The NSW government is inviting Australian architects to participate in a “city-shaping opportunity” to reimagine the revered Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.
Registrations of interest have opened in a national design competition for the $450–500 million project. A concept proposal prepared by John Wardle Architects and Aspect Studio provides a first glimpse at what proponents are envisioning for the 2.4 hectare site, including a new entrance, public square and a multi-storey annex to be built on the museum’s Harris Street forecourt.
The primary focus of the project is the museum to the north of Macarthur Street. The site contains two buildings – the Ultimo Power House (1899) and the former Ultimo Post Office (1901) – which are both listed on the State Heritage Register.
Architects would also have scope to modify the 1988 extension to the collection of heritage-listed Powerhouse buildings known as the Wran Building. Designed by NSW Government Architect Ian Thompson, the transfromation received the state’s highest honour for public architecture, the Sulman Medal.
Maximum building heights will be lifted above existing planning consents with the allocation of up to 10 percent additional building height, according to a Design Excellence Strategy, submitted as part of the concept state significant development application now on exhibition for public comment.
According to Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah, the design competition will “compel architects to engage with the stories of ingenuity and innovation” that power local design.
“Their task is to integrate working precincts with embedded creative industries and world-class learning, research and community facilities in a contemporary museum context,” Havilah added.
A minimum of five competitors will be invited to participate, and architects can register interest from Monday 27 June until 12pm AEST on Friday 29 July ahead of a design competition to be held in August.
The development expected to be completed by 2027. For more information visit the Powerhouse Museum website.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
