NSW Government scraps $500 million redevelopment plan for Sydney's Powerhouse Museum

NSW Government scraps $500 million redevelopment plan for Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum

September 2, 2023

The NSW Government has announced that it is to scrap a $500 million redevelopment of the Powerhouse Museum in the inner Sydney suburb of Ultimo instead opting for “heritage revitalisation” of the cultural attraction at half the cost.

The new $250 million refurbishment will see the retention of 1980s wing of the museum - built during the time of former NSW Premier Neville Wran and often known as the ‘Wran building’.

NSW Arts Minister, John Graham announced “we promised at the election that we would preserve the Wran legacy and keep the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo open. We are doing just that.

“The area around the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo has changed extensively since the museum opened in 1988. It is now a major hub for creative industries, technology, innovation, education, and research. This prudent investment allows us to save the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo and preserve the Wran legacy in a tough fiscal environment.

“We have responded to community calls for a more modest redevelopment, saving the Powerhouse Museum and preserving the Wran legacy with a $250 million heritage redevelopment.”

First established in 1879 as the Technological, Industrial and Sanitary Museum of New South Wales, its 1980s transformation saw it open as the Powerhouse Museum in 1988.

However, there has been no significant capital investment into the site since then.

The announcement of the $250 million refurbishment, has seen the NSW Government advise that it will undertake further consultation with current staff as well as the arts and culture sector, business and creative industries groups, the education sector, peak bodies, expert advisors, local communities, and the public on the details and timing of this heritage redevelopment.

Powerhouse Museum Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said in a statement that she welcomed the funding announcement for the Ultimo site, noting “with this investment we will deliver an exceptional outcome for the communities of NSW.”

Development of the new Powerhouse Parramatta, originally conceived as a replacement for the Ultimo is currently continuing, with a scheduled opening in 2025.

At the end of July, the NSW Government also announced a scaling back of plans for a rectangular sports stadium in Penrith.

26th August 2023 - NSW Government scraps plans for all new Penrith Stadium

13th August 2023 - Powerhouse Museum unveils new ‘Atmospheric’ sensory experience

5th August 2023 - Powerhouse Museum’s next exhibition to feature ‘1001 Remarkable Objects’

30th March 2023 - Ministers sworn in for NSW’s new Government as incoming Premier advises of end to suburban stadium funding

3rd October 2022 - Powerhouse Ultimo reveals details of major Carla Zampatti survey exhibition

9th September 2022 - Five Australian architectural teams shortlisted for Powerhouse Ultimo design competition

21st June 2022 - Brisbane Powerhouse unveils four new major outdoor events

12th April 2022 - Powerhouse Parramatta secures $10 million investment from Holdmark Property Group

17th February 2022 - Powerhouse Parramatta welcomes $5 million investment by Vitocco family

19th November 2021 - Powerhouse Museum exhibits ancient stone figures for the first time outside of Korea

22nd October 2021 - Powerhouse Parramatta receives $30 million donation to deliver STEM education experiences

16th June 2021 - $480 million to transform Sydney’s Powerhouse Ultimo into design and fashion precinct

4th May 2021 - Powerhouse Museum announces major exhibition on history of the Eucalypt

13th February 2021 - NSW Government gives planning consent for new Powerhouse Museum at Parramatta

3rd November 2020 - Powerhouse Museum expands support of NSW Creatives with 2020 Residency Program

22nd September 2020 - Powerhouse Museum partners with the Westmead Institute for Medical Research

5th July 2020 - NSW Government reverses plans to relocate Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum

29th June 2020 - Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum continues tours and extends exhibitions

29th May 2020 - City of Parramatta urges NSW Government to deliver on relocating Powerhouse Museum

9th May 2019 - Global architects shortlisted to design new Western Sydney Powerhouse Museum

24th January 2019 - NSW Government announces international design competition for new Powerhouse Museum

9th November 2018 - NSW Government announces new Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Chief Executive

27th July 2018 - Powerhouse Director to step down after public funds used to pay for fashion party

26th July 2018 - Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum used public funds to support fashion event

12th June 2018 - Massive tower developments to fund relocation of Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum

30th April 2018 - New features announced for relocated Sydney Powerhouse Museum plus plans for current Ultimo site

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