Two architecture firms have been chosen to lead the $52.4 million redevelopment of the Perth Concert Hall.
Two architectural firms have been chosen to lead the $52.4 million redevelopment of Perth Concert Hall as part of the Perth City Deal.
Perth-based With_Architecture Studio and international architecture group OMA will be spearheading the refurbishment of the building, which will be the new home for the WA Symphony Orchestra.
The hall revamp will be one feature of the plan to activate a future cultural hub connecting the city and Swan River, contributing to Perth arts and tourism sectors in recovery from COVID-19.
Architecture firm OMA was half of the international consortium with Hassell behind the new $400 million WA Museum Boola Bardip, which opened in November 2020.
With_Architecture Studio had been involved in large-scale projects including the Hayman Theatre upgrade at Curtin University and the proposed Edith Cowan University City campus.
Founding partner Geoff Warn said With was looking to have a design for the concert hall prepared by June.
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said the popular performance venue was in need of an extensive upgrade after nearly 50 years.
Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the redevelopment would play a major role in Perth's development as a liveable and prosperous capital city.
“This exciting redevelopment is a key initiative in the Perth City Deal to unlock economic benefits and opportunities for the City of Perth and supports the development of culture and arts in the City," he said.
The project is jointly funded with $12 million provided by the federal government, $36.4 million from the state government and $4 million from City of Perth.
Perth Concert Hall, an example of late 20th-century architecture, opened in 1973.
The redevelopment, which aims to restore the building's architectural integrity while enhancing its acoustics and surrounding courtyards, will be completed by late 2024.