Powerhouse Ultimo Revitalisation

I strongly object to the "Powerhouse Ultimo Revitalisation" Project. There is nothing 'revitalising' about it - it is a senseless erasure of such a much loved and used place that is a defining component of Sydney's history and heritage. I remember visiting the Powerhouse Museum as a child and absolutely loving it. Now, as a parent, I have taken my children there several times and they still love it. The Powerhouse is such a unique museum that continues to engage the minds of all people, which is especially important in this day and age where parents are combatting the 'digital age' - having a place to take children that is engaging and also educational is becoming increasingly difficult, but the Powerhouse Museum provided just that.
Moreover, moving the collection out of this iconic space would just not have the same impact. The old powerhouse building is an integral part of the museum, being an exhibition of power generation technology in and of itself. There is no other museum like it.
Having viewed the drawings of the proposal, what little segments of the original museum being kept will be entombed by the bland new addition being proposed. It breaks my heart.
PLEASE SAVE THE POWERHOUSE MUSEUM, SYDNEY WOULD NOT BE THE SAME WITHOUT IT.

I STRONGLY OBJECT to the proposed demolition of the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, which the Minns government promised to save. This is not a museum ‘revitalisation’ but the wilful destruction of a vital and beloved institution, an act of sheer vandalism. The cultural and educational loss to the people of New South Wales and beyond will be immeasurable and unforgivable.

I Object ion the strongest possible terms.
The proposed “Heritage Revitalisation” as exhibited must be REJECTED -
- It is a massive waste of taxpayers’ money opposed by large sections of the public.
- It proposes to destroy the heritage of the Wran era, obliterate Ultimo‘s rich industrial
history and erases a beloved world-class Museum.
“Do Nothing” is the only reasonable option –
- Immediately cancel the project
- Proceed with the necessary repairs and maintenance neglected by successive
Managements and Trusts.
- Update the exhibitions and -
- RE-OPEN THE MUSEUM AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.

I strongly object to the Powerhouse revitalisation plans. Despite prior State Significant Development planning decisions allowing “programming of museum spaces…not [being] a matter requiring approval”, the Department of Planning should reconsider this policy. The success of a museum depends on both its exterior and site planning as well as its internal and exhibition planning, particularly if proposed plans drastically reduce exhibition space by 75%!
The demolition of the Engine House’s Steam exhibition and underlying steam infrastructure will destroy the live steam engine demonstration experience enjoyed by generations of Australians. In this era of re-use and sustainability, rebuilding the steam infrastructure makes no economic sense, and there are certainly less intrusive and destructive ways to adapt and re-use the Powerhouse Museum.
Furthermore, apart from 3 objects, museum management has refused to confirm how much of the existing exhibitions will be kept post-renovation. Combined with the estimated 75% reduction in exhibition space, extensive internal demolition of ramps, mezzanines, and the Wran building’s grand galleria windows, it appears not only could the Powerhouse’s buildings be under threat, but also NSW’s state significant heritage of the Powerhouse’s collection and exhibits.
While the current State Significant Development process may not require approval for museum programming, the Department may want to rethink it considering the current trajectory of the Powerhouse revitalisation proposal: it could be a State Significant Development for the wrong reasons.

I believe that museums are important places of learning and storing information through museum collections.
I believe that the revitalisation plan of the Powerhouse Museum will remove a lot of the things that make the museum so great.
The future plans are not sufficient in confirming the future of many items in the Steam, Transport, and Space exhibitions as well as how the irreplaceable museum collection will be protected during renovations. Budgeting and plans to reopen are also not clear to the public.
Not only does the museum collection preserve history, but the museum itself holds memories of generations of Australians.
The beauty of the Powerhouse Museum is that it displays technology, art, history, science, design, and more under one roof. This is important in creating a culture of knowledge and education, especially for children as the museum can spark and nurture a child's interest in these fields and encourage them to pursue it later in life.
The museum also exhibits designs from Australian designers, giving them opportunities to share their work to the public. So far I have not only seen work from established designers, but also up-and-coming designers from universities such as in Future Fashion and high schools, such as in Shape where one of my own classmate's work was showcased. As a design student at UNSW, this is important to me because future exhibits have the potential to boost the careers of my peers while highlighting Australian innovation.
I would love the see the Powerhouse Museum be revitalised for it to be enjoyed and appreciated by many generations like I have, but that cannot be done with a 75% reduction in exhibition space, lack of collection protection plan, and an unclear budgeting and reopening plan.
I hope that these things will be reconsidered or made clear to the public so we can be confident that these plans will protect Powerhouse Museum.
Thank you for your time

I strongly object to the Powerhouse revitalisation plans. Despite prior State Significant Development planning decisions allowing “programming of museum spaces…not [being] a matter requiring approval”, the Department of Planning should reconsider this policy. The success of a museum depends on both its exterior and site planning as well as its internal and exhibition planning, particularly if proposed plans drastically reduce exhibition space by 75%!

The demolition of the Engine House’s Steam exhibition and underlying steam infrastructure will destroy the live steam engine demonstration experience enjoyed by generations of Australians. In this era of re-use and sustainability, rebuilding the steam infrastructure makes no economic sense, and there are certainly less intrusive and destructive ways to adapt and re-use the Powerhouse Museum.

Furthermore, apart from 3 objects, museum management has refused to confirm how much of the existing exhibitions will be kept post-renovation. Combined with the estimated 75% reduction in exhibition space, extensive internal demolition of ramps, mezzanines, and the Wran building’s grand galleria windows, it appears not only could the Powerhouse’s buildings be under threat, but also NSW’s state significant heritage of the Powerhouse’s collection and exhibits.

While the current State Significant Development process may not require approval for museum programming, the Department may want to rethink it considering the current trajectory of the Powerhouse revitalisation proposal: it could be a State Significant Development for the wrong reasons.

I object to the current Powerhouse Ultimo Revitalisation Project on the following terms:
1) It is not a revitalisation, it is instead demolition of an existing award winning, State significant 1988 addition,
2) The removal of a museum which is much loved and needed, a cultural place of heritage and continued significance to the people,
3) Not adaptive re-use in line with the Burra Charter,
4) An exhibition space is not needed as the International Convention Centre is very close by,
5) A significant waste of taxpayer money to the tune of $350 million (which will grow to much more given the expected project $ overruns), when a much more smaller amount could be spend instead in repairing the existing museum.
Please refer to my attachment which outlines more reasons.
I really think that the government should listen to what the people want - and that is for the current museum to stay.

See attached submission.

I strongly object to the Powerhouse revitalisation plans. Despite prior State Significant Development planning decisions allowing “programming of museum spaces…not [being] a matter requiring approval”, the Department of Planning should reconsider this policy. The success of a museum depends on both its exterior and site planning as well as its internal and exhibition planning, particularly if proposed plans drastically reduce exhibition space by 75%!
The demolition of the Engine House’s Steam exhibition and underlying steam infrastructure will destroy the live steam engine demonstration experience enjoyed by generations of Australians. In this era of re-use and sustainability, rebuilding the steam infrastructure makes no economic sense, and there are certainly less intrusive and destructive ways to adapt and re-use the Powerhouse Museum.
Furthermore, apart from 3 objects, museum management has refused to confirm how much of the existing exhibitions will be kept post-renovation. Combined with the estimated 75% reduction in exhibition space, extensive internal demolition of ramps, mezzanines, and the Wran building’s grand galleria windows, it appears not only could the Powerhouse’s buildings be under threat, but also NSW’s state significant heritage of the Powerhouse’s collection and exhibits.
While the current State Significant Development process may not require approval for museum programming, the Department may want to rethink it considering the current trajectory of the Powerhouse revitalisation proposal: it could be a State Significant Development for the wrong reasons.

I strongly object to the Powerhouse revitalisation plans. Despite prior State Significant Development planning decisions allowing “programming of museum spaces…not [being] a matter requiring approval”, the Department of Planning should reconsider this policy. The success of a museum depends on both its exterior and site planning as well as its internal and exhibition planning, particularly if proposed plans drastically reduce exhibition space by 75%!

The demolition of the Engine House’s Steam exhibition and underlying steam infrastructure will destroy the live steam engine demonstration experience enjoyed by generations of Australians. In this era of re-use and sustainability, rebuilding the steam infrastructure makes no economic sense, and there are certainly less intrusive and destructive ways to adapt and re-use the Powerhouse Museum.

Furthermore, apart from 3 objects, museum management has refused to confirm how much of the existing exhibitions will be kept post-renovation. Combined with the estimated 75% reduction in exhibition space, extensive internal demolition of ramps, mezzanines, and the Wran building’s grand galleria windows, it appears not only could the Powerhouse’s buildings be under threat, but also NSW’s state significant heritage of the Powerhouse’s collection and exhibits.

While the current State Significant Development process may not require approval for museum programming, the Department may want to rethink it considering the current trajectory of the Powerhouse revitalisation proposal: it could be a State Significant Development for the wrong reasons.

This proposal will not “revitalise” the Powerhouse museum. This proposal will drastically reduce the number of display spaces to just several enormous areas only.
This will have the effect of providing for the misguided few the architectural structures to pursue their idea of a museum as some sort of venue for the installation of artworks and fashion events.
A museum is primarily for the thoughtful display of objects that will enhance peoples’ appreciation of our collective cultural memories produced by our past. This absolute primary function most certainly will not be served by ripping out more modestly-sized multiple spaces that could provide display areas for exhibitions of objects illustrating different eras and themes.
This is a crucial moment for the preservation of the potential of this wonderful, award-winning structure to fulfil its primary purpose.
Please do not allow the current proposal to proceed.
Our society desperately needs the return of this museum to its primary function of providing cultural memory in the areas of science, technology, design, and social history - not provided anywhere else in NSW.

Keep the Museum open and do not remove the permanent exhibitions to storage or "revitalise" the building. There is no good reason for this project. All maintenance can be done while the Museum is still open and closing it until 2033 to essentially destroy it is vile and unnecessary.

I strongly object to the destruction of the PHM. It is a magnificent museum and a credit to Australia as it stood but the current plan will destroy the essence of what gave it its value. We don’t need to destroy our heritage in order to create event spaces. It has been allowed to run down and the government needs to invest in repair and maintenance and a renewal of the exhibitions. I thought that the Labour government would scrap the awful plans of the Liberal government but Labour is proving to be just as bad at preserving an icon. Remember The Rocks and the QVB. The government of the day wanted to destroy them too and we are very grateful that they didn’t . Please build up the PHM into the world class museum it once was. Think of your children and grandchildren and the legacy you are leaving the them.

The Powerhouse is a site of historical and modern cultural significance so high that it deserves a preservation status. This is a gem in Australia's global reputation, an alluring tourist attraction for people across the world, and a place of deep fondness and love by all who've visited it. Generations upon generations of school students and educators and historians know and love the Powerhouse as it is; demolishing all that makes it unique, removing all that makes it iconic and recogniseable, and replacing the one-of-a-kind, gorgeously preserved and amazingly historic attractions with a plain "event space", completely devoid of personality, is heartbreaking.
My partner hasn't been able to see his American grandparents in almost a decade. The Powerhouse was where he used to meet up with them. He showed them what we had from America; he showed them what was unique to Australia. It was a beautiful cultural and historical bridge between them, and spending happy memories with the family he loves and misses is inextricable from the Powerhouse Museum as it is now, and as it was ten years ago. In a way, the Powerhouse is one of the only things he has left of them.
His story is far from unique. I know of several people for whom the Powerhouse Museum-- and ALL its stunning, permanent exhibits-- is a place of fond memory and deep-seated, heartfelt importance. I myself have been to the Powerhouse several times over, and yet I discover something new every time. I remember sitting in the King's Theatre for the first time; I remember different exhibits and seeing Kurt Cobain's guitar; I remember the thrill that runs up and down my spine whenever I see and hear that great steam engine moving, big, beautiful, preserved history standing proud and polished. It fills me with awe just to think about. The locomotive that greets you as you enter, a sense of brilliance I'm still unable to shake. How can you stare history in the face, stare at pieces of the moon trapped in glass and spacecrafts and parts of engines that have explored beyond Earth, at steam-powered beauties you can interact with and almost hear children of days past laughing on, at the rare pieces of iconic art and sculptures that have defined the modern era, at the old locomotives that once held so many thousands of people, the seats they sat on once upon a time and the doors they touched with their hands-- how can you see all the love and care and dedication taken to preserve them, keep them, protect them as they were in their heyday, and say, with confidence, "it needs to be destroyed"? Is it really what the Australian people, whom you are sworn to represent, want? So much that has been curated, documented, preserved and protected, and you see fit to dismantle and remove it and scatter it.
Sydney has enough event spaces. The Powerhouse itself already has an extensive event space. The Powerhouse Museum is so much more than a museum. It's a landmark, a haven, an utterly, utterly beautifully-designed building with a gorgeous layout, it is a place of education and learning, a place of stunning adoration.
Museum experts-- people who spend their lives entrenched in every aspect of museum practicality-- are firm and clear on the fact that the necessary maintenance and repairs on the Powerhouse can be performed WITHOUT closing it.
This is not "revitalisation"! This is destruction and demolition of both Australian and world history. If this project proceeds, you will see boycotts and protests, and nobody will enter the new museum. People will go expecting to see the things they know and love, or have heard of before and yearn to see, and be met with a complete bastardisation of it all.
I implore you, do not proceed.

The proposed renovation and removal of exhibitions goes against the spirit of the existing museum and what it was set up to do.

The proposal was ill conceived when originally conceived for the sell off of the Ultimo site to developers for apartments.
The attempted dispersement to smaller museums around NSW of the collection is cultural vandalism
The dispersement of shelving and cabinets to rural museums appears to be premature or a further indication that these materials won't be required because of the dramatic reduction in floor space for permanent displays at Ultimo for for block buster exhibitions such as the 1001 Remarkable Objects exhibition - which is what the public and tourists want.
Reinstate staff levels of qualified staff in museum curatorial qualifications
Improve the internship of cross training for staff
State heritage list the whole of the Ultimo site
Why is the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo being given over to a Motel for students from interstate - what skill base does the MAAS have in regards to running motel's and why take up valuable space on the Ultimo site when there are so many hotels / motels in the area.
Why was the last engagement program I attended so heavy controlled and manipulated by the government convenor and the CEO of MAAS? Why have I had no further feedback from my suggestion at that meeting?
Why did the CEO at that meeting fail to give a clear indication that the same floor space if not more would be available for permanent and rolling exhibitions. Why was the CEO vague on details in regards to the reinstallation of the hall of industry and transport?
If this is such a great idea why has there been such an outcry from other institutions and the general public?

I object to the proposed Powerhouse Ultimo Revitalisation project as it is a travesty, that will destroy what was a world-class museum,
that formed a significant part of Sydney's rich cultural heritage, from 1879. The project will reduce this building to a mere sham of its former glorious self, with reduced exhibition space, no visible diverse collections on exhibition and a waste of taxpayer's money to the tune of $350 million dollars. The Labour Party needs to honour its promise to save the Powerhouse Museum.

I am writing to OPPOSE proposed renewal works at the Power House Museum (PHM) in Ultimo, as per: POWERHOUSE ULTIMO REVITALISATION STATE SIGNIFICANT PROJECT APPLICATION SSD-67588459.

Myself and thousands of other people - including experts - have signed petitions and spoken out against potential significant changes to our museum. Any changes, or 'improvements' should put the museum's purpose, heritage, exhibits and legacy, as well as the public interest, first. Our concerns point out that we fear these proposed changes will not 'improve' our museum, but rather destroy its very fabric instead. Our heritage and culture deserve much more respect than this.

The arts minister has said the NSW government would consider all submissions and "ensure the community's voice was actively incorporated into the future of the Powerhouse Museum." Well, we have spoken, however, by what has been proposed, it seems we may have been ignored - again.

It was the Labor Government led by Neville Wran who devised the idea of a purpose-built institution on the site of the former Ultimo power station. The museum and its contents belong to the people of NSW, and it is these 'owners' who should decide on its future. Our concerns must not be dismissed!

A quote from Neville Wran appears on the PHM website: ‘Everyone knows we have one of the greatest collections in the world in relation to science and technology, most of which has never been seen by the public. This had been because we've had nowhere to display it, which is a tragedy. The new museum will solve a space problem which has plagued the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences for almost a century."

The PHM has been described as a national treasure. Generations have been fascinated and educated by its very extensive collection of exhibits, all of which are located and displayed in one, central and convenient, magnificent and historical CBD location. I can't think of a more fitting and important location or environment for a museum which celebrates transport, power, culture, science and technology, than in a former transportation powerhouse building boasting strong and direct ties to our heritage!

I fear the suggested changes to the PHM will result in a less functional museum than that which was originally designed. The plans show its exhibition space will be drastically reduced from what is currently available, which means that significantly less exhibits will be able to be displayed. It will become a mere shadow of its former self.

I am also concerned that the renewal works planned for the complex may compromise or even destroy any precious heritage characteristics of these buildings. Characteristics which give them their identity and record, or document their historical former functionality. Removal of such elements could also interfere with the buildings' capacity to display museum artefacts in an appropriate and deserving manner.

The changes will see the museum 'gutted' and downgraded from a purpose-designed, world-renowned historical museum, with a plethora of rooms, spaces, levels and vantage points to explore the many aspects of our culture and heritage, into a much smaller function or temporary event centre - with I believe, only THREE main exhibits! We have already seen the PHM's collection broken up and exhibits 'scattered' all over Sydney. That is not what the Powerhouse Museum was created for. These precious exhibits all belong together in the one location - at their home, in Ultimo.

The NSW Labor Party recently declared it was "concerned about the focus on event rather than museum spaces in the [former] Government’s plans [for the PHM]." The Party explained that this proposal "reflects the [former] Government’s obsession with commercialisation and privatisation." And yet, the latest plans for the museum presented by the current NSW Government, show that the museum's exhibition space will be greatly reduced and configured as three large halls - not suited to the display of the PHM's exhibits, but more suited to parties and functions - as have occurred shortly before the museum's closure and resulted in damage to exhibits.

Promises made before the last state election to "save" the museum should be honoured. The 'Wran legacy' must be protected in order to maintain the museum's integrity. The proposed changes will only reduce its operational capacity and undermine its purpose of being a purpose-built and culturally significant exhibition and educational facility. It must be remembered that it is a museum, and that this is exactly how it should be retained and operated.

This complex of buildings is important because it provides a tangible, priceless and irreplaceable connection with NSW's past. It is a special connection, one which exists because of the age, architecture and purpose of these buildings - and of course because they still exist today. Further, this connection is strengthened by the buildings' current use as a museum and the many exhibits displayed within.

There is no better way to fully appreciate and understand our past and our culture, than to be able to experience it in person and in its original context. A real-world encounter, such as with this complex and its exhibits, offers a three-dimensional, multisensory experience which allows it all to come to life.

This is possible because an observer is able to see and feel an object or building's shape/form and texture, appreciate its scale, understand how and why it functioned as well as its relationship with its surroundings and perhaps, in some instances, maybe even hear and smell it too - further immersing themselves in its presence. They are able to essentially transport themselves back in time to a bygone era and literally walk in the footsteps of those before them.

The magnificent grand entry off Harris Street, via the courtyard and the Wran building, should be retained and celebrated. It should not be closed off, re-purposed and hidden behind new structures, as is proposed. This building is an award-winning example of Australian architecture, which received the highest accolade for architecture in NSW. It should continue to take pride of place and be clearly visible, in all its grandeur, as the main entrance to an equally grand museum.

I am also concerned the changes are designed to facilitate the removal of the Harwood building from the museum's operations (perhaps for the purpose of selling it, as has been rumoured in the past). This heritage building, with strong historical transportation ties, provides a large and very convenient storage space for the museum's vast collection. It does not make sense to not continue to utilise this building for storage.

I believe that building a school boarding house in the PHM is an unnecessary expense, considering that there are many reputable accommodation providers in the vicinity which have been suitable for student accommodation in the past.

Finally the whole PHM site should be state heritage listed because, as demonstrated, it is a significantly important facility. The community was outraged when our heritage was destroyed with the demolition of Willow Grove. Who destroys heritage to build a "museum"?! Please don't make this mistake again with the so-called "revitalisation" of the Powerhouse.

Considering that what remains of our precious heritage is being lost more and more each year, the connections to our past are at risk of being severed forever. It is very important for this group of buildings to be preserved, as-is, not only for the present, but for the benefit of future generations as well.

Therefore, I would like to reiterate, I OPPOSE the proposed renewal works at the Power House Museum in Ultimo. The people of NSW deserve a plan that will repair, maintain, respect and renew the museum and restore its precious and irreplaceable collection of exhibits.

Thank you,
Brad Hayne.

I strongly object to the proposed Powerhouse Ultimo Revitalisation because of the changes it will bring about at many levels of the institution.My family have been regular visitors to the Museum since it's inception. It is a singular institution that crosses artistic and scientific realms, making it a significant educational collection. The museum will be demolished and exhibitions and infrastructure broken down. It will no longer be the important institution it has long been. I am an artist whose works are in the collection and it has had an important influence on my career. The present 25 exhibition spaces will collapse into three designated areas constituting a 75% drop in exhibiting spaces. The new spaces will focus on events and venue hire: NOT significant cultural collections. The Powerhouse Museum is also a significant educational organisation. These capabilities will also shrink by 50%. All of the collections will be housed off site.None of this makes any sense.