Scaled-Back Powerhouse Revitalisation Design Revealed

The concept designs for the scaled-back redevelopment of the Powerhouse Ultimo museum in Sydney’s CBD have been revealed.

In September the NSW Labor government effectively halved what it would spend on revitalising the museum, one of Sydney’s most popular.

The former government had allocated $481 million for a renewal project, with planning consent for that plan granted in February.

Those plans include refurbished and expanded exhibition and public spaces as well as the relocation of the entrance to face Chinatown and Darling Harbour, and the demolition of the Wran Building and the old post office.

However, the new government said the spend was too high at a time when “NSW families are facing rampant inflation, as well as rising energy and housing costs”.

The scaled-back revitalisation of the museum will allow it to connect better with the CBD, and includes a new outdoor public square and more indoor exhibition space, according to the government.

The project will now cost $250 million and includes a main entrance that faces the Goods Line walkway between Central Station and Haymarket.

▲ Render of the courtyard for the Powerhouse Ultimo revitalisation project in Sydney.

A $50-million philanthropy trust goal has been set up by the museum with $10 million already secured in a partnership with UTS.

There will also be a heritage renewal component to revitalise the Wran Building from 1988 on Harris Street.

The museum will close on February 5, 2024 for the construction work that is expected to take up to three years. 

This will allow the collection to be protected during the project.

Staggering the closure was found to be more expensive as well as it would extend the period of disruption. 

▲ A render of the redeveloped Powerhouse Ultimo from Harris Street.

The 1902 Turbine Hall’s facade will be retained as part of the new entrance while the 1901 Post office building on Harris Street will be protected and incorporated into the museum precinct. 

Purpose-built space for the Powerhouse Academy program to accommodate regional NSW schoolchildren is also part of the project.

Infrastructure NSW will drive the project, according to the museum’s Conservation Management Plan.

▲ A model of the revitalisation project for the Powerhouse Ultimo in Sydney.

Durbach Block Jaggers Architects in partnership with Architectus and landscape architects Tyrell Studio created the design scheme for the project. 

“This is the next step in the process of reimagining the future of the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo,” state arts minister John Graham said.

“After nine 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.”