NSW Gov
The Minns Labor Government is powering ahead, with construction of Western Sydney's first state cultural institution, Powerhouse Parramatta, now 95 per cent complete, delivering a landmark project that will strengthen Sydney's reputation as a world class events and tourism destination.
Powerhouse Parramatta demonstrates the Minns Labor Government's commitment to Western Sydney design excellence, innovation and sustainability. Featuring a distinctive large scale rooftop terrace with an observatory and productive garden that will create new opportunities for learning, events and community connection.
The rooftop terrace, with near 360 degree views across Parramatta, is situated on top of the shorter of the two connected buildings and features a garden with Indigenous species to be used in the Vitocco Kitchen, a 200 seat production kitchen, adjacent to the garden.
The terrace will also feature an observatory with mounted telescopes under a retractable roof that will deliver astronomy programs, connecting students and communities with leading international and Australian astronomers and scientists.
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 partnership will see more than 10,000 NSW students each year experience hands on learning, providing new skills across agricultural science, cooking, sustainability and well-being.
When complete, 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.
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% renewable electricity, aiming to be climate positive under the Green Star Buildings V1 Climate Positive Pathway.
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.
To find out more visit: NSW Government | Powerhouse Parramatta
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"Construction of Western Sydney's first state cultural institution, Powerhouse Parramatta, is now 95 per cent complete, marking a major milestone for this transformational project.
"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.
"Once complete, 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.
"The Minns Labor Government is proud to be delivering this world class institution, which will help drive the local economy, create jobs and attract millions of visitors to Western Sydney each year."
Local Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:
"The Minns Labor Government is delivering public spaces that are functional, dynamic and ecologically sustainable all at the same time.
"The Powerhouse's eco-friendly features bring design into the 21st century with 100% renewable electricity.
"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."
Chief Executive Officer, Construction, Lendlease, Stephanie Graham said:
"As Powerhouse Parramatta nears completion, the progress on site reflects the strength of our partnerships and a shared commitment to create this new cultural landmark that will serve the Western Sydney community for generations."
Founder of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, Stephanie Alexander said:
"I am absolutely delighted to see the Kitchen Garden Program represented at Powerhouse Parramatta.
"For more than twenty 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.
"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."
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