Revealed: the ‘buried’ Powerhouse museum report that could have stopped $500m redevelopment

A prominent heritage architect alleges the NSW government terminated his contract and hired another company after he advised that the Ultimo museum should be heritage listed

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A heritage architect hired by the previous New South Wales government to consult on major redevelopments at Sydney’s Powerhouse museum is alleging that his research was buried. He alleges this was because it would have scuppered controversial plans to demolish much of the beloved Sydney institution.

Alan Croker, who has previously consulted on architectural landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, told Guardian Australia his company, Design 5, drafted a conservation management plan (CMP)for the heritage significance of the Ultimo site in October 2021.