The $55 million redevelopment of Perth Cultural Centre has started, with upgrades expected to improve safety and modernise the underutilised space.
Premier Roger Cook announced today that construction has commenced on the area in Northbridge, with EMCO Building to undertake works that include improved lighting and safety bollards, installation of a new large screen to live broadcast events, new hospitality venues and nature landscaping.
The redevelopment would also convert an empty area near The Art Gallery of Western Australia into a fit-for-purpose space for festivals and community events.
Perth Cultural Centre is managed by the Arts and Culture Trust and is comprised of AGWA, WA Museum Boola Bardip, State Library of Western Australia, State Theatre Centre of WA, The Blue Room Theatre, and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.
All arts and cultural organisations located in the precinct would remain open and accessible to public during the redevelopment.
The state and federal governments committed $55 million towards the Perth Cultural Centre revitalisation, with $45 million coming from the WA government and $10 million from its federal counterpart as part of the $1.5 billion Perth City Deal.
Premier Roger Cook said the redevelopment project would redefine the central area connecting key cultural institutions and improve the way visitors engage with the space.
“The Perth Cultural Centre redevelopment is more than a facelift - it will make better use of the space joining our city's iconic cultural institutions, creating a more welcoming and shaded area with expanded hospitality offerings and a large screen for people to watch live events,” Mr Cook said.
“This project is an important part of the bigger picture emerging for arts and culture in our State, with works underway on the new Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and Perth Film Studios, Perth Concert Hall upgrades about to commence, and early planning being done for an expansion of the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
“My Government is driving the revitalisation of our city and investing hundreds of millions of dollars to create jobs, boost economic activity and bring vibrancy and character to the Perth CBD.”
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said the renovation was vital to enhance the visitor experience of Perth Cultural Centre.
“We've got to make sure to deliver to the importance of this project, that is, marrying up … the cultural institutions that exist here, creating the ambience and that the safety [of] people who are moving through the precinct and indeed coming to our institutions is of top priority,” Mr Templeman said.
“These significant improvements will further activate the Perth Cultural Centre, creating a more welcoming precinct for families, tourists and lovers of arts and culture.
“Improved safety has been a key consideration with enhancements including lighting, safety bollards and improved accessible pathways.”
The announcement comes one month after the state government launched its 10-year strategic plan for WA’s arts and culture sector.
Backed by a $54 million funding package, Creative WA: 10 Year Vision is expected to strengthen and support the sector, which already contributes $3.3 billion to the state’s economy per year and employs more than 51,000 people.
