Parramatta City Council

Lord Mayor welcomes visionary relocation of Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta

26 February 2015

The Baird Government’s relocation of the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta will be a huge boost to local tourism and further cement the City’s growing reputation as a major arts and cultural centre, Lord Mayor Cr Scott Lloyd said today.

Cr Lloyd said the Government’s $30 million commitment will help ensure Western Sydney’s two million residents no longer have to travel to the Sydney CBD for major cultural attractions.  

“This is a great day for Parramatta and complements our vision to build Australia’s next great city,” Cr Lloyd said. “Our Council is committed to working closely with the Government to find a suitable site and develop an iconic new building for the museum.

“It makes sense to locate key cultural facilities in the geographic centre of Sydney, close to where most Sydneysiders live.”

Cr Lloyd said the Government has announced the relocated Powerhouse Museum will become part of a new $30 million arts and cultural sector for Western Sydney.   

“Our Council has developed a master plan to modernise and expand Riverside Theatres so it can host big attractions such as major musical productions and concerts by international artists,” he said.

“We also welcome the Government’s commitment of $800,000 to attract a resident company to partner with Council in running Riverside Theatres. 

“By developing an arts and cultural hub, there is also scope to further develop and promote our wonderful heritage assets reflecting Parramatta’s status as the second settlement of the new colony.   

“The new Powerhouse Museum will be a major drawcard for Parramatta as a tourist destination, and will further boost our local economy.”

Cr Lloyd said the relocation was consistent with the Government’s A Plan for Growing Sydney strategy which confirms Parramatta as Sydney’s dual CBD.

“Under this plan, our CBD is set for enormous growth in coming decades with potential for up to 100,000 workers and vital new infrastructure such as the Western Sydney Light Rail Network,” he said.

“Our Council is committed to working closely with the Government to see these exciting plans transform Parramatta into a CBD with the same purpose and stature as the Sydney CBD.”

Cr Lloyd said Parramatta’s status as a centre for arts and culture is reflected through the City’s growing role as a venue for Sydney Festival events and the host of festivals including Parramasala, Loy Krathong and Winterlight.

“Residents of Western Sydney no longer have to travel into the Sydney CBD to experience world-class arts, cultural and entertainment attractions,” he said.

“The relocation of Powerhouse Museum will further accelerate this trend and boost Western Sydney’s artistic and cultural presence.”