The Powerhouse Museum’s proposed move to Parramatta has taken a step forward with the purchase of riverbank land for the project.
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,” he said.
Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta, 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,” Councillor Wilson said.
“It will not only benefit the local economy but will also provide valuable research and learning opportunities,” he said.
Stage One of the project’s international design competition closed on 18 March and attracted 529 individual companies in 74 teams.
The competition jury met on 11 April 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.
