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The NSW Government has approved a $300 million refurbishment of the heritage-listed Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo that is aimed at creating new exhibition spaces and reorientating the museum to connect with the Sydney CBD.
The project, which saves the 146-year-old cultural institution from commercial redevelopment following an extension of State Heritage listing across the site, will also create a major new public square at the northern end of The Goods Line, conserving and restoring the original heritage of the site while maximising use of the pedestrian link and improving access to public transport.
The project will create world-class exhibitions spaces focused on applied arts and sciences.
While site establishment works began in November last year and are expected to wrap up over the next few months, the approval paves the way for a contract to be awarded for construction to start in mid-2025.
“Planning approval is a vital step in this process that will enable us to progress with appointing a delivery partner, get construction underway and reopen the museum as soon as possible for the community to visit,” says NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper.
John Holland Group, Lendlease and Richard Crookes Construction have been invited by the government to tender for the project following an open expression of interest campaign last year.
The project, designed by Durbach Block Jaggers in partnership with Architectus, Youssofzay + Hart and landscape architects Tyrell Studio, will transform the precinct into a contemporary facility with a variety of exhibition spaces that have been designed to meet international museum standards.
The revitalisation project will retain the distinctive roof form of the Wran building.
“The Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo is a cultural icon of Sydney, renowned for both its extraordinary collection and the unique history of the site’s six interconnected buildings,” says NSW Minister for Arts John Graham.
“With planning approval in place, the museum secures its future as a leading museum of applied arts and sciences with world-class exhibition spaces that will offer audiences a superior experience and allow the Powerhouse Museum to program an exciting range of local and international exhibitions for all to enjoy.”
The refurbishment project is expected to inject about $225 million into the local economy, while creating around 755 direct jobs during construction and support over 200 direct and indirect jobs when the museum reopens.
“The approval of the Powerhouse Ultimo Revitalisation project is an important step in seeing this cultural institution renewed for greater public use,” says Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.
"The redesigned museum will improve visitor experience with new exhibition areas, more public space and better accessibility to surrounding streets.
“With a new entrance and an active Harris Street façade, the museum will continue to make its presence known in the Ultimo precinct.”
The Powerhouse Museum was established in 1879 as the Technological, Industrial and Sanitary Museum of New South Wales.
In 1978 an investment by the Wran Government transformed it into the modern Powerhouse Museum but there has been no significant capital investment into Ultimo Powerhouse Museum since the museum opened in 1988.
In that time, the Ultimo precinct has become a major hub for creative industries, technology, innovation, education and research.
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