Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo secures approval for heritage revitalisation

The NSW Government has approved plans for a heritage revitalisation of Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo and with planning approval now in place, a contract to deliver the project designed by Durbach Block Jaggers in partnership with Architectus, Youssofzay + Hart and landscape architects Tyrell Studio, is expected to be awarded shortly to enable construction to start mid-year.

Three contractors – John Holland Group, Lendlease and Richard Crookes Construction – were invited to tender for the project in August 2024 following an open Expression of Interest. 

The $300 million project will renew the iconic 146-year-old cultural institution by creating new and improved exhibition spaces, reorientating the museum to connect with Sydney CBD, providing a major new public square at the northern end of The Goods Line, and conserving and restoring the original heritage of the site.

The project will exhibit Design Excellence across the built form and public domain, making it a contemporary facility with a variety of exhibition spaces that have been designed to meet international museum standards. The revitalisation project will retain the distinctive roof form of the Wran building.

In November 2024, site establishment works commenced and are expected to wrap up in the coming months.

The State Significant Development Application was exhibited in May 2024 and then again in September 2024 following the expansion of the State Heritage listing, which provides long-term protections for the site’s continuation as a museum of applied arts and sciences.

NSW Minister for Arts John Graham noted “The Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo is a cultural icon of Sydney, renowned for both its extraordinary collection and the unique history of the site’s six interconnected buildings.

“With planning approval in place, the museum secures its future as a leading museum of applied arts and sciences with world-class exhibition spaces that will offer audiences a superior experience and allow the Powerhouse Museum to program an exciting range of local and international exhibitions for all to enjoy.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully added “The approval of the Powerhouse Ultimo Revitalisation project is an important step in seeing this cultural institution renewed for greater public use.

"The redesigned museum will improve visitor experience with new exhibition areas, more public space and better accessibility to surrounding streets.

“With a new entrance and an active Harris Street façade, the museum will continue to make its presence known in the Ultimo precinct.”

Image. The Wran Building will be protected by heritage laws, safeguarding against any future changes to the redevelopment plans. (Supplied: Powerhouse Museum)