Govt go-ahead for MCA expansion

The Museum of Contemporary Art’s (MCA) long-awaited makeover is one step closer to realisation following the NSW Government’s approval of its $50 million redevelopment.
The upgrade will include a modern building extension, popularly dubbed the Rubik’s Cube, and a major refurbishment of the existing sandstone structure.
MCA Director Elizabeth Ann McGregor said the announcement was a huge relief after waiting more than seven months for the Government’s decision.
“I think getting the DA is a big milestone, because there’s been so many attempts at this and everybody knows how complicated this site is,” she said.
With $27.5 million raised, the MCA has just over half of the funds needed for the project. But McGregor said she is confident the development approval with ignite enthusiasm from investors.
“I think now that we’ve got a scheme that we can build it’s going to give renewed impetus to our fundraising campaign.”
The extension will house the MCA’s National Centre for Creative Learning, an initiative conceived to cope with the educational demands the museum has received in recent years.
“27,000 school children came to the museum last year, and we know that if we actually make these programs available through new technology they’ll reach many, many more,” said McGregor.
The new facility will include a digital classroom, multimedia room, library resource room, and a lecture theatre, as well as facilities for children with special needs.
Apart from minor upgrades, this will be the first redevelopment the museum has undergone since it opened in 1991.
A green ban in 2001 halted initial plans to demolish the former Maritime Services building, valued as a prime piece of Art Deco architecture. Planners have since been mindful to retain the building’s heritage façade.
“We established certain principles from the outset. One was respect for the existing building. What we’ve tried to do was recognisably modern in terms of the extension but still allows the old building to really be preeminent,” said McGregor.
Considering the building’s history, McGregor said she was surprised at the lack of controversy surrounding the redevelopment, which will increase the size of the MCA by 40 per cent.
However one thing she was sure of: “I am absolutely convinced that this will come to be regarded as one of the most well-loved modern buildings in Sydney.”