Crothers wins $18m zoo projects

The state government has appointed West Australian construction company Crothers Construction to build the first projects from the Perth Zoo masterplan.

Works on the Perth Zoo café and function centre, valued at $18 million, are expected to start in the coming weeks.

The cafe is proposed to be in the heart of the zoo and will offer alfresco dining and other visitor amenities.

The function centre is to be built on the western boundary of the zoo with a separate entrance off Labouchere Road for events, corporate functions, seminars and weddings.

The proposed works are the first projects arising from the Perth Zoo masterplan, which will cost about $234 million over 20 years to manifest with $120 million in the first decade.

The state government invested $43.5 million towards the masterplan, including $13.5 million towards the cafe and function centre projects which are anticipated to create 380 jobs locally.

Works will include demolition of existing site structures, bulk earthworks and services, construction, fit out and landscaping works.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said the zoo was on a redevelopment journey.

“It is very fitting that a local company, which has been proudly building in Western Australia for many decades, will build the café and function centre,” he said.

Crothers Construction is the Mid-West region's biggest construction company with a head office in Geraldton and a Perth office in Applecross.