Powerhouse Museum relocation to western Sydney gains momentum, named ‘Parramatta’s Powerhouse’

The Deputy Premier has hit back at independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich’s push to keep the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Vehicles --- Exclusive First-Look NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant (Minister for the Arts, Art director Richard Hobbs with a number of other production crew.

THE Deputy Premier has hit back at independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich’s push to keep the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.

Mr Greenwich tabled a petition in parliament, with 10,000 signatures, opposing the State Government’s plans to move the Powerhouse from the city to western Sydney.

“Maybe Alex can get those 10,000 people to attend the Powerhouse. A big reason behind the move was because of a drop of attendance and patronage,” Deputy Premier and Arts Minister Troy Grant told the Advertiser.

Sydney's Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo. Photo Jeremy Piper

Mr Grant said planning was well under way for the relocation to Parramatta, with $10 million allocated over two years to start the process.

He said a location had not been decided yet, with both potential sites — the old David Jones carpark and Parramatta golf course — “presenting significant but different opportunities for a reinvented Powerhouse Museum, which will become the anchor of a broader cultural precinct for western Sydney”.

Calling it Parramatta’s Powerhouse, Mr Grant said it would be a representation of the community, and not copied from inner-city Sydney’s building.

Parramatta Chamber of Commerce president Michael Mekhitarian said the museum would be great for western Sydney tourism, business and education.

“Perhaps it’s a bit arrogant to expect it all to be in the city. It’s arrogant to assume western Sydney couldn’t have it,” Mr Mekhitarian said.

Mr Greenwich’s petition will be debated in parliament next year.

He did not respond to the Advertiser when contacted for comment.