Plans for the proposed renovation of the Australian Museum, ‘Project Discover’ have been placed on exhibition for public comment.
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s executive director Key Sites and Industry Assessments, Anthea Sargeant said the renovation plans include the extension of Crystal Hall, new Museum entries, a new café, solar panels on rooftops, and a bus bay to boost road safety for visitors. The $57.5 million renovation aims to draw more visitors to the Museum.
Sargeant explained that it was important to ensure that every aspect of the renovation was carefully assessed and all stakeholders heard before the project commenced; the public is, therefore, encouraged to have their say on the plans.
Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, Kim McKay AO, said the expansion plans are designed to allow Sydney’s iconic museum to host world-class exhibitions such as Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh, scheduled for early 2021.
The expanded space for touring exhibitions will be able to accommodate up to 900,000 visitors during a six-month blockbuster exhibition the size and scale of Tutankhamun. Moreover, the refurbishment will also create new education facilities, enabling school student visitors to double to 100,000 a year, McKay added.
The expansion plans allow the museum to address the significant space constraints and improve public amenity for Australian and international visitors.
“We are transforming the Australian Museum for the future. As we continue to improve the visitor experience at the Museum, we want to ensure it remains one of Sydney’s iconic natural science and cultural attractions,” she says.
Click here for more information about the development application or to make a written submission during the exhibition period until 21 November 2018.
Know more about Project Discover.
