Construction of the $42 million performing arts centre on the corner of Roe and William Streets has commenced today, with Arts Minister Sheila McHale confirming the Black Swan Theatre Company would be resident there.
The centre's location had previously been opposed by the City of Perth, which had stated the Northbridge site only further fragmented Perth's performing arts venues.
The centre, which is due to replace the Playhouse Theatre, is due to open by late 2008.
The full text of an announcement from the Minister's office is pasted below
Construction has started on the site of Perth's new state-of-the-art performing arts venue in Northbridge.
Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale today officially welcomed those involved in the venue's conception and development to an event to celebrate the start of works.
"It is very exciting to see that the vision of this new venue is quickly becoming a reality,"
Ms McHale said.
"Western Australians will soon have a purpose-built, contemporary theatre which is first-class in every sense.
"So far, there has been an outstanding contribution by more than 70 specialists who have been involved in the building's design.
"While design development has been a major focus of the past 12 months, there has also been a lot of energy directed into the vision and management of the venue."
The new performing arts venue will be built on the corner of Roe and William Streets in Northbridge and be open by late 2008.
It will stage theatre and dance performances and will include a 575-seat main theatre, 200-seat studio theatre and associated rehearsal and production spaces.
The Minister said she was pleased to confirm that Black Swan Theatre Company would become the resident company and Perth Theatre Company would be given associate status.
"The Black Swan Theatre company is developing into the flagship theatre company for WA," she said.
"We will see great synergy between the leading company and this exciting new venue in Perth.
"The venue will also give other companies, groups and independent performing artists the chance to present contemporary works in the new theatre and the new studio."
The venue will be managed by the Perth Theatre Trust, as are other Government-run performing arts venues.
