Premier Gladys Berejiklian has left open the possibility of two Powerhouse museums – one for the city and one for the west – as controversy over the institution's move to Parramatta gathers pace.
Appearing on ABC radio on Tuesday, Ms Berejiklian reaffirmed the NSW government's commitment to "a Powerhouse museum" in Parramatta, but said all options were on the table as the government considered the business case for the move.
More NSW News Videos
- Video duration
- 02:02
Will you visit the Powerhouse in ...
Will you visit the Powerhouse in Parramatta?
For some visitors to Sydney's Powerhouse Museum, its relocation to Parramatta will make the trip easier; others say they will cancel their memberships.
Up Next
Plane lands without its propeller
- Video duration
- 00:24
- Video duration
- 00:24
Plane lands without its propeller
Plane lands without its propeller
A REX pilot makes a calm call to flight control after losing a propeller mid flight between Albury and Sydney. (Vision courtesy: ABC New)
Up Next
Plane propeller shears off mid-flight
- Video duration
- 00:23
- Video duration
- 00:23
Plane propeller shears off mid-flight
Plane propeller shears off mid-flight
Passengers on a Regional Express aircraft endured a nightmare flight after one of its propellers sheared off in mid-flight, forcing it to make an emergency landing at Sydney Airport.Vision: Channel Seven
Up Next
Trailer: Tender
- Video duration
- 02:00
- Video duration
- 02:00
Trailer: Tender
Trailer: Tender
Set against the stunning backdrop of the industrial seaside town of Port Kembla, a feisty and resilient community group have determined to take back the responsibility that most of us leave to someone else - to care for their own dead. Trailer courtesy Scarlett Pictures at http://www.tenderdocumentary.com.au
Up Next
Brewing a career in food science
- Video duration
- 01:44
- Video duration
- 01:44
Brewing a career in food science
Brewing a career in food science
Rhys Raymond-Jones developed his own beer recipe during an internship with craft beer brewery Rocks Brewing Co.
Up Next
SES prepares for more floods
- Video duration
- 01:04
- Video duration
- 01:04
SES prepares for more floods
SES prepares for more floods
NSW SES Commissioner Mark Smethurst warns residents of the mid north coast towards the Queensland border to prepare for the potential of heavy rains and flash flooding, as up to 100mm of rain is expected to fall on Saturday and Sunday. Vision courtesy ABC News 24
Up Next
Missing bodyboarder still not found
- Video duration
- 01:20
- Video duration
- 01:20
Missing bodyboarder still not found
Missing bodyboarder still not found
Rescuers searched through the night for 11-year-old Ryan Teasdale, believed to be swept away in flood waters while riding a bodyboard in Wollongong on Thursday.
Up Next
Police search for Ryan Teasdale
- Video duration
- 00:58
- Video duration
- 00:58
Police search for Ryan Teasdale
Police search for Ryan Teasdale
Teams continue to look for 11-year-old Ryan Teasdale, who is feared swept away in floodwaters in the Wollongong suburb of Unanderra. Vision courtesy ABC News 24
Will you visit the Powerhouse in Parramatta?
For some visitors to Sydney's Powerhouse Museum, its relocation to Parramatta will make the trip easier; others say they will cancel their memberships.
"I don't know if I've said this publicly but I'm looking at the costings to see how we can deliver this in the best way and to see what opportunities exist," Ms Berejiklian said.
Asked if this meant the government might build a second Powerhouse museum, Ms Berejiklian said: "I'm just saying we're looking at opportunities but I want to say straight away that western Sydney is going to get a cultural institution, a Powerhouse museum, but I'm looking at all the options."
The government announced in 2014 that the Powerhouse museum would move from Ultimo to Parramatta, following several years of declining crowds and a major redundancy program, but opponents have claimed it would be better to invest in the current heritage site and move some of the collections to a satellite in the west.
A proposed site has been found on the banks of the Parramatta River and western Sydney leaders want it to be housed in an iconic building that would draw visitors from around the state.
The plan is now the subject of a parliamentary inquiry, which is investigating plans to sell off the Ultimo site of the Powerhouse as part of a broader examination of museums and galleries.
Former Powerhouse director Lindsay Sharpe has put the cost of the relocation as high as $2 billion, which would be 10 times the estimated sale price of the current site.
This figure was ridiculed by Parramatta Council's interim general manager Greg Dyer in a speech to the Property Council last week, who claimed that opponents of the move were peddling misinformation.
"Melbourne built a new museum – and relocated 16 million artefacts and specimens from its CBD – for less than $450 million in today's terms," Mr Dyer said.
"So for $2 billion you could build three museums and still have plenty of change."
But Ms Berejiklian said the government was not doing it for financial reasons.
"Western Sydney is the fastest growing part of Sydney and it's appropriate for them to have a cultural institution," she said.
Some observers believe the government is backing away from moving the Powerhouse in its entirety, raising fears in western Sydney, which is relying on the museum to lift its cultural profile.
Parramatta Council released a cultural plan on Sunday that described the relocation of the Powerhouse as "a catalyst for increased opportunities and enhanced arts and culture".
Western Sydney Business Chamber director David Borger said it would be a challenge for the government to run two operational budgets, especially given the Ultimo site needed significant rehabilitation.
Parramatta had been named in the State Infrastructure Strategy as the second cultural precinct of NSW, Mr Borger said. "The linchpin to that is the Powerhouse."
Arts Minister Don Harwin was asked in the upper house in February whether the government was considering a backflip on the decision.
He replied: "Once the final business case has been received it will be looked at by me and considered by cabinet and a final decision will be made."