Business Sydney

Sydney Deserves Two Powerhouse Museums 

15 June 2021

Business Sydney says the government’s decision to spend half a billion dollars renovating and refitting the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo was what Sydney needs and deserves to have in order to preserve its place as the nation’s number one global city.

“Transforming the iconic Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo will see it become a major addition to the growth of the whole Western Harbour district, complimenting the nearby Tech Central precinct and development of the Pyrmont Peninsula as part of the CBD’s natural westward expansion,” said Damian Kelly, Acting Executive Director of Business Sydney.

“Sydney deserves to have the Ultimo site preserved along with the building of the new science and technology focused museum at Parramatta, and this cornerstone of next week’s NSW Budget will bring huge economic benefits to the city, especially when international tourists return.,” Mr Kelly said.

“The government has listened to community and business voices urging it not sell off the famous site and the revamped Ultimo Powerhouse will focus on design and fashion with a new gallery, workshop and creative studios space.

“It will see Sydney able to confidently compete with Melbourne for future international shows and exhibitions, with a design competition ensuring a fabulous new face and vibrant public square at the rear connecting it to the Tech Central precinct and Metro station development.

“The $1.4b total commitment to the two museums is the biggest cultural institution investment since the building of the Sydney Opera House and is great news for jobs and economic growth in the city as it slowly recovers from Covid,” Mr. Kelly said.