Powerhouse revitalisation secures planning approval

Plans for a heritage revitalisation of the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo have been approved by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. 

A contract to deliver the project designed by Durbach Block Jaggers, Architectus and Youssofzay and Hart and Tyrell Studio, is expected to be awarded shortly to enable construction to start mid-year.

“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,” Minister for Arts John Graham says.

“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 $300 million project will renew the iconic 146-year-old cultural institution by creating new and improved exhibition spaces, reorientating the museum to connect with Sydney CBD, providing a major new public square at the northern end of The Goods Line, and conserving and restoring the original heritage of the site.

“The approval of the Powerhouse Ultimo Revitalisation project is an important step in seeing this cultural institution renewed for greater public use,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully says.

"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 project will exhibit Design Excellence across the built form and public domain, making it 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 NSW Government is delivering an essential revitalisation of a beloved cultural institution to ensure it will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come,” Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper says.

“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.”

Three contractors – John Holland Group, Lendlease and Richard Crookes Constructions – were invited to tender for the project in August 2024 following an open Expression of Interest.

In November 2024, site establishment works commenced and are expected to wrap up in the coming months.

The revitalisation is expected to inject approximately $225 million into the local economy, create around 755 direct jobs during construction and support over 200 direct and indirect jobs when the museum re-opens.

The State Significant Development Application was exhibited in May 2024 and then again in September 2024 following the expansion of the State Heritage listing, which provides long-term protections for the site’s continuation as a museum of applied arts and sciences.

Renders: Powerhouse Museum Ultimo revitalised / Tyrrell Studio