The NSW Government is inviting Architects from around Australia to submit a Registration of Interest to design the renewal of one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions, Powerhouse Ultimo.

The Powerhouse Ultimo Renewal is underpinned by a transformative $480-$500 million investment by the NSW Government to establish a world-class museum that will significantly contribute to a vital design, technology and cultural precinct in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

Bringing together adaptive heritage reuse and contemporary museum practice, the renewal will transform and secure the future of the museum to ensure it will continue to serve its communities.

The renewal will deliver new galleries dedicated to design and fashion alongside expanded support for creative industries and renewed spaces connecting and integrating the Powerhouse into a fast changing and dynamic part of Sydney.

Create NSW interim chief executive Annette Pitman said: “The renewal of Powerhouse Ultimo presents a city-shaping opportunity for an Australian Architect to reimagine one of the country’s most revered cultural institutions through new and expanded exhibition and public space, including the delivery of Australia’s first dedicated design and fashion galleries.

“The Powerhouse has always reflected the changing nature of industries which enveloped and surrounded the site.

“This design competition will compel architects to engage with the stories of ingenuity and innovation powering local contemporary design and fashion industries.

“Their task is to integrate working precincts with embedded creative industries and world-class learning, research and community facilities in a contemporary museum context.

“As it enters its next phase of evolution, Powerhouse Ultimo will amplify and reflect the voices and ideas of our communities.”

Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah invited the nation’s best creative design teams to meet this moment with them by bringing vision and clarity to the institution’s story.

Havilah added: “Registered Architects, architectural practices, partnerships and teams across Australia are encouraged to take up the challenge of this significant platform to leave their mark on the Australian cultural landscape.”

Competition advisor and CityLab founding director Andrew Mackenzie said: “This visionary project offers a singular opportunity to embrace the rich heritage aspects of the former Power Station whilst elevating the central role of contemporary design and fashion in a landmark cultural institution.”