The New South Wales government has released concept designs which aim to elevate the Powerhouse Ultimo museum — reorientating the space to connect with the CBD, providing visitors with a new outdoor public square as well as more indoor exhibition space, which will effectively show off the heritage facades of the original power station built in 1899.
The concept design for the $250 million project ensures Powerhouse Ultimo will continue to be an exemplar of adaptive heritage reuse and will deliver new exhibition and public spaces for the community to enjoy.
The main entrance to Powerhouse Ultimo will face the Goods Line, the walkway connecting Central Station and Haymarket, under the heritage renewal that will revitalise the 1988 Wran Building on Harris Street.
Powerhouse Ultimo will close its doors on 5 February 2024 for building and conservation works that are expected to take up to three years.
The temporary closure will enable the protection of the collection and the most efficient delivery of the project, having the least impact on the Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo communities, and audiences.
The temporary closure will ensure the best use of funds, focusing investment into the revitalisation. A staggered closure would amplify the cost of the project, extend the disruption period and lead to a compromised visitor experience over a prolonged period.
When the museum reopens, the design will provide improved flow of visitors and exhibition spaces that will support increased access to the Powerhouse collection.
The new entrance will reveal the beautiful heritage facades of the original power station built in 1899 and the 1902 Turbine Hall.
The 1901 Post Office building located on Harris Street will be preserved and further integrated into the Museum precinct.
The new public domain adjacent to the entrance will become a major new green space for Sydney.
The design will enable Powerhouse Ultimo to present international exclusive exhibitions and showcase the museum’s existing collection, as well as expanded learning programs that support the applied arts, applied sciences and creative industries.
NSW Minister for Arts John Graham said: “This is the next step in the process of reimagining the future of the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo.
“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.”
The revitalisation concept design will include a purpose-built space to support the Powerhouse Academy program.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said: “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.
“The government has committed $250 million for the heritage revitalisation, with the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo adopting a $50 million philanthropy target. We have already secured $10 million towards this through a partnership with UTS.”
The revitalisation will be led by Infrastructure NSW in line with the museum’s Conservation Management Plan and current heritage and planning legislation.
The Powerhouse Ultimo heritage revitalisation design scheme has been developed by Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, proven design innovators and authors of some of Australia’s most remarkable buildings, partnering with Architectus and landscape architects Tyrrell Studio.
Powerhouse Trust President Peter Collins said: “The renewal of Powerhouse Ultimo will deliver a dynamic applied arts and applied sciences program, presenting exhibitions that showcase the Powerhouse Collection, attract international exhibitions and programs that support the visitor economy and create an activated cultural precinct.”
