could Kate Cebrano’s mini concert and a lot of cheering.

I heard on radio this morning that they had to fly in OS Scientologists to make up numbers from places like Taiwan as Chatswood residents simply didn’t make up the numbers that they’d hoped for.”.

“Yes I went with my husband, but he lost patience and did not stay.  For me, it was just to see how they would be as neighbours, not to be judgemental about what they stand for etc.  There was negligible impact on the street, and you would not have known how many people were inside.  This was specially interesting, as the buses had to drop people off in Greville Street, as the bus station in Millwood Avenue is not yet operating. There was a strong police presence.  Everyone was very polite, and when asked to fill in a form, I said I was a neighbour, and their reaction was delight.  Anyone I spoke to was happy that neighbours came.  My guess is there were over 2000 people there.  They handed out a map of the site, served sandwiches, poppers of coconut water, tea and coffee.