The New South Wales (NSW) state government of Australia has granted planning approval for a A$300m ($189.16m) project to renovate the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.
The initiative will not only upgrade the museum’s facilities but also integrate it more closely with the Sydney central business district.
Go deeper with GlobalData
This significant investment will renew the 146-year-old cultural institution by creating exhibition spaces and a new public square while preserving its historic legacy.
The new public square is set to be established at the northern end of The Goods Line, enhancing the museum’s accessibility and engagement with the community.
As part of the project, the museum’s exhibition spaces will also be improved to align with international museum standards.
The search for a contractor to undertake the project is nearing its conclusion.
The design, a collaborative effort between Durbach Block Jaggers, Architectus, Youssofzay + Hart, and Tyrell Studio, will soon see a contract awarded, with construction anticipated to commence in mid-2025.
Last August, three construction companies – John Holland Group, Lendlease, and Richard Crookes Construction – were shortlisted to tender for the project following a public expression of interest.
The Powerhouse Museum’s upgrade is projected to contribute around A$225m to the local economy and generate approximately 755 direct construction jobs. Additionally, the upgrade will support more than 200 direct and indirect jobs upon the museum’s reopening.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: “The approval of the Powerhouse Ultimo Revitalisation project is an important step in seeing this cultural institution renewed for greater public use.
“The redesigned museum will improve [the] visitor experience with new exhibition areas, more public space and better accessibility to surrounding streets.
“With a new entrance and an active Harris Street facade, the museum will continue to make its presence known in the Ultimo precinct.”
In a related development, construction recently commenced on the new A$25m Goulburn Police Station in NSW.
