The Powerhouse Museum will move to Parramatta in western Sydney and into a brand new headquarters to be built on the south bank of the Parramatta River.
Specifically, it will be located in what is known as the old David Jones carpark which was selected by the NSW Government as the prefferred of two shortlisted sites, the other being at the Parramatta Golf Course.
The design of the museum will be decided in a competitive process, which will begin after the NSW Government develops a business case, timeline and budget for the relocation project.
The project will reportedly be funded by the proceeds of the sale of the existing Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo, Sydney which is expected to fetch $200 million.
Though the initial announcement of the relocation drew significant criticism from several public figures, including award-winning architect Philip Thalis, the Parramatta City Council has welcomed the relocation to the Parramatta riverfront site.
Lord Mayor of Parramatta Paul Garrard observes that it a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the world’s next great museum in Parramatta, adding that the museum will be integrated as part of the wider Riverbank precinct and will form part of the Parramatta's vision to become a world-class cultural, entertainment, retail and residential hub.
Image: Indicative render of the proposed new Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta (Courtesy NSW Government)
