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06 Dec 2023

Revised Powerhouse Ultimo Designs Unveiled

Revised Powerhouse Ultimo Designs Unveiled

Revised concept designs for the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo have been unveiled, following the New South Wales government's announcement in September 2023 to abandon the previously planned $481 million redevelopment. Instead, the focus will be on a $250 million heritage revitalization of the existing museum.

The heritage revitalisation project for the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo has been developed by Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Architectus, and landscape architects Tyrrell Studio. These firms were previously involved in the now-discarded redevelopment project, having won a design competition in 2022.

Under the new plans, the proposal suggests reorienting the Powerhouse Ultimo to establish a stronger connection with the central business district (CBD), expanding exhibition space, and introducing an outdoor public square. As part of the reorientation, the museum's main entrance would face the Goods Line, a shared pedestrian pathway and cycleway that links Central Station and Haymarket.

The updated arrangement of the museum aims to improve visual access to the historic facades of the original power station, constructed in 1899, and the Turbine Hall, built in 1902. It also seeks to enhance the flow and accessibility of the museum to accommodate a higher number of visitors.

In the previously abandoned redevelopment plan, the Wran building, an extension designed by Ian Thomson, the NSW government architect, and project architect Lionel Glendenning in 1988, was slated for demolition. This building had received the prestigious Sulman Medal, the highest recognition for public architecture in the state. However, the government decided to cancel the redevelopment proposal to fulfill an election promise and preserve and renew the Wran building in accordance with heritage guidelines.

Lisa Havilah, the CEO of Powerhouse Museum Ultimo, mentioned that the new designs will enable them to host more frequent international exhibitions and expand their learning and industry programs on a larger scale. This will be made possible through the integration of a purpose-built space for their Powerhouse Academy initiatives, which was also part of the previous proposal.

“The concept design includes the Powerhouse Academy, which will offer increased levels of access for secondary and tertiary students from regional NSW and beyond, providing immersive learning experiences that enable pathways into industry and tertiary learning,” Havilah said.

The revitalisation project will be overseen by Infrastructure NSW, aligning with the museum's Conservation Management Plan.

Minister for Arts, John Graham, expressed his approval of the new concept plans, acknowledging that the project has been a protracted and controversial undertaking.

“This is the next step in the process of reimagining the future of the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo. After 9 years of divided opinions of this site, we are hopeful these new designs and a renewed focus on applied arts and sciences are more in line with the community’s expectations of this much-loved institution,” he said.

Powerhouse Ultimo is scheduled to close its doors on 5 February 2024 to facilitate necessary building and conservation works. These works are expected to last for a duration of approximately three years. However, the exact timeline for construction commencement and project completion will depend on the outcomes of planning and procurement processes. As such, estimated timings are subject to change and will be confirmed in due course.

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