Heritage revitalisation of Powerhouse Museum Ultimo granted approval

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A state significant development application for the $300 million heritage renewal of the 146-year-old Powerhouse Ultimo has received planning approval from the NSW government.

Designed by Durbach Block Jaggers in partnership with Architectus, Youssofzay and Hart and landscape architects Tyrell Studio, a contract for the project is expected to be awarded shortly, following nearly a decade of design revisions.

The approved project focuses on reorienting the original museum entrance to The Goods Line - a partly elevated urban walkway from Central Station in the Sydney CBD to Darling Harbour - in a move that seeks to maximise the use of the pedestrian link and improve access to public transport.

The Harris Street facade will be activated through a new built form that the planning application described as being sympathetic to the existing heritage skin. These materials include a mix of recycled and new bricks, brick slips, stone, ceramics, glass, metal cladding and concrete.

According to a NSW government communique, "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 release adds that the museum will feature new and improved exhibition spaces and a new public square at the northern end of the Goods Line.

The development application for the modest renewal of the site was first exhibited in May 2024 and then again in September 2024 following the NSW government's announcement that the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo complex would have its heritage listing broadened to include the 1988 Wran Building, the 1988 Galleria and the 1899 Harwood Building alongside the original power station. In November 2024, site establishment works commenced, with construction works anticipated to begin mid-2025.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the redesigned museum will improve the visitor experience with more public space and better accessibility to surrounding streets. "The approval of the Powerhouse Ultimo Revitalisation project is an important step in seeing this cultural institution renewed for greater public use," said Scully.