Revised concept designs for the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo have been released, following the New South Wales government’s announcement in September 2023 that it would abandon the previously slated $481 million redevelopment and instead settle for a $250 million heritage revitalization of the existing museum.
The Powerhouse Museum Ultimo heritage revitalization project has been designed by Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Architectus and landscape architects Tyrrell Studio, all of whom were previously engaged for the scrapped redevelopment project after winning a design competition in 2022.
As per the new plans, it has been proposed Powerhouse Ultimo be reoriented to connect with the CBD, provide more exhibition space, and introduce an outdoor public square. In reorienting the museum, the main entrance would face the Goods Line – a shared pedestrian pathway and cycleway that connects Central Station and Haymarket.
Revised concept designs for the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo have been released with designs by Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Architectus and Tyrell Studio.
Image:
Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Architectus and Tyrell Studio
The updated museum arrangement would seek to enhance visual access to the historic facades of the original power station built in 1899 and the Turbine Hall built in 1902, as well as improve flow and access to support increased visitation.
The axed redevelopment plan had proposed to demolish the Wran building, a 1988 extension on Harris Street designed by NSW government architect Ian Thomson and project architect Lionel Glendenning, which had earned a Sulman Medal: the highest accolade for public architecture in the state. The government scrapped the previous redevelopment proposal on an election promise to preserve and renew the Wran building in line with heritage guidelines.
Powerhouse Museum Ultimo CEO Lisa Havilah said the new designs would permit them to present more frequent international exhibitions and allow them to host increased learning and industry programs on a larger scale through the integration of a purpose-built space for their Powerhouse Academy initiatives, which was also part of the previous proposal.
“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,” Havilah said.
As per the new plans, it has been proposed Powerhouse Ultimo be reoriented to connect with the CBD, provide more exhibition space, and introduce an outdoor public square.
Image:
Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Architectus and Tyrell Studio
The revitalization project will be led by Infrastructure NSW in line with the museum’s Conservation Management Plan.
Minister for Arts John Graham welcomed the new concept plans in what has been a drawn out and contentious project.
“This is the next step in the process of reimagining the future of the Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo. After 9 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,” he said.
Powerhouse Ultimo will close on 5 February 2024 for building and conservation works anticipated to take up to three years. Estimated timings for construction commencement and project completion is subject to the outcomes of planning and procurement processes.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
