Museums of History (NSW)
In December 2022, Sydney Living Museums (SLM) became Museums of History NSW (MHNSW), the first cultural institution in the state with history as its core mandate, following the passage of the Museums of History NSW Act 2022. MHNSW was formed by the coming together of the vast and highly significant collection held by the NSW State Archives and the 12 museums and associated collections overseen by SLM.
Making History:
The City Museum Project
Direct Client: Museums of History NSW
Services Primary : Business Case
Sector: Arts & Culture
Background
The NSW History Museum project included the renewal and development of the Registrar General’s Building to become a new world-class museum focussing on the history of NSW. The project is critical for the realisation of the recently released Macquarie Street East Precinct Master Plan. The Registrar General’s Building is a State Heritage Listed asset, in the most intact former British-colonial civic precinct in the world.
Aalto’s Role
Aalto worked alongside Savills (nominated project managers) and a range of design and community engagement specialists in the development of the business case. Aalto authored the draft and final business cases as well as providing input into options development. Aalto also led the appraisal of the options which included socio-economic, financial, non-financial and budget assessments.
Outcomes and Insights
The business case analysis identified, described and measured the range of enduring benefits that could be produced by the development of the museum under the recommended option. Measured against the expected capital development and operating costs, a strong case for further investment was made, which was presented to government.
The Project remains under government consideration.