Construction of Powerhouse Parramatta is now 95 per cent complete, the State Government says.
When finished, Powerhouse Parramatta will include almost 12,000 square metres of public space, creating a major new public green square, seamlessly connecting to the Parramatta River.
Key internal spaces across the site have been completed, allowing fit outs to commence across the site while final touches take place on the building and the public domain is built.
Powerhouse Parramatta is expected to open later this year.
“Powerhouse Parramatta will be a game changer for our state and reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to design excellence, innovation and sustainability in western Sydney,” said Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper.
“It will be the largest museum in NSW, offering 18,000 square metres of exhibition and public space and standing as a true cultural and architectural icon for Parramatta.”
Powerhouse Parramatta is the first public building in Australia and the first project in western Sydney to be assessed as a 6 Star Designed project under the Green Building Council of Australia’s new Green Star Buildings assessment tool.
When it opens, the Powerhouse will be highly energy efficient, all-electric and operating on 100 per cent renewable electricity, aiming to be climate positive under the Green Star Buildings V1 Climate Positive Pathway.
Additional features include a greenhouse, water feature and the ING Pavilion, which will host talks, workshops and public programs.
Powerhouse Parramatta has partnered with the internationally recognised Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation to deliver a dynamic, hands-on food and syllabus focused education program for regional NSW and western Sydney students through the Lang Walker Family Academy.
“The Powerhouse’s eco-friendly features bring design into the 21st century with 100 per cent renewable electricity,” said Parramatta MP Donna Davis.
“I am delighted the Government is working alongside Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation to deliver important learning facilities for sustainable agricultural science and cooking.
“This will be an important opportunity for children in western Sydney to build environmental awareness and vital culinary skills.”
Founder of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, Stephanie Alexander said she was delighted to see the Kitchen Garden Program represented at Powerhouse Parramatta.
“For more than 20 years, our vision has been to give every child in Australia the confidence, skills and joy that come from growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh food,” she said.
“This partnership allows us to extend that opportunity to thousands more young people each year in Western Sydney, offering a unique learning environment where food, culture, sustainability and creativity come together, helping young people build essential life skills and meaningful connections to the environment and to one another.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.