Powerhouse Parramatta faces proposed cuts to night opening hours

Proposed budget cuts at the $1 billion Powerhouse Parramatta museum are threatening to reduce its planned night opening hours. The NSW Treasury is seeking cost savings to address a $50 million shortfall in the museum’s $145 million operating budget.

Under the proposed changes, the museum would likely close exhibitions most nights, remaining open late for shows only once a week rather than the originally planned seven days a week from 9am to 9pm. This reduction deviates from the business case championed by former chief executive Lisa Havilah, which aimed to drive Western Sydney’s nightlife and reach a target of 2 million annual visitors.

Local business advocates, including Adam Leto of the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, have expressed concern that limited hours will undermine the precinct's ability to fuel the local night economy. The decision comes as the museum prepares for its upcoming ribbon-cutting and ahead of the March state election.