Progress on Australia's largest cultural infrastructure project

New South Wales Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin, has announced the six design teams shortlisted for the new Powerhouse Precinct at Parramatta in Sydney, following the conclusion of the first stage of an open international design competition. As the largest cultural infrastructure project currently underway in Australia, the precinct includes 18,000 sqm of purpose-built exhibition space, public realm and a pedestrian bridge. 

The finalist teams are as follows:
• AL_A (UK) and Architectus (Australia )
• Bernardes Architecture (Brazil) and Scale Architecture (Australia)
• BVN Architecture (Australia) and Carlo Ratti Associati (Italy)
• CHROFI (Australia) with Reko Rennie (Australia)
• Moreau Kusunoki (France) and Genton(Australia)
• Steven Holl Architects (United States) and Conrad Gargett (Australia) 

The precinct represents a major investment by the New South Wales Government, with the base construction budget set at AU$400m. Don Harwin stated: “Having attracted 74 expressions of interest involving a staggering 529 individual firms from 20 countries, the level of global interest we received has more than justified our excitement in moving forward with this Western Sydney project. I am particularly thrilled to see our finalist teams include Australian lead firms, collaborations between emerging and seasoned practices and between Australian and international talent who have been inspired by the opportunity this bold and exciting project offers.”

The museum at the heart of the precinct will showcase the internationally-significant Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences collection and support a dynamic program of changing exhibitions. Attractions will include Australia’s largest and most advanced planetarium with ultra-high-resolution 3D video and multi-channel immersive audio. 

Following a site visit in June, the finalists will have three months to develop their concept designs, which will be shown to the public in a physical exhibition and online gallery before the international jury meets to decide on a winner.

Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research

This competition was first published by TenderStream on 28.01.2019 here

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