Delta Group wins museum demolition deal

The state government has appointed demolition firm Delta Group to take down the Western Australian Museum's Francis Street building.

The multi-story 1970s building has been closed since 2003 due to asbestos contamination and other occupational health and safety hazards, Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said.

Mr Day said in 2009 $8 million was allocated over three years to the Department of Culture and the Arts for the building's demolition.

"The Francis Street building - which does not contain any of the museum's public exhibits - will be demolished floor by floor inside a dust-proof canopy as a protective measure for the public and museum staff," Mr Day said.

"Internal demolition works are due to begin in March, while the external demolition work is scheduled to begin mid-year and be completed in time for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October.

"During the demolition, the museum will operate as usual and, once it is complete, the area will be landscaped to blend with the creative work being carried out in the Cultural Centre precinct by the East Perth Redevelopment Authority as an interim measure prior to the development of a new museum facility."

Mr Day said Delta Group was chosen over a shortlist of three other demolition firms because of its industry skills and experience.