Powerhouse Parramatta has reached a major milestone with the main works contract awarded to deliver the world-class cultural icon in the geographical heart of Sydney.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the award of the contract demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to stimulating the economy while providing cultural infrastructure for Western Sydney.
“Powerhouse Parramatta is the biggest cultural investment since the Opera House and now we have selected a contractor to build the museum, we can get on with the job for the community,” Mr Harwin said.
“Following a competitive tender process Lendlease has been appointed to start construction with work to begin early next year.”
Member for Parramatta Dr Geoff Lee said, “In a major boost for the economy, more than 4,000 jobs will be created during construction including more than 300 trainees and apprentices, with hundreds more ongoing jobs to be supported upon completion.”
David Paterson, Managing Director of Lendlease Building Australia said Powerhouse Parramatta is one of the largest structural engineering and architecturally complex projects underway in Australia.
“We are excited to have been awarded the tender and to work with the NSW Government and the Powerhouse on this game-changing project,” Mr Paterson said.
“We are committed to partnering with Western Sydney communities and businesses to deliver this project. We already have partnerships with four Western Sydney based steel fabrication companies and look forward to signing up many more local suppliers across Greater Sydney.
“Sustainability will be at the heart of this building and its construction and we are proud to be delivering Parramatta’s first public 6 Star Green Star building.”
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said Powerhouse Parramatta is the first NSW cultural institution to be located in Western Sydney giving direct access to world class exhibitions and programs for our communities.
“Our new flagship museum will be the leading science and technology museum in Australia and we look forward to creating extraordinary cultural experiences for our audiences,” Ms Havilah said.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Lendlease to deliver Powerhouse Parramatta, which will give unprecedented levels of access to the extraordinary Powerhouse Collection.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Western Sydney University and Infrastructure NSW during construction, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the next generation of architects, engineers and designers to learn and participate in the design and delivery of this cultural landmark.”
Once complete, Parramatta Powerhouse will be a world-class museum featuring more than 18,000 square metres of exhibition and public space, and it is expected to attract two million visitors each year.
Powerhouse Parramatta is expected to be completed in late 2024. Visit infrastructure NSW for more information.
