The Powerhouse Precinct encompasses an iconic new museum, public space and pedestrian bridge.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the international design competition was the next major step in the Powerhouse Museum’s move to the banks of the Parramatta River.
Focused on excellence and innovation in applied arts and sciences and with 18,000 sqm of exhibition and public spaces, the new museum represents a major tourism and cultural asset for Western Sydney
“I am delighted to open this competition fulfilling our promise to the people of Western Sydney to deliver a major cultural institution they can be proud of,” Mr Harwin said.
“While Labor announced vague plans to build a much smaller ‘institution’ with no collection or operational budget – this Government is getting on with designing and building a museum that will be the envy of the world here in Parramatta.
"Western Sydney deserves nothing but the best and that’s what we are going to build in Parramatta. Labor has always been opposed to giving Western Sydney its own museum and has only committed to a second-rate white elephant."
The new museum will showcase the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences’ collection, developed during the last 135 years and accommodate Australia’s largest and most advanced planetarium as well as state-of-the-art galleries to present international exhibitions and museum displays.
With more education and learning spaces than Ultimo, the museum will make better use of digital platforms and create significant education and employment pathways for young people into careers across technology, science and arts and culture.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a purpose-built Powerhouse Precinct at Parramatta that will welcome people from across the world and NSW. Around 1,000 people have already registered their interest for this project."
Minister Harwin encouraged both local and international architects to enter the competition.
Designs produced by shortlisted teams will be on public display later this year. Stage One Expressions of Interest are now open and close on March 18.
