Powerhouse home secured in Parramatta

Western Sydney is a step closer to having its own world class museum with the purchase of the riverbank site for the Powerhouse Precinct.

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said acquisition of the land from the City of Parramatta means it’s now full steam ahead for the Powerhouse move to Parramatta.

“I am delighted to reaffirm that the Powerhouse Museum will be the centrepiece of a new arts and cultural precinct on the banks of the Parramatta River,” Mr Harwin said.

“We are so excited to be forging ahead with this amazing project that will deliver a spectacular new museum for families, industry and educational institutions.”

Stage One of the project’s international design competition closed on 18 March 2019 and attracted 529 individual companies in 74 teams.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson said the new precinct will transform the riverbank area. 

“The new Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a significant cultural facility to be located in Western Sydney,” Clr Wilson said.

“It will not only benefit the local economy but will also provide valuable research and learning opportunities.”

Submissions were received from around the world including strong partnerships between Australian and international architects.

“I’m so pleased the process has attracted keen interest from the Australian architectural community,” Mr Harwin said.

The competition jury will meet for the first time on 11 April 2019 to shortlist at least five teams that will each develop design concepts over a period of three months.

“We needed the best architectural firms in the world and now we are spoiled for choice – the best companies with the right ideas and inspiration,” Mr Harwin said.