Sydney Powerhouse ‘a half-empty neglected mess’ amid redevelopment, museum staff claim

Powerhouse staff say they believe the museum’s focus has shifted to commercially driven arts events over the last five years. Photograph: William Robinson/Alamy

Staff and former board members at Sydney’s Powerhouse allege the museum’s collections have been neglected and put at risk of damage, as Australia’s flagship science and technology museum undergoes a controversial $500m conversion into a commercially driven creative arts and events space.

Guardian Australia has spoken to multiple members of staff who have have shared their concerns that the upkeep on the historic buildings in Ultimo appears to have been neglected and the quality of programming downgraded in order to smooth the way for its conversion into what the previous New South Wales government touted as a “creative industries precinct”.