NSW Government scraps $500 million redevelopment plan for Sydney's Powerhouse Museum

The NSW Government has announced that it is to scrap a $500 million redevelopment of the Powerhouse Museum in the inner Sydney suburb of Ultimo instead opting for “heritage revitalisation” of the cultural attraction at half the cost.

The new $250 million refurbishment will see the retention of 1980s wing of the museum - built during the time of former NSW Premier Neville Wran and often known as the ‘Wran building’.

NSW Arts Minister, John Graham announced “we promised at the election that we would preserve the Wran legacy and keep the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo open. We are doing just that.

“The area around the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo has changed extensively since the museum opened in 1988. It is now a major hub for creative industries, technology, innovation, education, and research. This prudent investment allows us to save the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo and preserve the Wran legacy in a tough fiscal environment.

“We have responded to community calls for a more modest redevelopment, saving the Powerhouse Museum and preserving the Wran legacy with a $250 million heritage redevelopment.”

First established in 1879 as the Technological, Industrial and Sanitary Museum of New South Wales, its 1980s transformation saw it open as the Powerhouse Museum in 1988.

However, there has been no significant capital investment into the site since then.

The announcement of the $250 million refurbishment, has seen the NSW Government advise that it will undertake further consultation with current staff as well as the arts and culture sector, business and creative industries groups, the education sector, peak bodies, expert advisors, local communities, and the public on the details and timing of this heritage redevelopment.

Powerhouse Museum Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said in a statement that she welcomed the funding announcement for the Ultimo site, noting “with this investment we will deliver an exceptional outcome for the communities of NSW.”

Development of the new Powerhouse Parramatta, originally conceived as a replacement for the  Ultimo is currently continuing, with a scheduled opening in 2025.

At the end of July, the NSW Government also announced a scaling back of plans for a rectangular sports stadium in Penrith.