The concrete slab has been poured and the first of 12,000 tonnes of structural steel has been installed in a major milestone for the construction of the state's biggest museum Powerhouse Parramatta.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Parramatta Powerhouse would become a Western Sydney landmark and the cultural institution the region had been crying out for.
"It took the long term economic plan of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to transform an idea like the Powerhouse Parramatta from a thought bubble to a reality, that will be cherished by generations of Western Sydney residents," Mr Perrottet said.
"This project isn't just creating a world-class cultural institution but is also creating jobs, with more than $200 million in contracts awarded to NSW businesses by construction partner Lendlease."
Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said Western Sydney was the big winner, with Lendlease setting a target for 70 per cent of the construction workforce to be Western Sydney locals.
"Our record $116 billion infrastructure pipeline is powering the state's economy and Western Sydney workers are reaping the benefits, with $75 million in contracts from the Powerhouse Parramatta project awarded to local businesses," Mr Stokes said.
"Contractors like Azzurri Concrete are the foundation of this project, with the Wetherill Park business completing a 1000-cubic-metre concrete pour - the equivalent of 160 concrete trucks - in one day."
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the project would hold one of the most extraordinary collections in Australia.
"Once complete, this incredible museum will see Parramatta become the home of arts, design, science and technology, bringing two million visitors from across Australia and around the world to Western Sydney each year," Mr Franklin said.
"Powerhouse Parramatta will be the largest museum in NSW, sharing more of the Powerhouse Collection than has ever been seen before. The state-of-the-art exhibition spaces will host international travelling exhibitions, bringing the very best of the world to Parramatta."
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said Powerhouse Parramatta was the biggest investment in arts and culture since the Sydney Opera House and will be the cultural icon Western Sydney deserves.
"I know my community in Parramatta and across Western Sydney will be thrilled by this city-defining museum that will become a cultural anchor within the wider Parramatta precinct," Mr Lee said.
Liberal candidate for Parramatta Katie Mullens said Parramatta was being transformed by the Liberals and Nationals record infrastructure pipeline.
"Whether it's Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Light Rail, Commbank Stadium or Powerhouse Parramatta - our city has been transformed by this record infrastructure investment and residents will continue to benefit for generations," Ms Mullens said.
In an Australian-first all cranes on site are now powered by renewable diesel - directly contributing to a reduction in emissions and helping achieve greater sustainability outcomes without any impact on productivity.
Powerhouse Parramatta will be a 6 star green star building with net zero operations from the day it opens, with the project on track for construction completion in late 2024.
Visit the Powerhouse Parramatta website for more information.
Other Western Sydney Businesses engaged on the project to date include:
- Fredon Industries (electrical services) - Silverwater
- Planet Plumbing - Campsie
- Ultrasafe Fire Protection - Smithfield West
- Marr Contracting (cranes) - Sefton
- Bestbar Reinforcement - Prestons
