FIVE architectural consortia have been short-listed to design Western Australia’s $42 million performing arts venue from 137 international and Australian registrations received.
The 600-seat theatre, to be located on the corner of William and Roe streets, is expected to be complete by the end of 2008.
A jury chaired by government architect Professor Geoffrey London selected the five firms invited to proceed to stage two of the competition.
The firms were: PTW Architects (Sydney) in association with Jones Coulter Young (Perth); Johnson Pilton Walker (Sydney) in association with Utzon Associates Architects (Denmark); Kerry Hill Architects (Singapore and Fremantle); KPF (London) in association with Theatre Projects Consultants International and Hoffman and Brown Architects of Cottesloe and Crawford Rattigan Assocates of Nedlands; and John Wardle and Partners (Melbourne).
Minister for Culture and the Arts Sheila McHale said architects outside WA were encouraged to enter the competition in collaboration with a local architect or firm, forming a partnership, joint venture or consortium with architects licensed to practice in Perth.
The jury will meet again in November where the winning design will be announced and the top 40 submissions exhibited.
Professor London said Australian architects or firms comprised almost half of all registrations received.
The new performing arts venue will be the first of its type to be built in the city for more than 30 years.
The site of the theatre was chosen from seven possible sites, with the City of Perth voicing its concern last year about the location of the theatre, lobbying for it to be near the concert hall.
Lord Mayor Dr Peter Natrass said the city’s vision was to create an iconic performing arts precinct extending from the Perth Concert Hall to the river foreshore that would include all the performing arts, and that the Government was missing a great planning opportunity.
