This morning, NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian revealed plans for a $140-million arts and culture precinct for Parramatta. As part of the announcement, Berejiklian confirmed that her government had struck a deal with Parramatta Council for the site of the much-anticipated relocation of Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum to the city’s west.
“Today is a major step forward in the NSW Government’s commitment to relocating the Powerhouse Museum to western Sydney,” said the premier.
“The relocated Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta will be the anchor for arts and culture in the region, and now the site for the museum is locked in.”
According to a statement released to coincide with announcement, the relocated Powerhouse will be “bigger and better”, and will build on the exhibitions contained within the existing Ultimo museum.
The Powerhouse relocation was announced as one part of the state government’s $140-million plan to lead a “cultural revolution” in the west. The riverbank Powerhouse site will include the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS), a $100-million expansion of the Riverside Theatres, and a new pedestrian bridge across the Parramatta River.
“A world-class museum in Parramatta will be an important new focus for cultural and [educational] development. Together, the museum and the enhanced and enlarged Riverside Theatres will be first-class educational resources for students as well as vibrant forums for local cultural industry development,” reads a statement from Parramatta Council.
“The cultural precinct is predicted to be both a local and an international tourist destination with the potential to draw up to one million visitors [per] year.”
The relocated Powerhouse Museum and MAAS facility, to be located on the former David Jones carpark site, is anticipated to open in 2022. Indicative renders for the new building were revealed in April, and can be viewed here.
